Top Recruiter Interview Questions with Example Answers [2022]

Prepare for your Recruiter interview by going through these most asked Recruiter interview questions. Additionally, get access to sample answers and interviewer's expectations.

Interview Practice

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  • Question: What do you think is important in a good recruiter?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how well the candidate understands the role of a recruiter and how they can positively impact the role.

    Sample Answer: A good recruiter is one who is able to build relationships with candidates and hiring managers alike. I believe that a recruiter should be able to listen to a candidate’s needs, understand their motivations and help them find a position that fits their career goals. I also believe that a recruiter should be able to listen to a hiring manager’s needs, understand their motivations and help them find a candidate that fits their team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of role
    • - Desire to succeed
    • - How they can positively impact the role

  • Question: Where are you from originally?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine if the candidate is familiar with the area and if they have a network of contacts in the area.

    Sample Answer: I was born and raised in the Midwest. I’ve lived in the same city my entire life.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of area
    • - Familiarity with area
    • - Network of contacts in area

  • Question: Why are you interested in this position?
  • Question Overview: This question allows the recruiter to assess the candidate’s interest in the position and how well they understand the role.

    Sample Answer: I’m very interested in this position because I believe my experience as a recruiter will be a great asset to your company. I’ve been successful at building relationships with candidates and hiring managers, and I believe my ability to listen and communicate effectively will help me build a strong rapport with your team.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of the position
    • - Interest in the role
    • - How the candidate can contribute to the role

  • Question: What would you like to do in your career?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate’s career goals align with the role.

    Sample Answer: I want to continue to grow as a recruiter, and I see myself in a director-level role within the next five years. I’d like to continue to develop my skills and expertise in the area of social media recruiting and lead a team of recruiters. I’d also like to help develop and implement new recruiting strategies that will help my company attract top talent.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Career goals
    • - How the candidate’s goals align with the role
    • - How the candidate’s goals align with the company’s goals

  • Question: How would you show that Google's cubicles promote efficiency?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how well a candidate can think on their feet and how they can use their knowledge to support a position.

    Sample Answer: Google’s cubicles promote efficiency by allowing employees to work independently. The open layout allows employees to easily communicate with each other and collaborate on projects. The ability to work independently also allows employees to work at their own pace and take breaks when needed.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of Google
    • - Ability to think on feet
    • - Ability to support position

  • Question: How do you find people when you are looking for a specific candidate?
  • Question Overview: This question determines how the candidate finds candidates and how they leverage their network to find the best talent.

    Sample Answer: I leverage my network to find candidates. I’ve always been a strong networker, and I’m proud to say that I have a large network of contacts. I also use social media outlets like LinkedIn to find candidates. I’ve found that posting job openings on LinkedIn is a great way to reach passive candidates who are not actively looking for a job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Networking skills
    • - Ability to find talent
    • - How they leverage their network

  • Question: How do you think your previous work experience relates to this position?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how well a candidate can identify how their previous experiences can be applied to the role.

    Sample Answer: My previous experience as a recruiter has provided me with the opportunity to work with a variety of candidates. I’ve learned that each candidate has different needs and wants, and I’ve gained the ability to adapt my approach to meet their individual needs. I’ve also learned that the best way to help a candidate is to listen and understand their needs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to reflect
    • - Consideration put into the decision
    • - How their past experiences can help

  • Question: How important is money to you?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate views compensation and their motivation to succeed.

    Sample Answer: Money is not my primary motivator. I’m driven by the desire to help others and to be successful in my career. I’m proud of my accomplishments and the value I bring to my company. I’m confident that my work ethic and passion for recruiting will help me achieve success.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - How the candidate views compensation
    • - How the candidate views success
    • - How the candidate views their career

  • Question: What are you looking for in a company?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine what motivates a candidate to accept a position and how their motivations can positively impact the role.

    Sample Answer: I’m looking for a company that is willing to invest in its employees. I want to work for a company that values its employees and provides opportunities for growth. I want to work for a company that is willing to invest in its employees. I want to work for a company that values its employees and provides opportunities for growth.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Desire to succeed
    • - Desire to help others
    • - Desire to grow

  • Question: How many positions have you handled at most?
  • Question Overview: This question determines how well a candidate can handle multiple tasks and responsibilities.

    Sample Answer: I’ve handled as many as 20 positions at one time. I’ve learned to prioritize my time and tasks to ensure that I’m meeting the needs of all candidates. I make sure that I’m able to respond to all candidates in a timely manner, even if it means taking a break from other tasks or delegating responsibilities.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to multitask
    • - Prioritization
    • - Time management

  • Question: How would you find duplicate words in a given text?
  • Question Overview: This question determines how well the candidate can apply their knowledge to a real-world problem.

    Sample Answer: I would use a regular expression to find duplicate words in a given text. I would first define a pattern for the duplicate words, and then I would use a regular expression to find all instances of the pattern in the text.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Knowledge of programming languages
    • - Problem solving skills
    • - Ability to apply knowledge

  • Question: If you had no financial constraints, what would your job be?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine the candidate’s true passion.

    Sample Answer: I would love to be a professional musician. I have been playing guitar since I was a teenager and have been in several bands over the years. I’ve also been fortunate enough to perform at some of the most prestigious venues in the country. I’m not sure if I would be able to make a living as a musician, but it would be my dream job.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Passion for the job
    • - Desire to succeed

  • Question: What do you want to tell me about yourself?
  • Question Overview: This question is a great way to learn more about the candidate and their personality.

    Sample Answer: I’m a big fan of the outdoors. I love to hike and camp with my family. I’m also a big fan of the Chicago Cubs.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personality
    • - Values
    • - Interests

  • Question: What do your parents do for a living?
  • Question Overview: This question is designed to determine how well a candidate can relate to others and how they communicate.

    Sample Answer: My parents are both teachers. I’ve always admired their dedication to their craft and the impact they have on students. I’ve learned from them that teaching is about more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about inspiring others to learn and grow.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Communication skills
    • - Respect for others
    • - Abili

  • Question: Who do you look up to?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine the candidate’s role models and mentors.

    Sample Answer: I look up to my father. He has always been a positive role model for me. He is a hard worker who has always been honest and respectful. He has always encouraged me to be the best I can be and to never settle for less than my best.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Role models
    • - Mentors
    • - People the candidate looks up to

  • Question: What are your metrics?
  • Question Overview: This question determines how well the candidate can identify and measure their own success.

    Sample Answer: I measure my success as a recruiter by the number of candidates I place in jobs that are a good fit. I also measure my success by the number of candidates who recommend me to their friends and colleagues.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Understanding of metrics
    • - How the candidate has previously used results to improve

  • Question: What is the last time you were in a competitive arena and how did you respond?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how a candidate responds to a competitive situation.

    Sample Answer: I recently competed for a position with Company XYZ. I was confident in my qualifications and experience, but I was also aware that the hiring manager had a short list of candidates. I knew that I needed to be prepared to respond to any questions or concerns the hiring manager had. I was able to effectively address any concerns and questions and was offered the position.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to respond
    • - Ability to maintain composure
    • - How the candidate’s response can positively impact the role

  • Question: How do you manage stress?
  • Question Overview: Managing stress is a key component to a recruiter’s success. This question helps determine how a candidate manages stress and how they can positively impact the department.

    Sample Answer: I’m fortunate to have a very supportive family and group of friends. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take time to reflect on what’s most important to me and what I can do to improve. I also take time to exercise and spend time outdoors.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to manage stress
    • - How the candidate manages stress
    • - How the candidate can positively impact the department

  • Question: What can you bring to the table?
  • Question Overview: This question helps determine how well the candidate can articulate their value to the organization.

    Sample Answer: I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table. I’ve been a recruiter for 10 years and have worked with hundreds of candidates. I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t work in the recruiting process. I’ve also learned how to effectively communicate with candidates, hiring managers and other key stakeholders in the hiring process.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Ability to articulate
    • - How the candidate can help
    • - How the candidate will add value

  • Question: What do you like to do in your spare time?
  • Question Overview: This question gives you insight into the candidate’s interests outside of work.

    Sample Answer: In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, exercising and reading. I’m an avid reader and enjoy learning about new cultures and places. I’m a big fan of the New York Times Best Sellers list and often read books that are on the list.

      What the interviewer is looking for:
    • - Personality
    • - Values
    • - Interests