21 questions to ask a recruiter during an interview

One of the best ways to prepare for an initial job interview is to compile questions to ask a recruiter. Company recruiters often conduct first-round interviews as part of the screening and recruitment process. These recruiters are usually part of the talent team or human resources department. Their interviews are designed to make sure you meet the minimum job requirements before you are passed along to a hiring manager.

Without considering the questions you have for the recruiter in advance, you may appear underprepared or uninterested. The same is true if you don’t have your personal elevator pitch nailed down. 

Coming to the conversation with a thoughtful list of questions like the ones below can show the recruiter you’ve researched the company and have a genuine interest in joining the team.

The difference between a recruiter phone screen and an interview

The terms “phone screen” and “interview” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they can have different contexts. A phone screen interview is often the first step in the interview process. You may speak with a recruiter who asks you general questions like the following:

• What’s your availability like?
• How many years of experience do you have?
• Can you give me a brief, high-level overview of your experience?
• Why are you leaving your current job?
• What interested you in working for this company?
• What’s your preferred workplace environment?
• Do you have experience with the skills and tech listed in the job description?

Phone screens are often brief and are designed to ensure you meet the minimum requirements for the role. In contrast, interviews are more in-depth conversations that dive into your resume skills, professional experience, and career goals. True interviews are typically conducted by the hiring manager vs. a recruiter.

21 important questions to ask a recruiter during a phone screen

Most recruiters will ask if you have any questions to ask at the end of an interview or phone screen. This is your chance to show your enthusiasm and interest in the role. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about your potential future employer.

You don’t have to wait until the end of the interview to ask your questions. It’s good practice to engage with curiosity throughout the entire conversation. This can help give the recruiter a sense of who you are as a person.

The best way to approach this conversation is to ask unique questions that can’t be answered with a quick internet search. This shows you want to dig deeper and are taking the decision seriously.

Here are 21 good questions to ask a recruiter in a phone screen to help get you started.

1. Is this a new role?

It’s always a good idea to determine whether it’s a vacated role or a new position due to company growth. If someone was previously in the role, you can follow up with questions about how long they held the position to see if employee turnover might be an issue. 

Quick turnover can indicate that the role is too demanding for one person to manage or that the company has a toxic work environment. You can also ask whether the company has had any recent layoffs that have affected the role.

2. What is the hiring process for this position?

Asking this question helps you know the steps involved in the hiring process if you make it to the next round. Some positions may require a test assignment, panel interviews, or a day spent on-site with the team. It can help to know what to expect and how long the process may take, especially if you’re interviewing for other roles.

3. How would you describe the culture of this organization?

Company culture is crucial to career happiness, a concept reinforced by Glassdoor’s 2023 examination of employee reviews in which workers ranked “culture and values” as the top factor driving employee satisfaction. You’ll want to consider the work atmosphere in addition to the job description and job benefits to ensure a good culture fit.

4. Can you tell me about the team I'll work with?

This question has two purposes. First, it provides you with knowledge about how your new team operates. Second, it can give you the names and personality traits of the hiring manager and other potential colleagues so you can research them before future interviews.

5. Who would I report to?

Asking this question can help give you a sense of the organizational structure and who will evaluate your performance. It can also help you understand where your role would fall within the team.

6. Is there a growth trajectory for this position?

If you’re interested in career advancement and growth, it’s important to know whether that’s a possibility with your potential employer. A position at one company may have a clear path toward career development, while a similar position with another organization may have few opportunities to take on more responsibilities. Consider this and how it aligns with your career goals when weighing your options.

7. How quickly are you looking to fill this position?

Some companies have expedited hiring timelines and can make an offer within two weeks. Others may take a month or more before extending an offer. Knowing when you’ll hear back can help calm your anxiety about whether you’re still in the running. 

8. What is the expected start date?

Depending on your situation, you may need a start date closer or farther away. For example, if you recently got laid off, you may need to start sooner to regain your income. If you’re working in a job that requests that you give notice, you may need to start later than the company is looking to hire. You may also want to take a week off in between jobs to recharge so you can hit the ground running. Asking this question can help ensure your timelines align.

9. What does your organization do to promote work-life balance?

Asking about the company’s philosophy on work-life balance can help you determine whether it’s a good fit. For example, if employees are expected to pick up the phone on weekends or regularly work late, it may be an environment that’s prone to causing job burnout.

10. What company values does the organization prioritize?

Asking this question can give you insight into the company’s core values, which can tell you a lot about the workplace’s organizational culture, leaders, and philosophies. The answer to this question can also help you determine whether the company aligns with your personal values. It may also be helpful to ask about the company’s DEI policy as a secondary question to understand the value they place on diversity in the workplace.

11. What is a competitive advantage your organization has over others in the industry?

Just as a company wants to know why they should choose you, you should feel excited knowing what’s different about choosing them. This question can help you find out whether the company’s methods are innovative or outdated and how the organization embraces change. It also gives you helpful information for answering future interview questions about why you want to work there.

12. How would you describe the management style of the company's leadership?

Even if you wouldn’t directly report to the company’s top leaders, their management styles can impact how your supervisor and the entire company operate. This can play a significant role in your work experience. Up to 82% of employees reported they would leave a job because of management problems.

13. Does your organization have any initiatives to support professional development?

If you want to grow your skill set, you may benefit from learning about how the company views professional development. Some companies may provide internal opportunities to advance your skills, while others may give you a stipend to attend conferences or workshops relevant to your role. It’s also possible a company has no efforts to promote development.

14. How is performance typically measured and reviewed within the organization?

All organizations measure performance and provide feedback differently. For example, you may undergo quarterly performance reviews or be evaluated per assignment. Knowing your performance expectations can set you up for success by giving you goals to aim for.

15. Does the company host any team-building activities?

An important part of any role is getting to know your coworkers. This can help build camaraderie and give you a greater sense of belonging. The answer to this question can also give you additional insight into the company’s culture. 

16. Has your company recently undergone any major changes?

If you’re looking to join a healthy work environment, it might be helpful to know the internal state of the company. For example, if the company recently underwent a leadership change or was acquired by a larger company, you might experience growing pains as a potential employee.

17. Is this a remote, hybrid, or in-office position?

Working from home or in a hybrid environment isn’t a possibility for every job. But if you apply for a role that mainly involves independent work via a computer, this might be a good question to ask a potential employer. This is especially true if you’d consider on-site work a deal-breaker.

18. What is the company's onboarding process?

Finding out whether the company has a formal onboarding process can give you insight into how organized the company is. It can also show how much they prioritize setting their employees up to succeed. 

If the company doesn’t have formal on-the-job training, you may find it difficult to hit the ground running or to know what’s expected of you.

19. How does the company handle employees' concerns?

Ask this question to get an understanding of how well the company values its employees and creating a positive work environment. If the company doesn’t have a system for voicing concerns or ignores those that are submitted, that could be a red flag for how the company is run.

20. What do you like about working for this company?

If your recruiter is internal to the organization you’re applying with, they can give an inside perspective into the company’s culture. Their response helps you learn more about the perks of working there and may reveal the recruiter’s passion for the company. If the recruiter hesitates or gives vague answers, that may be a red flag.

21. Is this an independent contractor role?

It’s important to know the exact type of employment to ensure it aligns with your career goals. If you’re looking for full-time employment with benefits, you’ll want to double-check that the position isn’t a full-time contract role.

7 questions a recruiter will definitely ask you

Since the initial interview is a two-way conversation, it’s important to also prepare for common questions a recruiter may ask you to see if you’re a good match for the open position. Some questions you should be prepared to answer include the following:

1. Can you tell me about yourself?
2. Are you actively interviewing with other companies?
3. What is your desired salary range?
4. Are you able to be in the office X days a week?
5. Can you walk me through your resume?
6. What about this role interests you?
7. When can you start?

How to prepare for a conversation with a recruiter

It’s important to prepare for phone screens with a recruiter just like any other interview, even if they seem straightforward. Here are a few interview tips that pertain to the skills recruiters look for when hiring:

• Research the company: Recruiters want to know you understand what the company does to gauge your interest. Some recruiters may ask, “What do you know about our organization?” Having answers that show knowledge of the company is a sign of a good interview. Make sure you look at the company’s website, case studies, or press page so you can answer this question if asked.
• Prepare questions: It’s important to come to the conversation with questions to ask a recruiter about a job. If you don’t have any questions, you might come off as uninterested or as someone who mass applies to a lot of roles. If you forget to ask certain questions, send a follow-up note by messaging the recruiter on LinkedIn. You can also save some of these questions to ask the hiring manager at the end of the interview. It’s also OK to ask the same questions of the hiring manager to get a second opinion.
• Practice your answers: Research common questions asked in phone screenings and consider how to answer them. Being prepared can help you feel more confident and show your communication skills during the call.
• Know your salary requirement: The recruiter may ask you about your desired salary, so it’s important to consider your minimum compensation limit before the call. If asked, try reflecting the question back onto the recruiter by asking what their salary range is for the position. This way, you don’t sell yourself short and can show the recruiter you’re flexible and self-aware. 

Grow your career by acing your recruiter interviews

Prepping the best questions to ask a recruiter during a phone interview is a great way to set yourself apart and make a good first impression. It can also help you determine early on whether a potential role matches your career path. 

If you still aren’t sure which questions to ask or you need help preparing for the interview process, consider participating in career coaching. Career coaches are specially trained to help you plan the next steps in your professional life and land your dream role.

Navigate your job search confidently by working with a BetterUp Career Coach to set yourself up for success.