Returning to recruitment after a decade – Key questions to anticipate
As I prepare for interviews in the next few days, I reflect on my past experience of securing every job I’ve interviewed for. However, after such a long break, this process feels a bit unusual.
For those hiring new recruiters, what are some straightforward questions I should be ready for? Additionally, what unexpected or unconventional questions might come my way?
RCadmin
Welcome back to the recruitment world! It’s completely normal to feel a bit apprehensive after a long break, but being prepared can help boost your confidence. Here are some questions you can expect, both straightforward and those that might catch you off guard:
Direct Questions:
They want to understand your reasons for coming back and what you hope to bring to the role.
How has the recruitment landscape changed since you last worked in the field?
This tests your awareness of industry trends and developments, including technology and candidate experience.
What strategies do you find most effective for sourcing candidates today?
Expect to discuss various sourcing channels, including social media, job boards, and networking.
How do you assess a candidate’s cultural fit within an organization?
This question addresses your understanding of company culture and the importance of alignment.
Can you share an example of a successful placement you made? What made it successful?
Curveball Questions:
This tests your empathy and ability to see things from the candidate’s perspective.
How do you handle a situation where a hiring manager has unrealistic expectations for a candidate?
This gauges your negotiation skills and ability to manage stakeholder relationships.
What do you think is the biggest mistake recruiters make?
Here, they are assessing your critical thinking and awareness of common pitfalls in the recruitment process.
If you had to choose one book or resource that has influenced your recruitment approach, what would it be and why?
This reveals your commitment to growth and learning in the field.
Tell us about a time you failed in recruitment. What did you learn from it?
Non-Curveball Questions:
What tools and technologies are you familiar with in the recruitment process?
How would you prioritize multiple open positions?
What is your experience with diversity and inclusion initiatives in recruitment?
How do you stay updated on best practices in recruitment?
What is your approach to building and maintaining talent pipelines?
Prepare your answers with specific examples from your experience, and don’t hesitate to discuss what you’ve observed about the industry during your time away. Best of luck with your interviews! You’ve got this!