What are the best questions to ask a staffing recruiter?

1 What types of jobs do you specialize in?

Different staffing agencies may focus on different industries, sectors, or roles, depending on their expertise, network, and client base. You want to work with a recruiter who has experience and connections in your field of interest, and who can offer you relevant and quality job openings. Ask them what types of jobs they typically fill, how often they get new assignments, and what their success rate is for placing candidates like you.

2 How do you screen and match candidates to jobs?

You also want to know how the staffing recruiter evaluates your skills, qualifications, and fit for the jobs they offer. Do they use any tests, assessments, or tools to measure your abilities and personality? How do they verify your references, credentials, and background? How do they match you to the job requirements, expectations, and culture of the employer? You want to work with a recruiter who has a thorough and transparent screening and matching process, and who can explain how they select and present candidates to their clients.

4 How do you handle compensation and benefits?

Another important question to ask a staffing recruiter is how they handle the financial and legal aspects of your employment. Depending on the type of job you're applying for, you may be hired as a temporary, contract, or permanent employee, and each option may have different implications for your pay, taxes, benefits, and rights. Ask the recruiter how they determine your compensation, how often and how they pay you, what benefits and perks they offer, and what contracts or agreements you need to sign. You want to work with a recruiter who pays fairly and competitively, and who complies with all the relevant laws and regulations.

5 How do you support and develop your candidates?

Finally, you want to ask the staffing recruiter how they support and develop your career growth and satisfaction. Do they offer any training, coaching, or mentoring programs to help you improve your skills and performance? Do they provide any feedback, recognition, or incentives to motivate and reward you? Do they check in with you regularly to see how you're doing and what you need? Do they help you transition to a new job or employer if needed? You want to work with a recruiter who cares about your long-term success and happiness, and who provides you with the resources and guidance you need.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?