If you’ve never worked directly with a recruiter or staffing agency before, you should be aware that the interview process differs from that of a potential employer. Many candidates feel obligated to deliver short answers in a traditional job interview or to “follow the playbook,” as it were. They give scripted comments such as “My greatest weakness is that I care too much,” or “I’m a hard worker,” because they don’t want to lose their job.

While professionalism is always essential, working with a recruiting agency or recruiter alters the game slightly. The standard staffing agency interview questions you’ll be asked are designed to help the recruiter truly get to know you as a person and find you a position you’ll enjoy. This type of setting fosters honesty and assists you in landing the ideal job at the ideal organization.

Below, we have listed ten of the most common questions asked during an interview along with tips and example answers. Make sure to be prepared for your next interview.

1. Can you tell me a about yourself?

Staffing agencies are not hoping to find out if you have 3 cats, or if your favorite TV show is NCIS. Recruiters are hoping you will tell them something that will relate you to the job you are interviewing for (something about your work ethics, creativity, accomplishments, etc.).

2. What interests you about this job opening?

If you are not prepared for this question there is a good chance we will think you are not interested. Find something. Anything. And know it before you go to the interview. Also keep in mind, “it allows me to use my skills and experience in new ways” sounds way better to hiring managers than “it’s close to my home” or “it pays better than my last job”.

3. What do you know about our company?

Research, research, research. It is important that you have an answer for this interview question and it will impress your recruiter if you have worked to find that information. Visit the staffing agency’s social media pages to see what they are promoting and sharing (Google+, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn). Research their website. You will be able to find bits of information that will help you stand out among other applicants.

4. Why are you no longer with your last job?

My boss was crazy. The hours were too long. I got fired. Not enough pay. Employment agencies have heard it all, and often. This is a great question that, when answered correctly, may set you apart. An example of an acceptable answer would be to list your accomplishments and then say something like, “Having successfully done that, I’m ready for another challenge”.

5. Why should we hire you for this job?

Tom answers the interview question without thinking much and says, “Because I need this job”. Sara responds, “Because I am a good fit for this job”. David answers, “Because I have what it takes to solve problems and do a great job”. Based on these three answers, David would get the job even though Tom needed it and Sara was a good fit for it. The more details you give the better your answer will be.

6. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Every candidate is a hard worker. If you are a hard worker, give examples. “My strength is my work ethic. I am consistently the first one in and the last one out of the office. I was promoted to team lead because my production was the highest in the office. As far as weaknesses, I feel that my management skills could be stronger, and I am constantly working to improve them.”

7. What is your greatest achievement?

Hitting a home run in your little league game won’t cut it. Keep it recent. Don’t just describe what you did, but how you did it and what the results were. “One of my greatest career achievements was when I increased, Company ABC’s customer satisfaction rating from 73% to 97% in just 6 months. I was awarded employee of the month and promoted to team lead.

8. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Don’t raise any red flags when answering this question. It is hard for recruiters to make an offer to someone who says they want to be an investment banker but is interviewing for an IT job. Your career goals should be in line with the job you are interviewing for. If there are any indications you are more interested in another job or career, hiring managers will pass on making you an offer. They do not want to recruit all over again in 3 months when you leave for that dream job.

9. What salary range are you looking for?

The question for candidates has always been, to answer or not to answer. With staffing agencies, it is best to answer. Staffing agency clients have already informed the agency of what they are willing to pay and they do not negotiate. An agency does not want to submit you to a job that pays $15 per hour when you are seeking $20 because it would not work out for you, their client or them. It is always best to be upfront with your staffing agency so they are able to match you with the most appropriate position.

10. What questions do you have for me?

This is generally the last question of the interview and your time to close it on a great note. The recruiter will not consider someone for a position if they do not feel they are truly interested. This is your time to make sure they know you are interested. Yes, you can ask questions that may not have already been answered, but never ask questions like “How much time off do you get” or “Do you offer benefits”. More important than asking questions, make sure they know you are interested, even if that means saying it, “I am very interested in this position”.

How do I Prepare For a Staffing Company Interview?

Are you considering working with a staffing agency but are unsure what to anticipate during your interview? You’re not by yourself.

Read Also: What Should I Ask a Staffing Agency?

This is due to the fact that staffing agency interviews differ slightly from regular job interviews. Their purpose isn’t to see if you’re a good fit for a particular role. Rather, recruiters are interested in determining whether they can assist you with your job quest.

However, just because a staffing firm interview isn’t normal doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared!

Here are some reasons why adequate preparation is needed:

1. Staffing companies are well-connected.

Staffing agencies partner with many businesses – big and small, and in various industries. They can connect job seekers to opportunities they wouldn’t be able to access otherwise. Not only do they have an “in” with many local businesses, some employers only recruit through staffing firms. So working with one might be your only way to be considered for some jobs.

Making a good impression during your interview could open lots of doors for you. Conversely, not putting your best foot forward could close those doors. 

2. Companies are paying and trusting recruiters to find them TOP talent.

Recruiters are looking to present top candidates to their clients. That doesn’t mean someone with years of experience, but someone who is serious about finding work and has a professional attitude. 

How you behave during your staffing interview will influence how much recruiters are willing to advocate for you. A recruiter in doubt of your professionalism isn’t going to risk presenting you to their clients. But if you treat your interview seriously and respectfully, they are way more likely to recommend you for jobs. 

3. It’s good practice.

This is your chance to practice your interviewing skills without the immediate stress of a job hanging in the balance. 

Think of it as a dress rehearsal. You want to give it your all, but it’s ok if it isn’t perfect. Staffing agencies will use your initial interview to see where you’re at and what they might need to help you work on. 

Recruiters want to see you succeed. Once they’ve assessed where you’re at, they can give you great feedback and tips to help you out in future interviews. So give yourself the best chance by putting your best self forward from the get go. 

Check out the tips below to help you excel in your staffing agency interview.

1. Do some research.

You might already know the importance of researching an employer before a job interview. But you’ll also greatly benefit from looking into a staffing agency before you speak with them. Researching a staffing firm will help you understand who they are, what type of job they specialize in, and what kind of candidates they usually place. In turn, that will help you determine whether or not they’re a match for your needs. 

After all, not all staffing firms will be right for you. If you’re looking for a warehouse or manufacturing job, an agency that focuses on accounting and clerical positions won’t be able to help you. 

Doing research will also give you insight on how reputable a staffing agency is. Check sites such as Glassdoor and ClearlyRated for reviews. Look at what placed talent says of an agency. That will help you figure out whether they will be a reliable resource in your job search. 

2. Dress for the part.

When trying to determine what to wear for your staffing agency interview, consider the saying “dress for the job you want.” 

You probably don’t need to wear a suit if you’re applying to light industrial work or business casual work. But even then, be sure to look neat, clean and tidy. Avoid wearing tight, stained, or ripped clothing. Show that you put some effort and thought into getting ready for the interview.

Even if you’re only having a phone interview, consider dressing the part. Most importantly, focus on wearing clothes that make you feel confident. That can go a long way towards putting you in the right state of mind for a professional setting. 

In an online interview, you might also want to think of your background as part of your outfit. After all, your setting will contribute to the visual impression you leave. If possible, set up in front of a blank wall. At the very least, avoid having anything you might not want an interviewer to see in your background.

3. Be prepared.

To help place you in the right position, a staffing firm will need an accurate picture of your work history, skills, and what you’re looking for. Help them out by having all of that information ready for them. 

If your appointment is in person, that means bringing an extra copy of your resume, and whatever documents were requested when your interview was scheduled. If you’re having a virtual or phone interview, you’ll want to send all these documents in advance. 

Be ready to walk your interviewer through your resume, and explain your qualifications and what you bring to the table clearly and effectively. 

You’ll also help your recruiter support you if you have a clear idea of your career goals, what kind of job you’re looking for, what pay you’re aiming for, and what pay you’re willing to accept.

And if you’re quitting a job to look for something new, be prepared to discuss why you’re leaving. Avoid being overly negative and instead, explain why your old job wasn’t the right fit for you. 

4. A little professionalism goes a long way.

Recruiters might not be the ones hiring you, but they decide what opportunities they will present you for. The more professional you are, the more confident they will be about recommending you for jobs. 

So if you have an in-person interview, make sure to arrive on-time (or a little early). Before getting to your interview, turn off your cell phone and dispose of food or drink. And once there, follow proper lobby etiquette (being courteous to the front desk agent and waiting patiently for your interview to begin). 

If your interview is remote, take a few minutes before the interview to check that your technology is ready. Set yourself up in a quiet space where you can talk without background noise. 

During your interview, whether remote or in person, listen, avoid talking over your recruiter, and be polite and respectful. Remember to use professional language and do your best to show a positive attitude. 

5. Keep an open mind.

Staffing agencies usually work with a variety of companies and in more than one industry. If you’re interviewing with a staffing firm, you might have applied to a specific role, or you might be open to various options. Either way, your recruiter may suggest job opportunities you had not previously considered. 

Recruiters are experts in placing people in jobs that are the right fit. After hearing about your experience, and career goals, they are likely to see how you would align with an industry or position you hadn’t thought of before.

Of course, that does not mean you have to take any job they suggest. But keep an open mind and hear your recruiter out. They won’t try to place you anywhere they don’t think you’ll thrive.

With that said, being open-minded isn’t limited to hearing your recruiter out about various job opportunities. It’s also about being receptive to feedback. 

Recruiters know what their clients are looking for, and they’ll do their best to prepare you for future job interviews. They might have suggestions on how to tweak your resume, behaviors you could adjust, or ways to present yourself. This feedback is worth listening to and will help set you up for success for future job interviews.