10 Key Interview Questions and How to Answer Them: A Guide for Aspiring Recruiters

Interviewing for a role as a recruiter can feel daunting. After all, you’re stepping into an industry where you’ll eventually be on the other side of the table, evaluating others. At Ellis Recruitment Group, we know what it takes to excel in recruitment, and we’ve compiled a list of ten common interview questions along with guidance on how to answer them effectively.

Approach these questions with confidence, and you’ll be on your way to impressing any hiring manager!

1. "Why do you want to work as a recruiter?"

This question is all about motivation. Show your passion for the industry and your interest in people.

A good response could be: “I’m driven by helping people find opportunities where they can thrive. Recruitment combines my love for working with people and my interest in understanding what makes businesses successful. I’m excited about the impact a great hire can have on both a candidate’s life and a company’s growth.”

2. "How do you build relationships with clients and candidates?"

This question tests your interpersonal skills, which are essential in recruitment.

Emphasise your relationship-building abilities with a response like: “Building trust is key. I believe in open communication and always being honest with clients and candidates. I stay in touch regularly and make sure they feel supported throughout the process, not just at placement but well beyond.”

3. "Describe a time when you successfully filled a challenging role."

If you’re new to recruitment, you could draw from other relevant experiences, such as sourcing or negotiating in other contexts.

A good response would be: “In my last role, I was tasked with finding a highly specialised IT professional. I approached it by researching niche platforms and networking within the relevant tech community. I took time to fully understand both the technical requirements and the client’s culture, and eventually matched a candidate who fit perfectly.”

4. "How do you handle rejection?"

Recruiters face rejection regularly, whether it’s from candidates or clients.

Show that you’re resilient and maintain a positive attitude: “I see rejection as part of the process. When it happens, I try to get feedback, learn from it, and move forward. Rejections give me a chance to improve and better understand what candidates and clients are truly looking for.”

5. "What strategies do you use to find top talent?"

Recruiters need to be resourceful and proactive in sourcing candidates.

Demonstrate your creativity and adaptability with a response like: “I use a mix of strategies, from leveraging LinkedIn and social media to attending industry events. I also like to think outside the box - sometimes the perfect candidate isn’t actively looking, so I regularly engage with passive candidates to build a strong talent pool.”

6. "How would you manage multiple open positions with tight deadlines?"

Time management and organisation are key skills in recruitment.

A well-rounded answer would be: “I prioritise my workload based on client urgency and candidate availability. I use task management tools to keep track of each stage in the hiring process, and I make sure to communicate realistic timelines with clients so everyone’s aligned.”

7. "What qualities do you think make a successful recruiter?"

This is your chance to show that you understand the demands of the role.

A thoughtful answer might include: “I think resilience, empathy, and curiosity are essential. Resilience helps with handling setbacks; empathy is important for building trust with clients and candidates; and curiosity drives me to learn continuously, so I can understand industries and roles in depth.”

8. "How do you keep up with industry trends?"

Recruitment changes quickly, and staying informed is crucial.

Share your commitment to learning with a response like: “I make a habit of reading recruitment industry news and following thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn. I also attend webinars and connect with peers in the industry to exchange insights on emerging trends.”

9. "Can you give an example of a time you had to manage a difficult client or candidate?"

This question tests your problem-solving and communication skills.

Be sure to highlight your diplomacy: “In a previous role, I had a client who was very particular about their candidate criteria. I scheduled a meeting to fully understand their needs and asked for specific examples to clarify expectations. This open communication built trust, and ultimately, we were able to find the ideal candidate.”

10. "Why do you want to join our team specifically?"

Demonstrate that you’ve researched the company and are genuinely interested in the role.

A tailored response might be: “I admire Ellis Recruitment Group’s commitment to fostering genuine relationships and your focus on quality placements over volume. I’m drawn to your team’s reputation for excellence, and I’m excited to contribute my skills to a company that values growth and innovation.”

Preparing for a recruitment interview is about more than knowing the industry - it’s about showing that you understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the role. Approach each question with honesty and a desire to connect, and you’ll leave a lasting impression.

At Ellis Recruitment Group, we’re always looking for motivated individuals ready to make a difference in people’s careers. If you’re excited about becoming a recruiter who goes beyond simply filling roles and truly impacts lives, we’d love to hear from you.