10 Common Interview Questions
What common questions do staffing agencies ask during interviews? THRIVAS staffing agency lists 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 ethics. 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”.
Find a job by searching below
- Dining Room Server
COLUMBUS HOSPITALITY, LLC. — Lewis Center,OHNationwide Hotel and Conference Center located in Lewis Center, Ohio is searching for Full Time and Part Time Breakfast & Lunch Dining Room Servers to join our team! As a...
- Team Leader
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — Columbus,OHBenefits: Bonus based on performance Free uniforms Opportunity for advancement Signing bonus Get Paid to Workout! Yes, you read that correctly. If you...
- Market Visual Merchandiser
Victoria's Secret — Reynoldsburg,OHYour Role The Market Visual Manager role drives the training and implementation of Visual Merchandising direction within their assigned District(s). The role is a key partner between the Field (stores),...
- T-Mobile Sales Representative
Connectivity Source — Reynoldsburg,OHMAKE EVERYDAY RIDICULOUSLY AMAZING. AVERAGE ALL IN PAY RANGE WITH BONUSES AND SPIFFS $19 TO $23 PER HOUR NEW HIRE BONUS RAMP UP STRUCTURE!! WHO is this FOR? All new...
- Substitute Teacher
Guidepost Montessori — Columbus,OHAre you interested in working as a Substitute Teacher at Guidepost Montessori? We are always looking to add flexible substitute guides to our on-call list! This position will...
- Maintenance Engineer
Aerotek — Plain City,OHJob Title: Low Voltage Technician Job Description We are seeking a dedicated low voltage technician to join our team. You will be responsible for installing Cat5/Cat6 cabling, CCTV systems, alarms,...
- Landscape Crew Leader | OPEN INTERVIEWS Wednesdays 10am-12pm | Columbus, OH
The Davey Tree Expert Company — Columbus,OHLandscape Crew Leader | OPEN INTERVIEWS Wednesdays 10am-12pm | Columbus, OH Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company Locations: Columbus, OH Additional Locations: . Work Site: On Site Req ID:...
- Elite Stylist
Ulta Beauty — Columbus,OHWe consider applications for this position on an ongoing basis. OVERVIEW Experience a perfect blend of deliberate purpose and clear-eyed vision. At Ulta Beauty, some of the industry's most...
- Direct-To-Home- Full Time Installation Technician - Columbus, OH
NRG — Columbus,OHWelcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we're driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. Vivint Smart Home, an NRG...
- Retail Sales Consultant - Part Time - Easton Town Center - Columbus, OH
Swarovski — Columbus,OHAt Swarovski, where innovation meets inspiration, our Sales Consultants are our ultimate advocates, providing our customers with extraordinary service and an awe-inspiring brand experience. We are searching for a curious...
- Medical Assistant - Oncology - Doctors
OhioHealth — Columbus,OHWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an...
- Corporate Controller
FYDA FREIGHTLINER GROUP — West Jefferson,OHJob Details Level Management Job Location Columbus, Oh - West Jefferson, OH Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year...
- Restaurant Manager - Short North
Northstar Cafe — Columbus,OHA management position at Northstar is different. You will join a team of fantastic people and build skills for your career and your life. You'll be a part of something...
- Account Executive III - Financial Services (EST)
Vericast — Columbus,OHCompany Description Vericast is the financial institution (FI) performance partner. We help banks and credit unions drive growth, improve efficiency, increase engagement and navigate change through the power of data,...
- Middle School Math Teacher (6-8)
Educational Solutions Company — Columbus,OHJob Type Full-time Description Job Title: Classroom Teacher Job Description: Educational Solutions Company is looking for an educator driven by students' academic growth by the use of...
- Mass Affluent Customer Care Business Leader
PNC Bank — Columbus,OHPosition Overview At PNC, our people are our greatest differentiator and competitive advantage in the markets we serve. We are all united in delivering the best experience for our customers....
- Lead Dining Server
Life Enriching Communities (Concord Reserve - Confident Living - The Wesley Communities - Twin Lakes - Twin Towers) — Reynoldsburg,OHLead Dining Server Role Information Location: Wesley Ridge | 2225 Taylor Park Dr, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 Schedule: Full-Time | Monday - Friday including every other weekend | 11:00 AM to...
- Parts Manager
W.W. Williams Company — Hilliard,OHParts Manager Opportunity Summary: As Parts Manager you will direct and coordinates the activities of a Parts Department, and works in cooperation with the Service and Sales Department, to develop...
- Director, Application Services (Banner ERP) - Onsite @ Otterbein University
ellucian — Westerville,OHAbout Ellucian Ellucian is a global market leader in education technology. We power innovation for higher education, partnering with more than 2,900 customers across 50 countries and serving over 20...
- Financial Advisor -Greater Columbus and Surrounding
Thrivent — Columbus,OHMeaningful work. Rewarding career. Make an impact providing expert financial advice with heart. Thrivent is a different kind of financial services firm, one that puts generosity at the center of...
- Licensed Store General Manager
West Point Optical LLC — Columbus,OHGENERAL FUNCTION: The major responsibility of the Store Manager is to drive profitable sales growth through the delivery of outstanding patient experience. Lead team in a positive and productive environment,...
- Tax Senior
Deloitte — Columbus,OHDeloitte Tax LLP seeks a Tax Senior in Columbus, Ohio. Work You'll Do Align global effective tax rate reduction and efficient global cash utilization with overall business strategy; help multinational...
- Wealth Management Solutions, Investment Specialist - Portfolio Management Group (PMG) Associate
JPMorgan Chase & — Columbus,OHJob Description Job Title: Portfolio Management Group (PMG) Associate Position Description: The Portfolio Management Group (PMG) at J.P. Morgan is seeking a proactive and...
- Restaurant Manager
Brassica — Columbus,OHA management position at Brassica is different. You will join a team of fantastic people and build skills for your career, and your life. You'll be a part of something...
- Remote-Online English Teacher
Pierre Strand — Columbus,OHAre you a truly exceptional North American teacher, fuelled by the desire to ignite a passion for learning in those you teach? We invite you to embark on a rewarding...
- 3rd Grade Teacher - Math/Science
Educational Solutions Company — Columbus,OHJob Title: Classroom Teacher Job Description: Educational Solutions Company is looking for an educator driven by students' academic growth by the use of data driven instruction and technological strategies in...
- Wealth Management Associate
Veterans Sourcing Group — Columbus,OHWealth Management Associate Columbus, OH 12 months contract Pay rate: $22/hr W2 DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES: •Providing dedicated one-on-one support for the client throughout the inheritance...
- Weekend Childrens Salon Hair Stylist
Cookie Cutters Haircuts For Kids — Hilliard,OHOverview: Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids is hiring Hair Stylists and Cosmetologists! We invite you to apply by submitting your application.Weekends - Saturdays 9-5 and closed Sundays Why Work for...
- Infant Teacher
The Goddard School — Westerville,OHBenefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Competitive salary Dental insurance Employee discounts Health insurance Paid time off Training & development Vision...
- Landscape Crew Leader | Columbus, OH
The Davey Tree Expert Company — Columbus,OHLandscape Crew Leader | Columbus, OH Company: The Davey Tree Expert Company Locations: Columbus, OH Additional Locations: . Work Site: On Site Req ID: 211876 Position...
- New Car Lot Technician - Lexus of Easton
Germain Automotive — Columbus,OHResponsibilities Maintains new- and used-vehicle inventory appearance and performance by cleaning interior and exterior of vehicles, replenishing all vehicle fluids as needed, and replacing batteries when necessary.
- Event Staff NRI - Columbus, Ohio
Laz Parking — Columbus,OHLAZ Parking - $20.00/hour [Front Desk Agent / Concierge] As an Event Staff at LAZ Parking, you'll: Be responsible for greeting and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the customers and...
- Intervention Specialist 25/26 SY
Amergis Healthcare Staffing — Columbus,OHThe Special Education Teacher, under the direction of theSpecial Education Program Administrator provides quality services to specialeducation students, kindergarten through grade 12. The Special Education Teacher has a commitmentto team...
- J.P. Morgan Wealth Management - Private Client Advisor - Canal Winchester, Pickerington - Ohio
JPMorgan Chase & — Canal Winchester,OHJob Description At J.P. Morgan Chase, we have an enthusiasm for helping our clients, taking care of our employees, building relationships, and delivering extraordinary customer service while maintaining a strong...
- Pizza Delivery Driver Part-Time - (02301)
Dominos Pizza — Columbus,OHCompany Description Welcome to Flyin Brian Pizza, LCC doing business as Domino's! Locally owned and operating stores in the greater Columbus, OH area. 90% of our franchisees...
- Medical Assistant - Primary Care - Britton Pkwy - Hilliard, Ohio
OhioHealth — Hilliard,OHWe are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an...
- Elite Stylist
Ulta Beauty — Grove City,OHWe consider applications for this position on an ongoing basis. OVERVIEW Experience a perfect blend of deliberate purpose and clear-eyed vision. At Ulta Beauty, some of the industry's most...
- MOBILE TECHNICIAN - CONTRACTOR (1099)
wrench — Columbus,OHWHO WE ARE Founded in 2016, Wrench is the fastest-growing, venture-backed automotive technology startup with the mission of removing the hassle around vehicle ownership. Our mobile-first automotive solutions span the...
- Weekend Childrens Salon Hair Stylist
Cookie Cutters Haircuts For Kids — Dublin,OHOverview: Cookie Cutters Haircuts for Kids is hiring Hair Stylists and Cosmetologists! We invite you to apply by submitting your application.Weekends - Saturdays 9-5 and closed Sundays Why Work for...
- Automotive Parts Counter Person
Bob Caldwell Automotive — Columbus,OHBob Caldwell Automotive is looking to add a qualified Automotive Parts Counter Person to our team. We offer a team environment, benefits and ongoing training and support for its associates....