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
- Store Cleaning Associate
Marshalls — Reynoldsburg,OHMarshalls - 2913 Taylor Road SW, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, United States of America [Cleaning Technician / Custodian] As a Cleaning Associate at Marshalls, you'll: Supervise maintenance staff; Manage a safe...
- Patient Care Assistant I- Post Partum- Part time- Nights
Christ Hospital — Columbus,OHThe Patient Care Assistant (PCA) II supports patient care by ensuring comfort and safety, following the model of care at TCH, which emphasizes collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare teams....
- Warehouse Associate
Lansing Building Products — Columbus,OHA Day in the Life at Lansing: Warehouse Associate (youtube.com) Responsibilities: Live our mission statement centered on our values of respect, service, and excellence Greet customers, pick tickets, and load/unload...
- General Warehouse Associate - 8:30AM-5:00PM
HD Supply — Groveport,OHWarehouse Associate Where: Groveport, OH 43125 Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm with overtime as needed Type: Full Time Non-Exempt Wage: starts at $18.50 Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K,...
- Floor Care Associate
Ohio Living — Columbus,OHIt's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! Our intention is to have employees who are passionate about making their personal mission statement...
- Warehouse Distribution Center Associate
Genuine Parts — Columbus,OHWarehouse Distribution Center Associate Job Summary NAPA Auto Parts is seeking a skilled and energetic Warehouse Associate to join our growing team of professionals. Our warehouse associates perform a variety...
- Store Driver
Advance Auto Parts — Columbus,OHPosition Responsibilities Pick, stage and safely deliver parts to pro customers Pick up returns and cores Drop off weekly/monthly sales flyers while promoting current sales and loyalty programs Daily collection...
- Warehouse Associate
Performance Food Group Company — Columbus,OHWe Deliver the Goods:Competitive pay and benefits, including Day 1 Health & Wellness Benefits, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, 401 K Employer Matching, Education Assistance, Paid Time Off, and much more....
- Construction Laborers
NSC — Columbus,OHJob Title: Entry-Level Cable Technician Location: Columbus, OH Pay rate: $22-24/HR Company Summary: Our client is a proven leader in the...
- Warehouse Associate
The Home Depot — Grove City,OHWarehouse associates are an essential part of The Home Depot s distribution network. They load and unload trucks, move material within the facility and from the loading platform by carrying,...
- Packaging Machine Operator- Overnight- Columbus Plant
Abbott — Columbus,OHAbbott Nutrition Production Operator Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of...
- Virtual ELL Coordinator
Accel Schools — Columbus,OHAbout the Team The English Language Learner (ELL) Coordinator is a full time, 11-month position supporting the Ohio ACCEL Online Schools. This role primarily supports and coordinates the overall needs...
- LABORER (1st or 2nd shift)
HR4Me — Columbus,OHPosition Summary: Works day-to-day on assigned plumbing, fire protection, or other assigned tasks. Assists with all work on a project such as, but not limited to: lifting, carrying, sorting, loading,...
- Housekeeper
Healthcare Services Group — Columbus,OHOverview Role: Housekeeper Join Healthcare Services Group (HCSG) as a Housekeeper, where you will play a vital role in maintaining a clean and safe environment in a long-term care facility....
- Housekeeper 8am-4pm $16-$18 (Part Time)
Arrow Senior Living — Hilliard,OHDescription After spending 14 years in healthcare, I finally found my home with Arrow Senior Living. Its...
- Evening Server
Brassica — Columbus,OHWorking at Brassica is much more than just a job. It's the chance to become an important member of a close-knit team, responsible for shaping the experience at a restaurant...
- Night General Cleaner (Full Time)
CSI International — Columbus,OHWho We Are: CSI International Inc, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, provides integrated building services to clients in real estate, property management, pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, higher education,...
- Warehouse Material Handler
Graybar — Columbus,OHWarehouse Material Handler More than a job - a career. As a Warehouse Material Handler, you will work with the team to ensure products get where they need to be,...
- Second Shift Service Crew Team Member
McDonald’s — Powell,OHSee a day in the life of a Crew Team Member at McDonald's shift 2p-11p, Any day, Sunday-Saturday needed*Requirements:We believe in letting you do you. If you're looking for a...
- Housekeeper (PT or FT)
Sittercity — Grove City,OH[Cleaner] - Competitive Hourly Rate ($23-$30 per hour) / Fully Flexible Scheduling (Morning, Afternoon, Evening, or Night) - As a Housekeeper at Sittercity, you will: Clean and maintain the cleanliness...
- Starbucks Barista (T1179)
Target Stores — Columbus,OHStarting Hourly Rate / Salario por Hora Inicial: $15.00 USD per hourALL ABOUT TARGETWorking at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision...
- Cleaner - PT or FT
Homeaglow — Dublin,OH[Housekeeper / Janitor] - Earn up to $25-hr. + 100% of tips / Flexible hours (you set your own schedule) - Homeaglow is hiring professional house cleaners. Be your own...
- Packaging Operator - Days
Michael Foods Group — West Jefferson,OHDay Shift Position 6:00 am-6:30 pm on a 2-2-3 rotation Adhere to safe work practices, policies, and procedures. Follow GMP's, maintain sanitary conditions and ensure that product quality is maintained....
- Phlebotomist I
Quest Diagnostic — Columbus,OHCategory Phlebotomy Location Columbus, Ohio Job function Operations Job family Patient Services Shift Day Employee type Regular Full-Time Work mode On-site Job Description Phlebotomist I - Columbus, OH, Monday to...
- Packaging Machine Operator II Nights
Cencora — Columbus,OHOur team members are at the heart of everything we do. At Cencora, we are united in our responsibility to create healthier futures, and every person here is essential to...
- Traffic Control Flagger
AWP Safety — Columbus,OHCompany Description Unlock Your Career Potential in Traffic Safety with AWP Safety - America's Leading Traffic Management Company! Overview: AWP Safety is on the lookout for motivated individuals to embark...
- Driver I
Lowe's — Grove City,OHPlans delivery activities, prints loading tickets, and delivers merchandise according to schedule to ensure on-time delivery of orders. Utilizes hand-held device technology to capture signatures for all deliveries. May support...
- STORE/NIGHT CLERK
Kroger — Columbus,OHCreate an outstanding customer experience through exceptional service. Establish and maintain a safe and clean environment that encourages our customers to return. Assist the department manager in reaching sales and...
- Dishwasher
Fogo de Chao — Columbus,OHAt Fogo de Chão, we strive to give our guests an unforgettable dining experience of discovery while showcasing the Culinary Art of Churrasco. Our mission is to ignite fire and...
- Full-Time Cleaner
Jsi Janitorial — Columbus,OHFull-Time/Part-Time Full-Time Description We help facilities maintain a clean, sanitized, and safe environment. We pride ourselves on being Solutions Driven, Customer Centric and having a...
- Environmental Services - Night shift
Trinity Health — Grove City,OH**Employment Type:** Full time **Shift:** Night Shift **Description:** **Environmental Services - Mount Carmel** **Night shift: 11:00pm - 7:30am** **Position Purpose:** + In accordance with the Mission and...
- GENERAL CLEANER
Licking/Knox Goodwill Industries — Whitehall,OHComplete all assigned cleaning task per contract requirements. Comply with all production and quality control standards. Attend all training requirements as directed by supervisor. Other duties as assigned Qualifications:Must have...
- Cook I Full Time - Mount Carmel East
Mount Carmel Health System — Columbus,OHDescription:Position Purpose:* In accordance with the Mission and Guiding Behaviors; the Cooks and prepares food for distribution to patients, the cafeteria, and catering services* This position is eligible to all...
- Seasonal Package Handler - Part Time (Warehouse like) - Grove City, OH
FedEx — Grove City,OHIMMEDIATE OPENINGS! Come for a job and stay for a career! Federal Express Corporation (FEC) is part of the rapidly growing warehouse and transportation sector that helps keep America, and...
- Facility Housekeeper
U Haul — Columbus,OHReturn to Job Search Facility Housekeeper START TODAY, GET PAID TODAY! New hires eligible for BONUS! Are you organized and proactive? Do you have an eye for detail? Facility Housekeepers...
- Online Order Filling Team Associate
Walmart — Dublin,OHOnline Order Filling Team Associate WM Supercenter #2774 7730 Sawmill Rd Dublin, OH 43016-9297 $15.00 - $28.00/hr* Part time Shift may start between 8:00am - 4:00pm Role Summary Online Order...
- Instrument Coordinator
TriHealth — Columbus,OHJob Overview: This position is accountable to the Supervisor of Central Service. This position involves maintaining inventory of both sterile and non-sterile instruments which are utilized in the Perioperative Department....
- Clinical Specialist
OrganOx — Columbus,OHAbout OrganOx: OrganOx is an innovative, fast-paced, global medical device company with a mission to save lives by making every donated organ count. We are a commercial stage organ technology...
- Team Member
Arby's Restaurant — Columbus,OHRestaurant team member, youll help operate the restaurant on a day-to-day basis. Your personality and commitment to create a delicious experience for everyone will keep our customers coming back for...
- Material Handler - (1st shift M-F 6am - 2:30pm)
DSV A/S — Canal Winchester,OHFRAUD ALERT: Please note that DSV will never request a chat interview or solicit funds from applicants or employees through its interviewing and hiring process. We do not require any...