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
- Traveling Retail Merchandiser - Overnight
The Retail Odyssey Company — Columbus,OHWe want you to help us shape the future of shopping experiences and deliver on our purpose of connecting people with the products and experiences that enrich their lives. Joining...
- Jet's Pizza - Team Member
Jet's Pizza — Columbus,OHAs a team member, you're fully immersed in the spirit of the establishment. You're high functioning, adaptable, and ready for whatever a customer throws at you. Working with other team...
- Bruegger's Bagels - Baker
Bruegger's Bagels — Columbus,OHAs the baker, you will be responsible for preparing baked goods of different varieties and will likely have opportunities to create or innovate recipes. You may work directly with customers...
- Retail Associate - Hourly Plus Bonuses
GNC — Pickerington,OHCompany Description As the global leader in health and wellness innovation since 1935, GNC motivates people to reach their goals with the most trusted and exciting selection of products in...
- Housekeepers
Hilton Hotels — Columbus,OHSalary Range: (USD) Annually Full time Housekeeper benefit package offered: Benefits begin 30 days after you startMedicalDentalVisionLife...
- Bob Evans - Server
Bob Evans — Dublin,OHAs a server, you truly care about providing a memorable and hospitable experience. You are welcoming and accommodating with the ability to educate our patrons and guide their experience to...
- Home Improvement Specialist
Wayfair — Columbus,OH...
- Car Detailer
CARVANA — Heath,OHWe're looking for entry-level Lot Attendants to build an exciting career at Carvana - the fastest-growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history and one of the four fastest companies to...
- Sales Manager (Part Time)
carter's — Reynoldsburg,OHIf you are a CURRENT Carter's employee, do not apply via this external application. Search "Browse Jobs" in Workday to apply internally. Love what you do. Carter's Careers. As a...
- Applebee's - To-Go Specialist
Applebee's — Hilliard,OHAs a team member, you're fully immersed in the spirit of the establishment. You're high functioning, adaptable, and ready for whatever a customer throws at you. Working with other team...
- Plumber I - Single Family
R. T. Moore Co. — Columbus,OHCome join our team as a Plumber I! We're currently looking for Plumber I candidates. The position of Plumber I is critical to learning the plumbing trade and steadily improving...
- CDL-A Drivers - No Touch Freight - Recent Grads Welcome!
Hogan Transportation — Bexley,OHDedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers– No Touch Freight – Earn $87,800-$100,000 Annually Pay&Benefits: Average Weekly Pay of $1,690-$1,800Top Drivers Earning $100,000...
- Operations Manager
Bunzl — Groveport,OHPosition Summary The Operations Manager leads day-to-day fulfillment and distribution operations at the 500,000-square-foot BRS Groveport facility, supporting more than 100 associates. This role ensures customer...
- Border Patrol Agent – Law Enforcement Career, $20,000 Recruitment Incentive
U.S. Customs and Border Protection — Bexley,OHBorder Patrol Agent (BPA) Entry Level NEW RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION INCENTIVES! IMPORTANT NOTICE: Duty assignments available at the time of offer may include the Southwest Border, including prioritized locations. U.S....
- Lead Pre K-8 Cook
UPPER ARLINGTON SCHOOLS — Columbus,OHLead Pre K-8 Cook Upper Arlington Schools Barrington Elementary - Columbus, Ohio Job Description Building: Barrington Elementary Position: Lead Pre K-8 Cook Time Schedule: M-F, 10 Months Hours: 7:00 a.m.-...
- Maintenance Mechanic - Hiring Now
Battelle — Columbus,OHBattelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a...
- Fuel Attendant
Pilot Flying J — London,OHCompany Description Pay Rates Starting between: $12.60 - $17.85 / hour Are you passionate about team building, customer service, and meeting new people? Pilot Company offers a dynamic environment where...
- Two Year-Old Teacher
ENCHANTED CARE — Delaware,OHSpring Education Group's Early Childhood Education Division includes nearly 150 schools offering services...
- Store Operations Manager
CubeSmart — Columbus,OHOverview: ...
- Taco Bell - Restaurant Staff - Hilliard - Urgently Hiring
Taco Bell — Hilliard,OHTaco Bell - Hilliard Rome Road is looking for a full time or part time Restaurant Staff team member to join our team in Hilliard, OH. The Restaurant Staff team...
- General Manager
Chipotle Mexican Grill — Columbus,OH*CULTIVATE A BETTER WORLD* Food served fast does not have to be a typical fast-food experience. Chipotle has always done things differently, both in and out of our restaurants. We...
- DELI-BAKERY/ASST DEPT LEADER
Kroger — Grove City,OHJob Title Job Title Job Description Embrace the customer first strategy and encourage associates to deliver excellent service by creating an outstanding customer experience. Establish and maintain a safe and...
- CDL A Delivery Truck Driver
McLane Company — Columbus,OHCDL-A Delivery Driver | $80K-$95K+ Annually | Up to $7,500 Sign-On Bonus McLane Lockbourne is hiring experienced CDL-A Delivery Drivers for our Lockbourne Restaurant Division. Drivers can earn $80,000...
- Retail Marketer
LeafHome — Reynoldsburg,OHEarn Full-time Pay working Part-time hours! LeafFilter Gutter Protection, a rapidly growing home improvement company is seeking Part-time Retail Marketers.
- Crane Operator - Columbus, OH
Messer Construction — Columbus,OHDescription Messer Construction Co. is an award-winning construction manager and general contractor that provides leadership for complex commercial building projects. We are currently accepting applications for seasoned...
- Applebee's grill + bar - Carside
Applebee's Grill + Bar — Reynoldsburg,OHAs a Carside, you're fully immersed in the spirit of the establishment. You're high functioning, adaptable, and ready for whatever a customer throws at you. Working with other team members...
- CDL-A Local - Marysville, OH - 1st Shift
Venture Express — Galloway,OHMarysville, OH - Local/Home Daily - 1st shift, $27/hr 1st Shift - Starting at $27.00 per hour with a $0.50 increase every 6 months to $29.00 per hour.Pay Details: Starting...
- Taco Bell - E Dublin Granville Rd - Shift Lead
Taco Bell - E Dublin Granville Rd — Columbus,OHThe Taco Bell Shift Lead supports the Restaurant General Manager by running great work shifts and meeting Taco Bell standards. You take ownership and responsibility to solve problems with a...
- Installation Scheduler
Securitas Technology — Columbus,OHSecuritas Technology, part of Securitas, is a world-leading provider of integrated security solutions that protect, connect, and optimize businesses of all types and...
- Culinary Supervisor
Sodexo — Lockbourne,OHCulinary Supervisor Location: ...
- Sales Floor Associate
Home Goods — Columbus,OHHomeGoodsAt TJX Companies, every day brings new opportunities for growth, exploration, and achievement. You'll be part of our vibrant team that embraces diversity, fosters collaboration, and prioritizes your...
- Local CDL-A Truck Driver Job - (Earn $1,350 - $1,550+ /Wk)
First Fleet — Grove City,OHFirstFleet is now hiring CDL-A drivers Local, Semi Local & Regional Route Options Available Find Your Local Terminal & Pay Rate: Auburn, ME: $1,400 - $2,100/wk...
- Front End Lead
Country Critters Veterinary Clinic — Circleville,OHFront End Lead The purpose of the Front End Lead is to provide oversight and leadership to our front end operations. With a strong focus on delivering exceptional customer service,...
- Activities Assistant
Wallick Communities — Columbus,OHDescription Activities Assistant ...
- Merchandise Planning & Allocation Analyst [212023]
Aquent Talent — Reynoldsburg,OHAquent is partnering with a globally recognized retail brand renowned for its iconic presence and commitment to customer satisfaction. This innovative organization thrives on delivering high-quality products and optimizing its...
- CDL A Local Dry Van Drivers in Columbus, OH
JRayl Transport — Columbus,OHJRayl Transport is hiring CDL A Local Dry Van Drivers in Columbus, OH. J. Rayl is a large, asset-based logistics company that has been family owned and operated for 35...
- Controls Technician, Data Center Capacity Delivery, Amazon Data Services, Inc
Amazon Data Services — New Albany,OHAs a member of the Global Controls Team, you will collaborate with highly motivated operators, engineers and technicians in the data center industry to maintain and optimize critical infrastructure systems....
- Ruby Tuesday - Grove City (4724) - Assistant Manager
Ruby Tuesday - Grove City (4724) — Grove City,OHAs the Assistant Manager, you'll have a lot of face time with guests and employees. You'll act as quality control, ensuring customer satisfaction by properly training employees and adhering to...
- Taco Bell - N. High Street - Restaurant Staff
Taco Bell - N. High Street — Columbus,OHTaco Bell - N. High Street is looking for a full time or part time Restaurant Staff team member to join our team in Columbus, OH. The Restaurant Staff team...
- Dave & Buster's - Server - Dave & Buster's Polaris - Hilliard (West Scioto) - Urgently Hiring
Dave & Buster's — Hilliard,OHJob Description: Dave & Buster's is different from everywhere else. No two days are ever the same. Time will fly by serving hundreds of people with flexible schedules you can...