Are you considering a new career as a recruiter, or have an interview already lined up?
Recruitment consultants play an important role in the hiring process, matching talented jobseekers with the right employers. And given Singapore’s highly competitive job market, now's a great time to consider a career in recruitment.
But one particular interview question has the potential to make or break your chances of securing the role: "Why do you want to be a Recruiter?"
By crafting a compelling answer, you can set yourself apart from the competition and pave the way to a successful career as a recruiter in Singapore.
Read on for our top tips and interview advice.
Let’s face it. The interview question of ‘why do you want to be a recruiter’ is bound to come up when interviewing for a recruiter role. So it's crucial to prepare a tailored response that shows your understanding of the role and enthusiasm for it. Research the position as it applies to the hiring organisation. And align your answer with its specific responsibilities to demonstrate your suitability.
Firstly, emphasise your passion for connecting people with opportunities. Highlight how satisfying it will be to help individuals find fulfilling careers. Also, talk about the fulfillment of supporting companies in building exceptional teams.
Next, mention how the recruitment industry moves quickly. And your interest in staying informed about market trends and client needs. Showcase your ability to thrive in a results-driven environment where strong communication, relationship-building, and negotiation skills are important.
Lastly, talk about the value you place on building relationships. Describe the impact you want to make on people's lives by guiding them through the recruitment process with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.
By addressing all these key points, you’ll show genuine interest in the role and stand out as a promising candidate.
Naturally, a recruiter role entails more than connecting people, adapting to a fast-paced industry, and building relationships. Employers are looking for candidates who highlight:
Knowledge of industry-specific regulations
Demonstrate your understanding of employment laws and data privacy regulations to ensure fair and compliant recruitment processes.
Technology proficiency
Showcase your skills in using recruitment software, applicant tracking systems (ATS), and tools for efficient sourcing and screening.
Team collaboration
Emphasise your ability to work effectively in a team environment. And discuss any relevant experience collaborating with colleagues.
Problem-solving and adaptability
Illustrate how you’d handle challenges like changing client requirements or tight deadlines, with successful examples of creative solutions.
Continuous learning mindset
Express your commitment to professional development through certifications, workshops, and staying updated on emerging recruitment strategies.
Remember to provide specific examples that align with the specific requirements of the role. And tailor your responses to the company's values and culture.
Asking thoughtful questions at the end of the interview does three things. It demonstrates your interest in the role. It helps you gather valuable information about the hiring company. And it also leaves a positive impression on the interviewers.
Consider asking the following five questions:
1. What’s the typical career progression for a recruitment consultant in this company? This question shows your ambition and desire for long-term growth within the organisation.
2. Can you tell me about the company's client base and specialist industries? The answers here will help you gauge the potential for professional development and if your experience aligns with their focus areas.
3. How does the company support ongoing learning for recruitment consultants? This question highlights your commitment to continuous improvement and growth in the field. It also lets you know how invested the company is in its employees’ development.
4. What’s the company's approach to building relationships with clients and candidates? The answer here will give you an idea of the organisation's values and how closely they align with yours.
5. Can you share any success stories of recruiters within the company? Asking for notable achievements showcases your interest in learning from the experiences of others. It also provides valuable insights into the company's culture and potential for career advancement.
Remember, tailor your questions to the specific company. This reflects your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
Fen Teo, an associate director here at Robert Half Singapore, suggests the best way jobseekers can answer why they want to be a recruitment consultant:
“Firstly, show you know what a recruiter does day in, day out. It demonstrates you’ve done your research and carefully considered a career in recruitment. Secondly, express your desire to achieve results. And demonstrate your ability to stick to a task, no matter how tough. Finally, show you’re motivated to solve other people’s problems.”
Fen also offers valuable insight on what she looks for in an answer when interviewing recruitment consultant applicants:
“When meeting potential recruitment consultants, I always look for the following three values: honesty, passion, and resilience.
“If they can give me some great examples where they’ve lived these values in either their work or personal life, they’re on the right track. However, it’s essential to understand how important emotional intelligence is in the role of a recruitment consultant. So, I’m also always listening (and looking) for a candidate’s ability to connect, understand, and empathise with others. This is not only demonstrated through experiential examples but also how you behave during the interview. Both what you say, and how you say it.
“When building a team, I look for a diverse set of characteristics and personality types in order to connect with our clients and candidates. So be yourself. And let your natural personality shine through. You might just have the piece of the puzzle the team is looking for.”
Keen to join our Robert Half team as a recruiter?
Now you understand the best way to handle the “Why do you want to be a recruiter” interview question, perhaps it’s the career move you’ve been looking for. If you have a passion for people, outstanding communication skills, a great work ethic, and are keen to join our team at Robert Half, apply now.
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