35 Aerotek Interview Questions & Answers
Below is a list of our Aerotek interview questions. Click on any interview question to view our answer advice and answer examples. You may view 5 answer examples before our paywall loads. Afterwards, you'll be asked to upgrade to view the rest of our answers.
Behavioral
1. Is honesty the best policy?
How to Answer
As a recruiter or staffing professional, you will come across some grey areas, including pay structures, fee structures, rules governing contract employees, and non-compete or non-disclosure agreements. It's vital to the reputation of Aerotek that you abide by rules and regulations carefully and always working within the ethical lines of recruitment.
Your response can also include how honest you are with candidates regarding your clients' needs. You could also mention your transparency when closing off with candidates that have not been chosen for the job.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Yes, I believe that honesty is always the best policy. I deliver honest news with as much empathy as possible. I will never hold back from telling the truth when it means so much to another person to hear it. If a client does not want to move forward with a candidate, I will let them know right away and give them open feedback whenever possible. When it comes to paperwork and the legal ins and outs of supplying employment opportunities, I always abide within legal limits and regulations."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I understand that there are known 'grey' areas in recruitment, primarily from agencies that do not present themselves in the best light. One of the reasons I applied to Aerotek is because of your long-standing sterling reputation in the industry. This excellent reputation comes from being honest and forthright with candidates and clients alike."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Behavioral
2. Would you take a job order from a client who was acting unethically?
How to Answer
Responsible staffing agencies like Aerotek need to protect their reputation, which includes prescreening clients in various ways. A smart recruiter will look for a history of unexplained employee turnover, previous sexual harassment accusations, stories of discrimination, poor health and safety records, and consistently lousy employee reviews. When meeting with a client for the first time, if they brag about burning through multiple staffing agencies, this is a definite warning sign. Show the interviewer that you will never put the reputation of Aerotek on the line to land a job order.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In the past, I have worked for agencies that will take work from anyone and everyone. I desire to join an agency like Aerotek with a reputation for legit clients and great job opportunities. From my research and the topics we have discussed today, it seems that our core values align nicely."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I have been trained to be selective on the clients I take on, and I would like to continue with this practice. I have an intake questionnaire that I go through with clients, so everyone goes through the same prescreening process. Then, I conduct an in-person meeting whenever possible so that I can physically see the environment in which my successful candidate would be working."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Behavioral
3. Are you a patient individual? Rate your patience level from 1-10.
How to Answer
Being a recruiter or any professional in the staffing industry requires an immense level of patience. You make many calls every day, wait for candidates to respond, and wait on contracts to be signed. Often, you will be in a significant rush to make a placement before a competing agency beats you to the punch. You will speak to hundreds of candidates every month, all with their personality quirks and potentially low levels of commitment and communication. The interviewer wants to know that you can remain confident, professional, and patient despite all of these challenges. Rate your level of patience from 1-10, and be prepared to give an example that backs your rating.
There will always be candidates, clients, and situations that test your patience, and I do have room to improve.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I rank my patience level an 8 out of 10."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"For the past year, I have worked as a temp recruiter, primarily searching for laborers in the warehousing and logistics sector. As you may know, the rate of candidates who no-show or do not perform well is very high in these categories. Rather than lose my patience, I keep focused on the needs of my clients. For this reason, I rank my patience level a 9 out of 10."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Behavioral
4. What type of office set up helps you to be the most productive?
How to Answer
Some recruitment firms offer individual offices, a work-from-home environment, and others, which is a bullpen style set up. As a recruiter, you may hear the word 'bullpen' often. This word is slang for a workspace area filled with desks and no separating walls. Everyone works together in an open space. Think 'Wolf of Wallstreet.'
Talk to the interviewer about the type of work environment you prefer, being sure not to single yourself out by speaking negatively of one particular work style over another. Overall, the interviewer will be looking for your ability to concentrate and work well despite your outside surroundings.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I am self-led and driven, which makes me capable of working productively in nearly any work environment. When I started my first job in staffing, I worked in a bullpen environment. Now, I have a private office. However, our agency is busy, and there is always a lot of buzz around me. I look for a collaborative team more than I look for features like a private office."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Being newer to my career in staffing, I see a lot of value working in an open environment where there is a lot of collaboration on projects. I am eager to learn from your talented recruiters. Could you share with me the office set up at Aerotek?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Behavioral
5. Tell me about a time you lost a job order or placement to a competitor. How did you react?
How to Answer
Very often, you will work on job orders that are not exclusive. This non-exclusivity means that your client may give the same job order to five different staffing agencies, and may the best recruiter win! This situation is especially challenging when you live in a smaller city or if the position requires a particular skill set.
Aerotek needs to see that you are up for the challenge and act gracefully and professionally on the days you don't win. Discuss a situation from the past, highlighting how you reacted and how you made the best of the situation.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I have one particular client who refuses ever to give exclusivity. Most of the time, their open jobs are shopped out to three other staffing agencies. The most recent order was to find a chemical engineer with 15+ years of experience, which came from a direct competitor of my client. This search was precise, and a competing agency had already approached many of the candidates I called. I felt behind the ball most of the search and, unfortunately, did not make the final placement. I took the situation for what it was: you win some, and you lose some. I will continue to give priority to this client and offer the best service possible. Also, I will never stop asking for exclusivity in hopes that they change their mind one day."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I made an in-person client call to discuss a few sales openings with a prevalent advertising company in our region. I was eager to win their business and had a lot of great questions prepared for our meeting. Although I felt the meeting went well, the client called me the next day to tell me they gave the business to our competitor because their fees were lower. Our agency keeps integrity in our pricing, so I could not negotiate enough to win the business. I took the situation gracefully because I know that our agency offers much more full-service than the competitor they chose. I ended up hearing back from the client a short time later, expressing that they wanted to give our agency a try after all. It never pays to burn a bridge, and I am so happy that I stuck to my process and remained professional throughout our initial interactions."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Behavioral
6. If a temporary employee let you down regularly, what would you do?
How to Answer
Temporary employment can be a challenge to navigate, especially in industries such as warehousing and logistics. These challenges come because:
- Candidate volume and placements are high
- Wages are average but competitive
- Hours can be sporadic
- Client communication is often lacking due to shift work
If a candidate lets you down regularly by being late, no-showing to their assignment, or failing assessments such as forklift driving skills, consider what you would do. Show the interviewer that you have patience, are empathetic but firm at the same time.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"At the end of the day, it's my client who needs to be happy with the temporary employees that I provide them. If I had a temp who was continually failing to meet expectations, I would have to let them go. Anytime we drop the ball, it can negatively impact my clients' bottom line, which is never a positive situation. On any offense, such as being late or not showing up, I will call the temp employee and find out what happened. I ask for open lines of communication, and if we continually miss the mark on expectations, then I need to move on and put my energy elsewhere."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I believe in setting expectations from the start. I let temporary employees know what will occur, should they fail to come to work or show up for their assignment on time. For the most part, I have excellent working relationships with our temp employees. When I need to let a temp employee go, I still educate the person on work performance expectations, and I encourage them to try their best in the future."
Written by Audra Kresinske on July 28th, 2021
Discovery
7. What is the pay you hope to earn in this role? What does your ideal pay structure look like?
How to Answer
Staffing and recruitment agencies all compensate a bit differently, generally leaning toward what works best for their recruiters based on the type of recruitment they are performing.
Some of these pay structures include 100% commission, draws against commissions, full salary, a salary-commission blend, and monthly guarantees. Be upfront with the interviewer about your compensation expectations. The clearer you are, the higher the chance that you will get what you need.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I currently earn a base salary of $65,000 plus commission for overall earnings in the $105-110K range annually. My current position offers a higher base salary; however, the overall commission structure is not as generous as what you offer at Aerotek. Overall, I would like to see a compensation package that includes health benefits, a minimum of 4 weeks' vacation time, and earning potential in the $125K+ range for my first year."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I understand that first-year recruiters earn in the $40-50K range, often with a blend of an hourly wage plus commission on placements. I am happy with an offering in this range, giving me room to learn and grow. Could you share with me more specifics on the overall compensation plan at Aerotek?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Discovery
8. Why should Aerotek hire you over our other candidates?
How to Answer
This question can be tough for job seekers to answer. This query requires you to brag about yourself on the fly while choosing compelling items from your career highlight reel.
Think about the job posting or job description and the core values of Aerotek. Then, consider how your soft and hard skills match what the company is looking for in a team member.
This question should not give a generic answer like you have 'strong attention to detail.' Rely on your past achievements and accolades! Focus on factors that are unique to you.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I believe you should hire me because of my proven ability to resuscitate dormant clients. I am keen on business development activities and will find new accounts for Aerotek within the first couple of weeks of employment. I am well-versed in supporting junior recruiters and will help them to uncover new and lucrative opportunities as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Other candidates may have more staffing experience; however, my background in highly competitive sports, as well as door-to-door alarm sales, makes me an excellent candidate for this sales role with Aerotek. I know exactly how my efforts impact my team, and I am very goal-focused while being self-led."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Discovery
9. Of the areas where Aerotek recruits, which are you most knowledgeable?
How to Answer
It's impossible to be an expert in every job category. However, if you have worked as a generalist in the recruitment industry, you know that it's possible to have a few favorites where your performance shines!
Of all the job categories that Aerotek recruits for, think about which areas you believe you are the most knowledgeable about. Discuss these and why you are most comfortable in these categories.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"For many years, I worked as a temp recruiter focusing solely on industrial and warehousing. For this reason, I would say that I am most knowledgeable in these areas. I can readily help your clients in the transportation and logistics industries as well. I have a firm grasp on industry jargon as well as the certifications and regulations that come with such safety-based industries."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I see that Aerotek recruits in a variety of areas. Of these categories, sales and retail are the topics that I know best. I have worked in retail and sales and have a strong idea of the best candidates in commissioned sales jobs. With that said, I am eager to get to know other industries such as hospitality and administration."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Discovery
10. Have you ever worked with a staffing agency, from a job seekers' perspective?
How to Answer
If you have ever experienced staffing from a job seeker's perspective, you can understand the recruitment process from a variety of perspectives. This experience allows you to empathize with job seekers who may be nervous working with a recruiter and their clients.
Talk to the interviewer about your experience working with a staffing agency. If you do not have this experience, that is okay too! What is most important is that you show Aerotek you have the empathy and patience needed to work with candidates who do not understand staffing goals.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"A few years ago, I was headhunted into the role that I have now. This situation was my first time being on the other side of the table, and honestly, it was a little bit intimidating! Even though I knew the staffing industry in and out, I was still unsure of the next steps and felt a lot of pressure to impress multiple parties. I wanted to interview well with the company and not let down the recruiter working so hard to place me. This experience gave me a new perspective, and now I treat candidates with even more care and concern. I am clear on next steps, expectations and give them every tool possible to help them succeed."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Although I have not worked with a staffing agency as a job seeker, I completely understand how the situation could be confusing and intimidating. To combat those feelings, I work closely with my candidates and am available for questions along the way. I help my candidates with articles, guides, and information to ensure their success through the entire recruitment process."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Knowledge
11. What is your understanding of a staffing agency?
How to Answer
This question may seem as fundamental as they get, but the interviewer needs to know how staffing works. Staffing is a misunderstood industry. It will be part of your role to clarify clients and candidates who may not fully comprehend what you do. Briefly describe to the hiring authority what a staffing agency is, including who they help and their primary purpose.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I come across many candidates who do not understand what a staffing agency is. I explain to them that a staffing agency works on behalf of other companies to help them find the best talent for their open jobs. I explain that most of my clients do not have the time to filter through thousands of job applications per year, or hire in a timely fashion, so they ask for outside help."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"A staffing agency is like an extension of a company's human resources department. When a company is too busy to keep up with their recruitment needs, a staffing agency will come in to help them source candidates, pre-screen for job skills, and conduct first interviews."
Knowledge
12. What advice or support would you offer a candidate who wants to advance or change career fields?
How to Answer
Like most staffing companies, you will encounter job seekers at all stages of their careers. Some may be seeking employment similar to their current experience, and some might be looking for something different. Whether it is career advancement or a new direction, recruiters at Aerotek must be knowledgeable and equipped to assist job seekers with whatever they need to find employment successfully.
Show the interviewer that you can offer career development advice or support to candidates. Your ability to identify transferable skills, suggest training, and hone in on soft skills can help candidates better understand their potential and achieve their career goals.
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Aerotek offers a wide variety of opportunities through different clients, which makes it easier to place candidates in positions aligned with their goals. I've worked with candidates to show them how their current skills can be used in different roles, even if their experience came from a different industry or company. I've also successfully placed candidates in advanced roles because of their soft skills, which I've learned are important to clients that want to fill management roles."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"For candidates that want to advance or change career fields, I would suggest that they do an inventory on the skills they possess. They may find that their skills can be used in jobs other than what they've done before. I would also suggest they seek training opportunities if they don't have the skills they need to qualify for a particular job."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Knowledge
13. How do you continue to educate yourself as an expert in staffing?
How to Answer
Continued education is critical in the staffing industry as regulations and technology change all of the time. Aerotek seeks to hire people who are committed to growth within their profession. Talk to the interviewer about how you plan to educate yourself within staffing. Some staffing agencies may even pay for continued education opportunities, so please ask the interviewer if this is an option at Aerotek.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I read a lot and also subscribe to a variety of accounts and LinkedIn groups related to recruitment and staffing. I like to attend at least one conference every year. Last year, I attended a conference where the topics included legal issues in staffing and unconscious bias. Do you offer continued education opportunities to your team members here at Aerotek?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Continued education opportunities are important to me as I grow my knowledge in the recruitment industry. To keep myself up to date, I subscribe to many blogs related t other recruitment and staffing industry. I am also taking a couple of certification courses on ethical staffing and conscious recruitment. Could you share with me the education opportunities present at Aerotek?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Knowledge
14. What will be your primary focus in your first 30 days with Aerotek?
How to Answer
There are many tasks and accomplishments that you can focus on when working in the staffing industry. This question is meant to uncover if you have a plan to make an impact on Aerotek shortly after being hired. Much of the staffing industry involves sales-based tasks, so it's a great idea to go into your interview with a strategic plan for your first 30 days and onward. Talk to the interviewer about your goals once you join Aerotek.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"From our conversation, I understand that you need a staffing expert with experience in business development within various engineering sectors. Once I have my footing at Aerotek, I plan to approach the hiring authorities in my network who work within various arms of engineering. In the first 30 days, I aim to bring in 15 new job orders. In the next 60 to 90 days, I will boost that goal to 25 each month. I am confident in my ability to grow into this role quickly while exceeding your business development expectations."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Once hired at Aerotek, I plan to dive into my training, bringing my studies home, and taking time in evenings and weekends to master the content given to me. It's important to me that I learn the staffing industry quickly so that I can begin making an impact when it comes to research, prospecting, and business development activities."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Knowledge
15. In which categories does Aerotek recruit?
How to Answer
The hiring authority at Aerotek needs to be sure that you have done your homework on their organization before attending your interview. There are a plethora of areas where recruitment work is prevalent.
To find out the categories where Aerotek recruits, begin by looking at the job postings they have advertised on their website. Also, you can read some of the copy on their website or look for customer reviews. List 3-5 industries from your research.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"When I looked through the job openings on your website, the most popular categories were Production & Manufacturing, Facilities & Maintenance, Construction, and Warehouse & Distribution. I believe you had jobs available in those categories and more across the United States and globally. I was thrilled to see the wide variety of industries and locations. This volume tells me that your business development professionals and recruiters are hard at work!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"From my research, the most popular categories for Aerotek appear to be Production & Manufacturing, Facilities & Maintenance, and Construction. Also, many of these positions are offered in locations worldwide."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Knowledge
16. How does artificial intelligence impact talent sourcing?
How to Answer
Artificial intelligence (AI) made its splash on the staffing scene many years ago, with the introduction of ATS or applicant tracking systems. Today, AI is becoming smarter and more robust, making it easier to source and screen the best candidates. Talk to the interviewer about the ways you have seen AI change talent sourcing strategy.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"The most dramatic change I have seen in the talent sourcing and staffing industry has been the marriage of AI and affordable SaaS. Job postings and other tasks, automated by Zip Recruiter, do much initial sourcing and screening for HR professionals. This ease of use and affordability means companies who once relied on a staffing agency utilize this technology for themselves. To overcome this, staffing agencies must offer the best and fastest service, proving more than ever before that their fees are worth paying."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Applicant Tracking Systems are getting smarter every year, and once I learned how to utilize an ATS to my benefit, my recruitment process sped up exponentially. Now, I can deliver talented candidates to my clients' inbox in just a day or two, fully screened and ready for their first interview. I also believe that tools such as LinkedIn Recruiter, which rely heavily on AI for search results, have greatly benefitted the staffing industry."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Knowledge
17. What type of clients come to Aerotek for our staffing services?
How to Answer
Aerotek helps a plethora of clients, from small businesses to enterprise-level companies. Check out the company website to look for client reviews, career opportunities, and any other indicator of whom their clients might be. The most important factor with this question is to show that you have done your research on Aerotek before attending your interview.
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
1st Answer Example
"There are many rave reviews on your website from a wide range of industries. I see that you have reviews from (A) and (B) industries, which are very impressive. I have recruited clients in similar industries and even direct competitors in the past. This experience will ensure that I catch on very quickly to your clients' varying needs."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I believe that clients of Aerotek consist of any sized business who need help finding rare skill sets or who need to volume hire for seasonal operations. Although I did not see any specific clients listed on your website, I suspect your biggest clients are within logistics and warehousing, government services, and transportation."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Knowledge
18. How does a staffing agency charge a job seeker for their services?
How to Answer
This one may be a trick question! Legitimate staffing agencies never charge job seekers for placement services. That's right--every placement fee paid to a staffing agency is from the hiring company.
In many countries, such as Canada, it is illegal for a recruitment or staffing agency to charge candidates for job placements. These regulations do not include fees for resume writing or career coaching, for instance. The bottom line is, a job seeker never pays money to be considered for an open position with a staffing agency or their clients.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"All placement fees are paid for by the client, rather than the candidate. In my current agency, we charge the client between 18-25% of the candidate's first-year salary. This fee structure means that if the candidate's agreed-upon salary is $100K, our fee would be $18-25K, never paid for by the candidate. I understand that different regions have various fee structures. However, I believe that a client should always pay the agency placement fee. No financial burden should fall on the job seeker."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Placement fees are paid to a staffing agency when they successfully place a job seeker in a new role with their client. Fee percentages vary; however, an agency should always invoice the hiring company. A candidate may pay for assistance such as resume writing or career coaching, but they do not pay the employment placement fee."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Knowledge
19. What is the difference between temporary, temporary-to-permanent, and permanent placement?
How to Answer
Temp, temp-to-perm, and perms are recruitment and staffing terms that you will hear daily while working for Aerotek.
Working temp means that a contractor is on a temporary contract with the staffing agency to work for their client for a specific amount of time. Temp employees are paid directly from the staffing agency, and the agency then bills the client.
Temp-to-perm is a contract that begins as temporary employment with an opportunity for the contractor to be hired full-time once their work performance is proven.
Perm or permanent placement is when candidates undergo a traditional screening and hiring process with the agency and their client. In the end, the hiring company makes a permanent job offer to the candidate.
Take a few moments to share your knowledge with the interviewer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I get this question from candidates a lot, and it's best to keep the answer straightforward. Temp work is contract work that can last anywhere from a couple of days to a year or more, depending on the company's hiring needs. The contractor knows the assignment can end at any time, without notice. Temporary-to-permanent occurs when that contractor is asked to stay on as a dedicated employee after the original contract period is up. Permanent placements are traditional offer-to-hire gigs where an agency's client will hire the candidate as a dedicated payrolled employee."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"The most significant difference between temp, temp-to-perm, and perm are the expectations set from the beginning. The staffing agency pays temp employees to fulfill a specific client need for an agreed-upon length of time. Temp-to-perm contractors may have the opportunity to be hired full-time once the contract is complete and their performance is proven. Perm refers to traditional employment where a company offers to hire the job seeker immediately."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Knowledge
20. Do you understand how Aerotek makes a profit?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to see that you understand the fee structure at Aerotek or at least staffing agencies in general. Depending on your region, this response could vary, as there are different rules and regulations surrounding staffing and recruitment in the world.
For the most part, a staffing agency makes a profit in three ways:
1. Permanent placement fees
2. Temporary placement fees
3. Retainer based searches
Permanent placement fees are usually a set percentage based on the ideal candidate's salary. Let's say that a staffing agency is asked to headhunt a chemical engineer. The staffing agency finds the perfect candidate, and that chemical engineer comes with an asking salary of $100K per year. The hiring company would pay (in addition to the $100K salary) a fee of 18-25% of that number as a permanent placement fee. So, a one-time $18-25K fee.
Temp fees are a surcharge in addition to a temporary employee or contractors' hourly wage. Assuming the same chemical engineer is working on a 12-month contract for an oil and gas company. The OG company does not want to add this engineer to their permanent payroll or pay the engineer's employment insurance and other government-required fees. The staffing agency will take on 'employer' and charge the additional costs plus a commission to the OG company. Let's say the chemical engineer is asking for $40/hour. The staffing agency will charge the OG company $55/hour, giving $40 to the contractor and taking $15 as an administration fee and commission.
A retainer is a fee that is paid in advance to secure the services of a staffing agency. Primarily retainers are only requested by high-end executive search firms who conduct long, complicated searches for talents such as surgeons, lawyers, professors, and CFOs. In this instance, the hiring company would pay a large sum upfront to the agency and then the remainder of their fee once the ideal candidate accepts a job offer.
Chances are, Aerotek will be paid by perm or temp placement fees only. Speak to the interviewer briefly about fee structures, showing that you come from a place of full understanding.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I fully understand how recruitment and staffing agencies make a profit. My educated guess is that you earn a profit through retainers, permanent placement fees, and temp fees. Could you share with me what your fee percentage is? My current agency charges 20-22% depending on the difficulty of the position and the location of our search."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"From my research, I understand that Aerotek makes a profit from placement fees. I am familiar with three placement fee styles. The first style is the permanent search fee, which is a flat rate. Another fee style is a temp fee which is added to a contractors' hourly wage. Last is a retainer fee where the client pays a large percentage upfront, similar to hiring an attorney. Which fee structure is used most at Aerotek?"
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Performance
21. What are some professional goals you have set for yourself this year?
How to Answer
Aerotek knows that only the most eager recruiters win job orders and make placements since the staffing industry is competitive and challenging. Show the interviewer that you have professional goals and that you are keen to make a name for yourself in the staffing industry.
Professional goals can include earning a promotion, attending an industry conference to expand your network, or taking additional courses to broaden your recruitment knowledge.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"This year, I plan to attend the Staffing World conference in Las Vegas to infuse some new contacts into my network. I have been in the recruitment industry for eight years, and it's easy to become complacent with a steady pipeline of business. This year it's important to me that I gain new contacts while also learning more about the way technology is changing our industry."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I am new to my career, so it's important to me that I carve out my professional path from the start. This year I have decided to seek out a mentor in the recruitment industry who can help me to reach my goals while keeping my knowledge current and continually expanding my understanding of the staffing industry."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Performance
22. Are you willing to work outside of the regular 9-5?
How to Answer
In staffing, you may be asked to work outside of a typical Monday to Friday work week, depending on your clients and candidate needs. If you have a candidate who cannot interview during standard work hours, you may need to conduct a phone interview at 7 PM to accommodate their needs. If you do temp staffing, you may have warehouse clients who call you at 6 AM to report a worker who did not show up for their early-morning shift.
Many recruiters have their cell phones on 24/7 and check their email on weekends. Show Aerotek that you are willing to accommodate the varying needs of your clients and candidates.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In the world of staffing, I do not expect to work a strict 40 hour per week schedule, but I also know that I'm looking for a work-life balance. As needed, I will be available to my clients and candidates. I have email on my phone and am sure to be on top of my candidates' start dates, promptly checking in with my clients even on weekends and evenings."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"In staffing, I anticipate working over 40 hours per week, especially around final deadlines. That said, that comes with some limits, as I do value my work-life balance. Could you share with me the expectations for this role?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Performance
23. How do you effectively manage your time?
How to Answer
Staffing professionals have many tasks to juggle and tight deadlines to meet. Your days will often consist of client calls, conducting interviews, following up on candidates, and other administrative tasks. To excel in your position, you'll also need to find time for professional development.
Explain how you will effectively manage your time at Aerotek. The interviewer will want to know if you understand the importance of time management and how well you manage your time to meet job and career goals.
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Because of the nature of staffing and recruiting, I understand that prioritizing tasks and maximizing available time is a must. To do this effectively, I like to use a calendar or scheduling tool to plan my daily tasks. This helps ensure I am attentive to the needs of my clients and candidates. I use any downtime for professional development or stay current on the latest trends and developments in recruitment. Of course, there are days when things don't go as planned or an urgent matter might need to be resolved right away, so I resolve the urgent issue and immediately get back on track with other pending tasks."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I effectively manage my time by not putting things off for another day or time. Some days can be unpredictable. I like to do my work in a timely and orderly fashion so I don't fall behind. I also never want to leave clients or candidates hanging, so I know I need to use my time wisely."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Performance
24. Tell me about the targets and goals in your current position. Do you have trouble meeting them?
How to Answer
Every staffing professional knows that there are targets and goals to meet within their agency. In temporary recruitment, these targets often relate to the speed at which you fill open job orders or the volume of work that you get from your clients.
In permanent staffing, goals can include the fees you have collected each quarter or how many job orders you brought in through cold calling efforts.
Talk to the interviewer about the goals and targets in your current position. If you are not sure of the goals present in this role with Aerotek, it is certainly okay to ask.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"In my current position, I have a heavy focus on new client acquisition and business development activities, including performing at least 60 cold calls per week. I always meet my performance targets, including job order volume, first interviews conducted, and placement fees collected. This month already, I am 154% to my placement fee goals."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I am measured on how quickly I fill my temporary job orders and the number of new job orders that my existing clients send me every month. My average is 20 job orders per month, with an expectation of just 15. I am a high performer, and I look forward to bringing this winning attitude to Aerotek."
Scenario
25. When have you had to change a search due to new information from your client?
How to Answer
Recruitment projects can change on a dime for a variety of reasons. In the staffing industry, you may find that your client calls off a search entirely after you have poured all of your energy into it for weeks.
Other situations may change, such as their ideal background or candidate education. Perhaps the client forgot to mention that the role requires extensive travel or eventual relocation.
Talk to the interviewer about a time when you had to pivot your search due to new information. Discuss how you reacted and what you did to keep the momentum going. Most of all, Aerotek wants to see that you are adaptable.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"Just last month, I had a client who needed to find ten territory sales reps in 60 days. The job order was one of the largest that I had ever taken. The territories had been outlined clearly, which was great. I could call candidates and be very clear with them on the travel expectations and percentage of overnight travel. Partway through my search, the client came back and said that they decided to hire just five people and double up on the territories. I had to call my shortlisted candidates again and ask them if they were open to much more extensive travel than originally discussed. Luckily, most of them were open to the idea; however, I did lose three top candidates due to the change. One thing that I have learned in the recruitment industry is to be flexible and roll with the punches because situations like this come up all the time."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I had a client, after interviewing my top three candidates, decide that they only wanted to see candidates with post-secondary degrees. I moved on to seek out and present only candidates with college degrees. The client was happy and ended up choosing the very first candidate I submitted. I am glad that I complied rather than fight the situation because it all worked out well in the end."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Situational
26. Name some reasons why a job seeker would want to work as a temporary employee.
How to Answer
Although it may seem strange to some people, there are many reasons why a job seeker would want to work as a temporary employee. Job seekers from the beginning of their career into retirement age can all enjoy the perks of temp work. Some of these benefits include:
Flexibility - As a temp worker, you can agree to take or turn down work at your leisure. For retired individuals who travel a lot, temp work is excellent for seasonal needs.
Buying time - Temp workers can earn money as contractors until they find the right permanent opportunity.
Compliance with work restrictions - Temp opportunities are often a better fit for people waiting on permanent residency or citizenship who may have federal work restrictions.
Fill resume gaps - Temp work offers job seekers the opportunity to learn new skills in various settings, thereby expanding their resume.
Fast-track to employers - Temp employees are often offered a permanent position after their assignment is complete if the hiring authorities are impressed with their performance.
Discuss with the interviewer why you believe some candidates would prefer to take on temporary assignments.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I have met many people who highly prefer working temp, for a variety of reasons. The most common reason is the desire to build out their resume to include more skills and avoid resume gaps while searching for the perfect permanent opportunity. I have also met many semi-retired folks who temp as food samplers on weekends to supplement their retirement income. Temp is an excellent solution for many people."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I have worked as a temp in the past. My reasoning was to earn money during the summer between university. I found this solution to be very beneficial as it rounded out my resume and helped me network. Other people may like to temp if they want the flexibility, or if they have work restrictions due to personal circumstance."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Skills
27. What advice would you give to a recent grad seeking employment with no work experience?
How to Answer
Aerotek is all about empowering their candidate, which includes giving sound career and job-search advice to the candidates they work with. Talk to the hiring authority about the advice that you would give to a recent graduate with no work experience who needed to round out their resume. Your advice could be to volunteer more, add in some temporary work, take additional coursework, and more.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I am a strong believer in the power of volunteer work. Statistics show that 3 out of 4 hiring managers prefer to hire candidates with recent volunteer experience. For that reason, I advise new grads that their volunteer work should be on their resume. It can outweigh work experience if highlighted to an employer correctly."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"The best piece of advice that I could give a recent grad is to continually educate themselves in the form of online coursework, reading the right books, and taking advantage of personal development opportunities. I would also recommend they network and get out in their community. Many jobs come through networking, so it's important to get your name out there."
Skills
28. Describe your communication skills.
How to Answer
At Aerotek, communication is key for building their reputation and relationships with everyone they work with. Excellent communication is important for communicating expectations from candidates, collaborating with team members, forming partnerships with clients, winning contracts, and even representing the community.
The Aerotek hiring manager wants to know how well you communicate in any given scenario. Please show them your communication skills and assure them that you know the importance and impact of good written and verbal communication.
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
1st Answer Example
"As a recruiter, I have the ability to convey information at all levels. For example, I've worked with candidates looking for their first job and even executives in the workforce for many years. I treat both types of candidates with the same professionalism and communicate the next steps throughout the entire process. I never assume they understand the process, and I answer all of their questions with as much information as possible. This helps eliminate confusion and puts them at ease. I also understand that as a recruiter, I represent Aerotek, so I make sure all of my written documents are well-written, accurate, and professional."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"When it comes to communicating, I believe that it's not only what you say but also how you say it. I make sure that, whether written or verbal, I communicate thoroughly and professionally. I also like to respond to clients and candidates quickly to avoid the risk of losing them to a competitor."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Skills
29. Tell me about your customer service experience.
How to Answer
Recruitment involves a great deal of customer service. When working with clients, candidates, and even other employees in your organization, it is likely that you will be providing customer service in some fashion. Companies like Aerotek build and maintain great reputations by the customer service their employees provide.
Show the interviewer that you know what it takes to offer stellar customer service to everyone you work with. Share how you've earned the trust and rapport of clients and candidates. Some examples might include:
-Taking the time to understand their needs
-Going above and beyond to meet expectations
-Consistent and professional communication
-Being pleasant
-Being available and responsive to questions that may arise
-Share reasons why or stories of clients returning for your services
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
1st Answer Example
"After learning about the company culture at Aerotek and reading the client reviews, I know that Aerotek is committed to offering top-notch customer service. Your company has built an incredible reputation in the recruitment industry, which is one reason I would love to work here. I strive to offer great customer service by being attentive to my clients and candidates. I know that finding the right candidate for a position can be exhausting and time-consuming for a client, so I try to make it as easy and seamless as possible to find the right people for them. Many of my clients have returned because of my responsiveness. I also know how stressful it can be for a job seeker, so I make sure I contact them during the job search process and after they are hired. Offering great customer service helps Aerotek stay ahead of the competition."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Customer service has been a big part of every job that I've had. I like to follow the rule that the customer is always right, and I do my best to go above and beyond to understand and meet their needs. I know that by providing good customer service, clients will return and even send referrals. This can mean anything from responding promptly to being kind and understanding."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Skills
30. How do you determine job order priority?
How to Answer
Prioritizing job orders when you have multiple open requests at one time can be a tricky task. You may want to consider factors like:
- The clients' preferred start date
- The difficulty level of a search
- Whether the search is exclusive
- The candidate market in the role's location/region
Show the interviewer that you will not have a problem sorting your job orders at Aerotek ensuring every client is taken care of promptly.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I lean on my CRM a lot when it comes to prioritizing tasks. I rank jobs in order of importance in an A, B, C fashion, along with setting up goals, dates, and milestones. My system prompts me when a deadline is approaching. Some clients' needs are more urgent than others; for example, a new search versus an unexpected replacement. Overall, I never allow a client to go more than 48 hours without some movement from me."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Non-exclusive roles often receive priority. Also, temp gigs tend to require a fast turnaround, sometimes less than 24 hours between orders to fill. Next, I prioritize by how responsive my client is and their preferred start date."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Skills
31. Recruitment often requires out-of-the-box thinking. Are you creative by nature?
How to Answer
Being creative doesn't necessarily mean that you can paint like Picasso or write songs like Lady Gaga. What creativity means is being able to view and solve common issues in a unique way. Creativity can include being willing to take a risk and change your perspective on a topic.
As a recruiter, being creative is an essential skill since you will often need to look at your clients' needs and pain points in a completely new way. Assure the interviewer that you are creative, giving a work-related example.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I am most certainly a creative individual. One example of my creativity in action would be the prospecting sales script series that I created for our new business development associates. The scripts needed a facelift, so I took my copywriting skills, my sales savvy and married them into a very effective sales series. Since this implementation, our close rate has increased by 15%."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Unconventional thinking in business requires a great deal of creativity. When it comes to placing candidates with non-exclusive job orders, I need to think differently than other competing agencies with the same client job order. I reverse engineer the path of my ideal candidate, and by doing so, I am the first to reach top candidates before many of my competing recruiters."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Skills
32. How often do you follow up with your candidates after placed in a permanent role with your client?
How to Answer
Many staffing agencies will have a schedule of events when checking in with candidates after placing them with a client. These check-ins are vital as they are meant to ensure that your candidate is happy with their new placement and meets performance expectations.
Most staffing agencies offer a free replacement to their client should a candidate not work out for the best within 90 days of the start of their employment. For this reason, it's best practice to have regular check-ins for the first 90 days and into the candidate's first year. Show the interviewer that you understand the importance of this practice and that you are a diligent staffing professional.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I have a schedule for checking in on every single one of my permanent placements. I check in on their first day and at the end of their first week. After their first week, I have a weekly check-in for the first 30 days. From then, every other week until they reach their 90 day probation period. From 90 days to year one, I schedule a monthly email. All of my candidates appreciate my diligence in ensuring they are happy with their placement. This action allows me to react to any potential situations before they become a major issue."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I believe it's best to check in on the morning of their first day and two more times during the candidate's first week. For the first 90 days, I will email or call once per week. Then, I check in monthly. These conversations are usually short. I ask questions related to expectations versus reality, their overall comfort level, and happiness with their new work environment."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Skills
33. When scanning a resume for the first time, what do you look for?
How to Answer
Statistics show that a recruiter will give a resume between seven and eleven seconds of their attention before moving on to another resume. Experts in the staffing industry know how to scan and screen a resume for the most critical information so they can easily shortlist or disqualify.
Working at Aerotek, chances are most of the resumes you will receive will first be screened by your applicant tracking system. However, many more resumes will come by email. Show the interviewer that you know what to look for in a resume when you initially screen.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"When I am scanning a resume for the first time, I will first look to see if they meet my client's educational requirements. Then, I look at their dates of employment to see if they are job hoppers. Next, I look at their job title and the industries they have worked to ensure their career progression makes sense. I also want to know if they have worked for my client in the past. If they pass these initial checks, I will call them for a prescreen telephone interview."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Job hopping is the first thing that I look for in a resume. If the candidate has held more than five jobs in three years, I disqualify them. It's nearly impossible to ask a client for a hefty fee when there are no guarantees this candidate will be loyal to the company for a significant amount of time. Next, I look for a match with industry and education and ensure that job titles and movements make sense. For example, if someone went from sales rep to CEO in 6 months, I would need to know more since that would be an unusual career progression."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
Teamwork
34. How do you build trust and rapport with your clients?
How to Answer
For Aerotek, client relationships are everything. Excellent client service and strong relationships are what separate successful agencies from those who struggle. As a staffing professional, you know that anything is possible, from finding unicorn candidates to closing temp contracts in a matter of hours.
Show the interviewer that you know what it takes to build strong client relationships. Your relationship-building activities can include asking your clients questions about themselves, setting clear expectations and guidelines at the start of every search, and learning their industry language. Exceptional follow-up is another way to build trust with your clients quickly.
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
1st Answer Example
"As the lead permanent search recruiter, I am always the first person that a potential new client sees. To build a strong relationship from the start, I make sure that I look professional and capable. First impressions are indeed everything. I ask insightful questions that stand apart from other recruiters with whom they have met. Most importantly, I empower my clients to understand stellar recruitment practices. I become their partner in staffing versus just another recruiter looking for a fee."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"The fastest way to create a trusting relationship with my clients is to deliver candidates to them much faster than they anticipated. I like to present my first candidate within 24 hours of receiving the job order. This speed means that I win over other recruiters while showing my client that I care about their needs. I earn many other job orders from this approach, as well as countless referrals."
Written by Rachelle Enns on July 28th, 2021
Teamwork
35. How would your co-workers and clients describe you?
How to Answer
Aerotek prides itself on being a people-focused organization. This means they not only care about their partnerships but also their employees. As a staffing professional, you must share the same values when working with people in and out of your organization.
By reading Aerotek's website, you get a good understanding of its mission and company culture. Take time to identify what Aerotek values in candidates and partnerships. Be honest in your answer and describe how your qualities are closely aligned to the culture at Aerotek.
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
1st Answer Example
"I understand that Aerotek is a people-focused and performance-driven organization. I chose to recruit because I take pride in helping others reach their goals successfully. My previous co-workers and clients would definitely say that I enjoy helping others and that I am committed to doing so even when issues arise."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"My co-workers would say that I am a team player. Whenever they need assistance, I am always willing to help even when I am busy with my own work. They would also say that I've been dedicated to learning more about the recruitment field so I can go further in my career."
Written by Ronda Barnes on July 23rd, 2021