Robert Half Mock Interview
Master 35 Robert Half interview questions covering recruitment expertise, client relationships, and staffing industry knowledge.
Question 18 of 35
Tell me about a time you lost a job order or placement to a competitor. How did you react?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
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.
Robert Half needs to see that you are up for the challenge and that you act gracefully and professionally on the days you don't win. Discuss a situation from the past, highlighting how you reacted and made the best of the situation.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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 incredibly specific, and a competing agency had already approached many of the candidates I called. I felt behind 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. I'll also ensure that I am displaying the benefits of working with Robert Half by being professional, available, and understanding their needs. Also, I will never stop asking for exclusivity - in hopes that they change their mind one day."
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