Page 85 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

I N TERV IEW THE I N TERV IEW ER

CONTINGENCY AND RETAINER AGENCIES

There are two types of recruiting agencies: contingency and retainer.
Some agencies do both. But in general, contingency agencies are paid
only if they present a candidate who accepts a position. Retainer
agencies are paid whether they present a candidate or not, but they
look a hell of a lot better if they present qualified candidates.

That’s why recruiters of either stripe want to like you, or at least
believe you can do the job. They want to be able to refer you to their
clients. They want their clients to agree that you are as qualified as
they believe you are. They don’t get paid unless three conditions are
met: one, their client agrees and offers you a job; two, you accept the
job; and three, you are successful on the job—or at least stay with
the job for a specified period of time, generally three months to a
year. So if you are at all qualified, they are going to do everything
within reason to sell you on the company and sell the company on
you.

Your interview with a recruiter is different in tone and content
than with an employer. In some cases, you will not even know the

? Memorably Good Question
#1

What’s the makeup of the team as far as experience? Am I
going to be a mentor, or will I be mentored?

This question shows that the candidate is sensitive to where he
will fit in the organization relative to the skill level of the other
members of the team. It also demonstrates a willingness to
teach or be taught, in either case evidence of a team player.

Houston Landry
Human Resources Manager
Avalanche Communications Group
Dallas, TX

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