How to answer "Why Recruitment" (with sample answers)

Why do employers ask "Why Recruitment"

The question "Why are you interested in Recruitment?" in a job interview is a common one, especially for roles requiring sourcing, staffing, screening, and recommending suitable individuals for job vacancies. Employers use this question to know an interviewee's level of expertise and passion for the recruitment industry and their expert understanding of the responsibilities associated with the role.

How to answer "Why Recruitment"

When answering the "Why Recruitment" question in a job interview, it's essential to address your passion for the field, knowledge of current hiring trends, and the role of a recruiter. A great answer shows an understanding of the recruitment profession, a strong work ethic, and your suitability for the job. It would help if you demonstrated that you know the job's details and you have done your homework by researching the company before responding to the question.

How to prepare for this question

To prepare for the "Why Recruitment" question, it is crucial to research the company's recruitment policies and job requirements. You should understand the company's culture, mission, and values, and its place in the industry. Additionally, you should have knowledge of the best sourcing channels, skills, and tools used in recruitment. You may also research statistics and recruitment trends online and read relevant books, blogs, and articles to learn more about the subject matter.

Common mistakes when answering this question

Many job seekers make mistakes when answering the "Why Recruitment" question in job interviews. Some candidates may place more emphasis on the salary and benefits than the job itself. Some may not have a proper understanding of the recruitment field, which may lead to poor responses. Others may not research the company sufficiently, resulting in a lack of knowledge of its recruitment policies. Avoid these mistakes by preparing, researching, and responding with relevant examples to show your suitability for the role.

Sample answers

1. Bad answer:

Well, I don't really have any experience in this field, but I need a job and thought it might be a good fit for me.

Why it's a bad answer: This answer shows a lack of interest in the field and suggests the candidate applied for the job solely out of necessity. It doesn't demonstrate any genuine passion or enthusiasm for the role, which could lead the interviewer to question the candidate's commitment to the job.

2. Good answer:

I've always had a passion for working with people and helping them achieve their career goals. In the Recruitment field, I love the opportunity to not only help job seekers find employment that matches their skills and interests but also assist clients in building a successful and diverse team.

Why it's a good answer: This answer demonstrates genuine interest and enthusiasm for recruitment as a profession. The candidate shares a passion for the industry and job seekers, and how the job aligns with personal values. It also highlights the benefits of the role for both job seekers and client, which shows the candidate's knowledge of the role and potential impact they could have if hired.

3. Good answer:

Through my previous experience in HR management, I have seen how crucial the recruitment process can be to the success of an organization. I've been impressed with how your company approaches recruitment as a strategic process and believes in creating a positive experience for candidates and hiring managers alike. I'm excited to bring my skills and experience to your team and contribute to your company's success in attracting top talent.

Why it's a good answer: This response demonstrates that the candidate has knowledge and prior experience in related HR functions. The candidate connects their knowledge about the company to the role's interest, and how they can impact the company's success positively. It also highlights the importance of the role to the overall success of the organization, suggesting the candidate has a good understanding of the job and its importance.

4. Bad answer:

Recruitment seems like an easy job that doesn't require much technical expertise. Plus, I hear it pays well, and I'm in need of a job right now.

Why it's a bad answer: This answer not only shows a lack of genuine interest or enthusiasm for the job but also comes across as being motivated mainly by money. It also assumes that the recruitment job's technical aspect isn't important, showing lack of knowledge and experience of the industry, which could lead to the interviewer questioning the candidate's qualifications for this role.