7 Questions You Should Ask a Recruiter Before Spending Money on Them

Hiring the right talent is one of the most important decisions a business can make and the wrong hire can be costly. That’s why many companies turn to recruiters for help. But the truth is, not all recruiters provide the same level of service, and some charge significant fees without delivering real results.

Before you invest in recruitment support, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Doing so not only protects your budget but also ensures you’re partnering with someone who will genuinely add value. Here’s a breakdown of the seven key questions and how FBR stands apart in each area.

1. What specific services am I paying for?

Too often, recruiters offer vague packages that leave clients unsure about what they’re actually getting. Are you paying for CV screening, candidate outreach, advertising, or full end-to-end recruitment?
Tip: Ask for a detailed breakdown of services and the associated costs. If a recruiter can’t clearly explain what’s included, that’s a warning sign.

How FBR stands out:
We provide full transparency from the start. Our clients know exactly what services they’re getting, from advertising roles and headhunting candidates to interview coordination and ongoing support. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges, just clear, accountable recruitment.

2. What experience do you have in my industry?

Every industry has its own nuances, whether it’s compliance requirements, salary benchmarks, or the soft skills that really matter. A recruiter without experience in your sector can waste weeks and still deliver poor-fit candidates.
Tip: Request specific examples of placements in your field and ask about any challenges they overcame.

How FBR stands out:
FBR focuses on industries where we have proven expertise. We understand what makes a candidate succeed in your sector, which reduces time-to-hire and improves long-term retention. Our clients benefit from our deep industry knowledge, not just a generic hiring service.

3. How do you source your candidates?

Some recruiters simply post job ads and wait for applicants. Others proactively headhunt the best talent from their networks.
Tip: Ask about their sourcing strategy. Are they leveraging social networks like LinkedIn, tapping into passive talent pools, or relying mainly on job boards?

How FBR stands out:
We combine multiple sourcing strategies tailored to each role. Whether it’s targeted outreach to passive candidates or using our extensive network to find hidden talent, we don’t rely on chance, we deliver results.

4. What is your success rate?

Paying a fee without evidence of results is risky. You deserve to know whether the recruiter can actually deliver the hires you need.
Tip: Ask for data on placements, time-to-fill, and candidate retention. A professional recruiter will share this openly.

How FBR stands out:
Transparency is at our core. We provide clear metrics for our success, including average time-to-fill and long-term retention rates. Many of our clients return to us for repeat hiring because we consistently deliver.

5. How do you ensure the candidates you present are the right fit?

Finding a candidate who simply meets the job description isn’t enough, they need to fit your team and company culture too.
Tip: Ask how the recruiter assesses candidate skills, experience, and personality to make sure they match both the role and your company.

How FBR stands out:
We take a consultative approach, getting to know your business, team, and values before recommending candidates. By combining detailed screening, in-depth interviews, and industry insight, we focus on quality over quantity, helping you find candidates who truly fit and thrive in your organisation.

6. What communication can I expect from you?

Poor communication can make even a great recruiter frustrating to work with. Updates should be timely, clear, and consistent.
Tip: Ask about expected response times, how often updates are given, and whether there’s a single point of contact.

How FBR stands out:
We value transparent, proactive communication. Clients have one dedicated contact and regular updates throughout the recruitment process. You’ll never have to chase for information or wonder what’s happening behind the scenes.

7. Can I speak to previous clients?

Reputation matters. A good recruiter should welcome the chance to connect you with satisfied clients.
Tip: Ask for references and read testimonials carefully. Look for clients in similar industries or roles.

How FBR stands out:
We proudly share client feedback and success stories. Many of our clients continue working with us year after year, which is a strong indicator of trust, reliability, and results.

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Instincts
Even if a recruiter answers all the right questions, it’s important to consider how you feel about working with them. Do they listen? Do they seem genuinely invested in your success? Chemistry and trust are just as important as metrics and guarantees.

Why Choosing the Right Recruiter Matters

Recruitment is about more than just filling a role; it’s about building a team that drives your business forward. Asking the right questions ensures you avoid costly mistakes and partner with someone who truly understands your needs.

At FBR, we combine industry expertise, proactive sourcing, and transparent communication to make every hire a success. We don’t just place candidates, we build long-term partnerships with our clients, delivering talent that fits both the role and your company culture. With FBR, you’re not just hiring a recruiter; you’re gaining a trusted partner committed to your growth.

Work with FBR Recruitment

FBR Recruitment is a leading name in construction staffing, connecting skilled workers and experienced professionals with top construction firms, developers, and consultancies across the UK. With deep industry knowledge and a personalised approach, we help businesses hire the right people at every level, from trades and labourers to site managers and commercial teams. We know the challenges of construction recruitment and provide bespoke staffing solutions designed to deliver long-term results. Visit our website to browse current roles, discover our range of recruitment services, or speak to our expert team to start finding the talent your business needs.