The practical answer

Ask the minimum job-related questions needed for a useful recruiter handoff: role interest, work location, shift, start availability and relevant experience. Explain what is still subject to review. Keep sensitive documents and any required eligibility checks in the agency’s appropriate secure process.

How to put it into practice

  1. Agree on the actual job requirements with the agency before writing questions.
  2. Use clear options and allow candidates to explain uncertain answers.
  3. Deliver the original answers with any missing information visibly marked.

A practical example

For a forklift opening, ask about the equipment used and relevant recent experience. A self-reported answer helps the recruiter prepare; it does not establish certification, training compliance or approval to operate equipment.

What to measure

Track completed screens, missing fields and agency acceptance with reason codes.

A mistake to avoid

Avoid unnecessary personal questions or an automated pass/fail decision based on unverified answers.

Turn the next step into a plan

Local Job Listings USA helps staffing agencies generate candidate conversations and develop employer opportunities. Tell us your roles, market and current workflow, and choose when you would prefer to talk.

Plan my candidate campaign ↗

Further reading

Related questions

How quickly should a staffing agency respond to candidate leads? ↗How can AI conversations help staffing agencies recruit? ↗How can staffing agencies reduce candidate ghosting? ↗Explore all 52 resources ↗