It's Not Dumb to Ask a Recruiter What Attracted Them to Your Resume

When it comes to job hunting, asking a recruiter what attracted them to your resume is a smart and savvy move. While some might hesitate to pose this question, doing so can provide valuable insights and help you tailor your approach for future interviews. Here’s why asking is not just acceptable, but actually beneficial.

The Value of Understanding the Recruiters’ Perspective

Asking a recruiter what attracted them to your resume helps you gain insight into their perspective. This allows you to understand what aspects of your skills, experience, and application stood out to them. Such understanding can significantly improve your chances of success in subsequent interviews and applications. It shows that you are genuinely interested in the position and committed to presenting yourself in the best possible light.

How to Frame Your Question for Maximum Impact

When posing the question, ensure you do so naturally and respectfully. You can frame it in a way that fits smoothly into the conversation. For example, you could say, "Could you tell me what aspects of my background or skills were most compelling to you during the preliminary review?" This approach keeps the atmosphere open and collaborative, which is crucial for a positive interaction.

Specific Insights and Tailored Responses

Recruiters often focus on specific skills or experiences that align with the needs of the position. If a recruiter mentions that your experience helped increase sales, you can refine your approach to better highlight your sales-related abilities. Such feedback can help you tailor your responses and better articulate the value you can bring to the role. Knowing these key skills or experiences can also guide you in preparing relevant examples and stories during the interview.

When and How to Ask

The timing of your question matters as well. If you have already passed the initial stages of the interview process, this could be an excellent opportunity to ask. Wait for a natural break in the conversation and express your appreciation for the time and feedback, then gently probe into what attracted them to your resume.

It's also worth noting that not all recruiters or HR professionals will have read your resume during the interview. In such cases, the Talent Acquisition team may have reviewed your application. Regardless, asking can still provide valuable insights, and it shows your dedication and interest in the position.

Alternative Questions to Kickstart the Conversation

If you're unsure about asking this specific question, you can initiate the conversation with more general, yet helpful, inquiries. For example, you could express your interest in the company culture and mission. Questions like, "What makes your organization unique?" or "How do you see this role contributing to the company’s objectives?" can set a positive tone and help you engage more meaningfully with the interviewer.

For more tips and interesting questions to ask your interviewer, visit our website at We provide a wealth of resources and insights to help you navigate the interview process and land your dream job.