When a recruiter first receives a job order, they should take the time to briefly qualify the client’s job order and clarify their fees and terms.  Below is a list of four questions a recruiter should ask the client about a new job order:

1. Why do you need to fill this position?  The employer should be able to tell you why the functions of the job are important to their company.  They should also be able to tell you what would happen if they were unable to fill the job order.  This will let the recruiter know how important the job order is to the client which in turn will indicate how quickly or slowly they will move through the hiring process.
2. How many people have applied for this job already and why didn’t you hire them?  The client’s answer to this question will let the recruiter know what the deal breakers are for the client.
3. What type of compensation package are you offering for this job?  The client should also provide a salary range they are willing to consider.
4. If I found a candidate that met all of your requirements and there was mutual interest how quickly would you be able to hire them?