It takes an average of 24 days for U. S. companies to take an applicant through the interview process, according to the Society of Human Resource Management. You might lose the best people for your open jobs if it takes too long to make an offer. Here are three ways that PeopleReady can help you get the best workers for your business faster by making the candidate experience better.
Getting hired at PeopleReady means impressing hiring managers with your skills, experience and personality during the interview process. As one of the leading staffing agencies in North America, PeopleReady has high standards when it comes to selecting new employees.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 15 most common PeopleReady interview questions along with tips and examples to help you craft winning responses. Whether you’re interviewing for an office job or field position, being prepared with strong answers can make all the difference in moving forward in the hiring process.
1. Why do you want to work for PeopleReady?
This is a very common opening interview question It allows the interviewer to assess your interest in the company and motivation for wanting to join the team
How to answer:
- Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company’s mission and values. Talk about how you want to help connect people to work and make a positive impact.
- Mention why you’re drawn to the staffing industry and any relevant experience you have.
- Highlight aspects of the role or company culture that appeal to you and align with your career goals.
Example: “I’m excited to work for PeopleReady because of your reputation as an innovative leader in the staffing industry. Your technology like JobStack is really changing the game. I’m passionate about matching the right candidate to the right opportunity, and I think my skills in client relations and recruiting make me a great fit for this role and company.”
2. What do you know about PeopleReady?
Interviewers use this question to assess how much research you’ve done on the company and your overall interest level It’s essential to learn as much as possible before your interview
How to answer:
- Share a brief overview of the company, including details like when it was founded, number of locations, industries served, and any notable achievements or innovations.
- Mention the company’s services and technology, values, workplace culture, client base, and competitive advantages in the staffing market.
- Conclude by reiterating why you feel you’d be a great culture fit.
Example: “From my research, I know that PeopleReady is one of the largest staffing firms in North America, providing services across a wide range of industries. You have over 700 branch locations and focus on connecting people to light industrial, hospitality, retail, warehousing, construction and other types of jobs. I’m really impressed with innovations like JobStack that use data and technology to match candidates to the right opportunities. And I appreciate your values around safety, integrity, passion and relationships. I feel I’d align well with this culture while contributing my skills in recruiting, sales and client relations.”
3. Why do you want to work in staffing and recruiting?
Staffing is a unique industry, and interviewers want to know what attracts you specifically to this type of role. This question also gauges your understanding of the profession.
How to answer:
- Share why you’re passionate about matching people to jobs where they can thrive and make an impact.
- Mention any relevant skills, experience or personality traits that make you a great fit for this work.
- Highlight what excites you about the fast-paced and people-focused nature of the industry.
Example: “I’m excited to work in staffing and recruiting because I’m genuinely passionate about connecting people to meaningful work. I love having the opportunity to change lives by helping candidates find jobs where they can grow and succeed. And I thrive in the high-energy, fast-paced environment where every day is different. From my experience in client relations and sales, I know I have the skills to excel in this field – like building relationships, understanding people’s needs, and finding creative solutions.”
4. What do you know about our JobStack app?
PeopleReady is industry-leading when it comes to leveraging technology in staffing. JobStack is their proprietary mobile app that allows candidates to search for jobs and connect directly with PeopleReady reps. Your interviewer wants to ensure you’ve researched this unique platform.
How to answer:
- Provide a brief overview of JobStack and how it benefits candidates and the company.
- Mention any specific features that interest you or that you feel would help you excel in your role.
- Share your experience using mobile apps and eagerness to learn new technology platforms on the job.
Example: “From my research on PeopleReady, I’m very impressed with the JobStack mobile app. I understand it provides candidates with a simple way to search for nearby jobs, directly connect with PeopleReady reps, and build their employment profile. Features like the onboarding portal, skill assessments, and document signing capabilities are great for streamlining hiring and placement. As someone comfortable learning new tech tools who values innovation, I’m excited to leverage JobStack in this role to connect more people to work.”
5. Why do you have gaps in your employment history?
If you have significant gaps in your resume, expect to be asked about the reasons why. Be prepared to explain the gaps in a positive way.
How to answer:
- Explain the reason for each gap truthfully, whether it was education, caring for family, sabbatical, etc.
- Emphasize skills or experiences you gained during that time, like volunteering or taking classes.
- Reassure the interviewer that you are now fully committed to returning to the workforce.
Example: “I decided to take a year off to care for my elderly parents full-time when my father underwent surgery. It was an important time in my family’s life, and I don’t regret prioritizing being there for them. During that time, I made sure to maintain my professional skills by taking online courses in areas like human resources and project management. I’m proud that I was able to support my family when they needed me most. Now I’m fully energized and excited to re-enter the workforce and contribute my skills and passion to PeopleReady.”
6. Why were you fired/let go from your previous job?
If you were terminated from a prior role, interviewers need to understand exactly what happened before they can consider you for employment. Be honest and accountable in your response.
How to answer:
- Explain the circumstances that led to you being let go, taking ownership of your role.
- Share lessons you learned from that experience that will make you a stronger employee.
- Emphasize you would not repeat the same mistakes again if given the opportunity.
Example: “I was let go from my last job because I was frequently late for my shift which violated the company’s attendance policy. At the time, I underestimated the importance of punctuality. However, I’ve since realized how my tardiness negatively impacted the team. Moving forward, I’ve implemented strategies to ensure I always arrive on time, such as preparing my clothes the night before and budgeting for early transportation. While it was a difficult lesson, I won’t make the same mistake again. I’m committed to being a responsible and reliable employee.”
7. Tell me about a time you provided excellent customer service.
Since PeopleReady works with many different clients and candidates, providing exceptional customer service is vital. Share a story that highlights your commitment to going above and beyond.
How to answer:
- Set up the situation by describing who the customer was and what issue or need they had.
- Explain the actions you took to resolve their issue or exceed expectations. Emphasize patience, empathy and a positive attitude.
- Share details of how your customer service ultimately made the client happy and created a positive outcome for the business.
Example: “One client I worked with while at ABC Company was facing an issue with a botched order. They were understandably upset when I got on the call. I listened closely to understand the full scope of the problem. I then reassured them I would personally oversee getting the correct order shipped overnight at no extra charge. My manager was initially resistant but I advocated for the client until they approved the rush shipping. The client was very appreciative that I went above and beyond to correct our mistake quickly. And we were able to retain their business when it could have been lost.”
8. How do you ensure safety while working in the field?
For labor, construction and other field roles, safety is the top priority. Your interviewer wants to know you have the knowledge and attitude to work safely on any job site.
How to answer:
- Highlight safety training you have received and any certifications you hold.
- Discuss proactive measures you take like using required PPE, inspecting equipment, and maintaining situational awareness.
- Share an example of a time you spoke up about an unsafe condition at work.
Example: *”In my construction roles, I’ve received extensive training on site safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of PPE. I take safety very seriously. For example, I’ll notice and report any tripping hazards or faulty equipment immediately. I also make a point to stay alert on the job, keeping an eye out for any dangerous situational developments. In one case, I flagged that an area was not properly barricaded off from the public. I immediately notified the supervisor until it was fixed. I will always speak
Shorten your application process
The Society for Human Resource Management cites two studies which both found that lengthy or complex job applications can prompt a candidate to abandon the application process.
- According to one study, about 60% of people who are looking for work give up on an application that is too long or too complicated.
- Another study found that the number of completed applications was 20% lower when there were 20% more questions than when there were only half as many questions.
On the other hand, a shorter application process ensures a greater number of high-quality candidates from which to choose, according to multiple studies highlighted by SHRM.
PeopleReady makes it easy and quick for people to apply for jobs, so you can always make a good impression on them. We have a local team of recruiters who have worked in the field before and know what skills you need and how to find them quickly.
Ensure proper communication with all candidates
Seventy-five percent of job seekers said they’d been ghosted during the hiring process, according to a BBC survey. One of the keys to keep this from happening is to stay in touch with your candidates. The occasional phone call or email can work wonders.
We keep the lines of communication open at PeopleReady so that your candidates can move through the process without any problems. You can also expect ongoing service throughout your staffing process to ensure we’re meeting your expectations. This includes regular status review of projects and overall performance.
How to Hire Only the Best People – 7 Questions to ask candidates
FAQ
Why should we hire you?
What is the best answer for “Tell me about yourself”?
