The first meeting with a recruitment consultant is usually a sales conversation. The consultant talks about their reach and speed; you nod and hope for the best. A better approach is to lead the conversation with questions. The answers tell you far more than a brochure. Here are ten questions every employer in Lucknow should ask before signing an agreement, with notes on what a good answer sounds like.
The 10 questions
1. "What exactly is your fee, and when is it payable?"
Good answer: a specific percentage of annual CTC, a clear trigger (usually the candidate's joining), a payment window and a statement on taxes. Anything vague deserves a follow-up in writing.
2. "Do you charge candidates anything?"
Good answer: "No." Ethical consultants are paid by employers. At GRPL India, service fees are charged only to employers, never to candidates.
3. "What happens if the person leaves early?"
Good answer: a defined free-replacement period after onboarding, with conditions explained. Ask whether the clock starts at offer or at joining.
4. "How will you screen candidates before I see them?"
Good answer: a description of real conversations with candidates covering skills, salary, notice period and location, plus a note against each CV.
5. "Who will work on my requirement?"
Good answer: a named consultant as your single point of contact, and how often you will hear from them.
6. "Is my salary budget realistic?"
Good answer: an honest opinion, even if it is uncomfortable. A consultant who never pushes back may not know the market well.
7. "Where will you find candidates for this role?"
Good answer: a mix of their database, networks, portals and direct approaches to working professionals, rather than "we will post an ad".
8. "How do you keep my search confidential?"
Good answer: a clear method, such as describing the company without naming it in early conversations, especially for replacement roles.
9. "What do you need from me to succeed?"
Good answer: specific asks such as prompt feedback, interview slots and a single decision-maker. This shows they have done this before.
10. "Can I visit your office?"
Good answer: "Of course." A real office with set hours gives you and your candidates somewhere to go. Our office near Lekhraj Market Metro Station is open for walk-ins from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
How to record the answers
Write the answers down during the meeting and ask the consultant to confirm the commercial ones by email. If you are comparing several consultants, put the answers side by side. Patterns appear quickly: who was specific, who was evasive, who asked you good questions in return.
Questions the consultant should ask you
A meeting is a two-way test. Expect a good consultant to ask why the role is open, what the team is like, which past hires did well, what the growth path is and what the real deal-breakers are. If they ask none of this, the search will likely be generic.
Warning signs
- Pressure to sign before discussing the role.
- Promises of a hire "within 48 hours" for a skilled post.
- Unwillingness to put terms in writing.
- Any mention of candidate registration fees.
Galaxy Resource's guide sets out the same idea as a checklist: ten things to check before choosing a recruitment agency in Lucknow. It is a useful companion when you shortlist consultants.
Thinking about growth after the hire
Ask the consultant what candidates value beyond salary. Increasingly, the answer includes learning. Employers can point staff to TutorPapa for flexible online tutoring when they want to strengthen a subject, prepare for a professional exam or support their children's studies.
After the meeting: follow-up steps
Within a day of meeting a recruitment consultant, send a short email summarising what you understood: the fee, the payment timing, the replacement period, your point of contact and the expected date of the first shortlist. Ask them to confirm or correct it. This takes ten minutes and prevents most later disagreements. Then share your detailed brief and the interview slots your managers can offer. If the consultant responds quickly, corrects anything you got wrong and asks sensible clarifying questions, you have a good sign. If the reply is slow or vague, that is worth noting before the first invoice ever arrives.
Our answers, upfront
Galaxy Resource Private Limited (GRPL India) is an executive search firm in Lucknow. We shortlist CVs after screening and send the selected candidate to you for onboarding, and we charge only employers. Ask us all ten questions; we are happy to answer them in writing. Start at the GRPL India homepage or contact us to book a meeting.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a recruitment consultant before signing?
Ask about the fee and when it is payable, whether candidates are charged, the replacement policy, the screening method, your point of contact and confidentiality.
Is a quick-hire promise a good sign?
Not for skilled roles. Realistic timelines are a better sign than guarantees of a hire within a day or two.
Does GRPL India charge candidates?
No. GRPL India charges service fees only to employers.
Where is GRPL India's office?
293 & 294, Sahara Shopping Centre, First Floor, near Lekhraj Market Metro Station Gate No. 3, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226016.
Start your next hire with GRPL India
Share your requirement and our team will get back to you. GRPL India charges service fees only to employers, never to candidates.
- Call: 8188998866 | 8188998899
- Email: Info@galaxyresource.in
- Visit: 293 & 294, Sahara Shopping Centre, First Floor, near Lekhraj Market Metro Station Gate No. 3, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226016
- Walk-in timing: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM