How To Answer ''Can We Meet You'' By A Recruiter

When a recruiter asks, "Can we meet you?", it’s one of the most critical moments in your interview. This question is more than a simple icebreaker—it's an opportunity for you to make a strong first impression and set the tone for the rest of the conversation. Here’s how to craft a response that will leave a lasting impact:

What the Recruiter Really Wants to Know

When asked this question, you should aim to cover four key areas:

1. Who You Are: Provide a brief introduction, including your name and professional background.
2. Your Work Ethic: Highlight your core values and what you stand for as a professional.
3. Your Passion: Share what drives you in your career and why you’re excited about this opportunity.
4. Why You’re the Best Fit: Conclude with a compelling reason why you’re the ideal candidate for the role.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

While it’s tempting to share your life story, remember that this isn’t the time to do so. Be concise and focus on the aspects of your background that are most relevant to the job. The goal is to engage the recruiter, not to overwhelm them with details.

Crafting Your Response: A Real-Life Example

Let’s consider a real-world scenario. Imagine you’re being interviewed for an accounting position. Here’s how you might respond:

Recruiter: "Can we meet you, please?"

Candidate: [Confidently shifting in your chair and with a smile] "First of all, thank you for this opportunity."

"My name is Femi, and I graduated with a second class upper division in Accounting from the University of Lagos."

"I’ve always been passionate about numbers and precision, which naturally led me to pursue a career in accounting."

"To deepen my expertise, I’ve recently registered for the ICAN certification, and I’m confident I’ll complete it within two years."

"Currently, I’m volunteering in my church’s accounting department, where I’ve recently redesigned our spreadsheets to include filters and groupings that improve our efficiency."

"If you’re looking for someone who is committed to excellence and ready to be the best at their job, I’m confident that I’m the right fit for this role."

Why This Response Works

Let’s break down what has been effectively communicated in this response:

1. Professionalism and Gratitude: Starting with a thank you shows appreciation and sets a positive tone.
2. Relevant Background: The candidate succinctly states their educational background and why they chose their field, which immediately aligns their skills with the job.
3. Current Initiatives: By mentioning current activities like the ICAN certification and volunteer work, the candidate demonstrates ongoing commitment to their professional development.
4. Confidence and Enthusiasm: The closing statement is assertive and shows a strong belief in their fit for the role.

Final Tips

• Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your response multiple times so that it feels natural and confident when you deliver it.
• Use Positive Body Language: Lean forward slightly, make eye contact, and smile. These non-verbal cues convey enthusiasm and engagement.
• Be Genuine: While it’s important to be polished, ensure that your response reflects your true self. Authenticity resonates well with recruiters.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to turn the "Can we meet you?" question into a powerful moment in your interview, showcasing why you’re the best candidate for the job.