It’s no secret job interviews can be nerve-wracking. In the heat of the moment it’s easy to get lost for words, or worse, find yourself asking questions that might get you struck off the potentials list. Here are the top 7 questions to avoid.
#1 What does your company do?
You should have researched the answer to this question before you sent in your application and have tailored your resume and your interview responses to suit the answer.
#2 Do you have a flexible work schedule?
Unless they bring it up (or have already mentioned it in the job description), asking to work from home, or if you can work flex hours, is a discussion better left for when you’re actually offered the job.
#3 When can I get promoted?
You may believe this makes you sound ambitious, but all the interviewer hears is that you think you’re too good for this role and you already have your eye on something better.
#4 Will I have to work long hours?
This implies you’re a clock-watcher and more into getting a pay cheque than the role itself.
#5 Do you monitor employee social networking?
Privacy may be a major issue, but most companies do have at least some level of social network monitoring to uphold their own reputation. Asking the question suggests you may have something to hide.
#6 Will I get my own office?
Sure it would be nice to know, but does it really matter? Will it affect whether or not you take the job? If the answer is no, don’t ask.
#7 Not asking questions at all
This is your chance to prove you have an in-depth knowledge of the company, and that you’re intelligent, insightful and well-prepared. Failure to ask any questions is not only a wasted opportunity, but it can make you look unprepared and lacking in confidence.
Don’t forget:
- You should know what the company does
- Avoid being needy or confrontational
- Not asking questions is disastrous
This article originally appeared on The Naked CEO.
Comments
6 responses to “7 Questions To Avoid Asking In A Job Interview”
7 isn’t even a question so the headline is wrong.
Other questions not to ask:
When’s lunch?
Is this couch the same one from them porn casting vids?
When’s lunch?
How much and gimme?
But dammit, these are all answers I want to know.
#8. Is the receptionist single?
Never ask about benefits, or money. That can wait until the offer is made.
If you can’t think of a good question to ask, then have this up your sleeve: what are the current challenges you see in this position? or what are the company’s current challenges that this position would be invited to assist with? If these have been outlined in the interview, then hone in on them and ask a more detailed question: you mentioned the new code of conduct, what aspects of that could this position assist with?
@Clyff.
I disagree. Slightly.
If they have approached you, asking a ballpark on the salary range they are thinking is useful. There is no point wasting anyones time if their budget is well below what you’d say yes to.
If you have approached them, then you should’ve some idea on the salary range based on the job advertisement / headhunter. In which case I’d leave it till the 2nd or subsequent interview.
Disaggre.
#2 is completely fine, not all of us are morning or evening people so getting this sorted out in advance is a good think
#4 is also fine, you work to live and not the other way around so asking about work hours is completely resonable
#5 is fine to, since a ) the fuck do they care if all the work gets done, b) such monitoring without prior knowledge and agreement is illegal, c) vpns, ssh tunels, …. but it all goes back to a)
#6 maybe asking that is a bit too much but asking about the general working conditions seems totally fine to me
I disagree with the sentiment of this article. This seems to be written from the slant of “be grateful that anyone is even considering you for work. Don’t ask questions, just be a good little robot”.
I agree entirely that you need to do your research before you apply. Don’t ask questions like the first example. That’s poor form.
If something is a dealbreaker for you though, then you need to ask.
For example, if you need to be able to work flexible hours, ask this upfront. What’s the point of getting through three interviews, then declining when you’re given the offer because they don’t offer an arrangement that is possible for you? You’ve now just wasted both your time and theirs, plus a considerable amount of their money in the recruitment process.
I’ve been to interviews before where there was no mention of salary in the advertisement and when I did ask, it turned out to be significantly lower than the standard rate for that work. At that point I thanked them for their time, advised them that I was not interested in pursuing that role for that pay and left cordially.
A job interview is a two way street. You’re looking to find out if the company fits you, not just if you fit the company. If you’re in a desperate situation and just need to take whatever you can, then sure, be a good little robot and sign over your soul. If you can afford to be a little picky though, it’s worth discussing dealbreakers immediately so that you avoid wasting everyone involved’s time.