Questions you should never ask at a job interview
Interviewing for a job is a lot like going on a first date. You want to make a positive, lasting impression, ask engaging questions that display rapt interest in the company and the position, present yourself as articulate, knowledgeable and confident, and steer clear of asking anything that could be interpreted as boorish, uninformed or desperate.
Even though the United States' national unemployment rate has decreased toseven percent, you're still up against stiff competition – so you'll want to ace your interview. Successfully handling an interview is not only about adeptly answering questions, but about skillfully asking them, as well – and knowing which questions could do you more harm than good. If you don't want to get shuttled back to the unemployment line, never ask these questions during an interview.
When you don't ask any questions during an interview, according to motivational speakerBarry Maher, author of "Filling the Glass," you telegraph lack of interest or comprehension. You can also come across as desperate – as someone who will take any position under any conditions. "Nobody," says Maher, "wants somebody nobody wants." Concurs recruiter Abby Kohut ofAbsolutelyAbby.com, "The most frustrating thing for a recruiter is when you don't have any questions at all."
Any questions that could have been answered prior to the interview through simple Internet searches should be nixed. Almost every company now has their own website, Facebook page and other online sites, so there's no excusing ignorance on your part regarding what the company does, how long they've been in business, key players, products, competitors, recent news and how many employees they have. This question blares that you either didn't bother doing your research, or were too lazy to do so, and implies that you lack genuine interest in the position. Sayscareer coach Cheryl Palmer, "There's no excuse for going into an interview unprepared and not being knowledgeable about the company."
Even though it's undeniably the elephant in the room, it's also a question that's a major irritant for employers. They want to believe that you're so smitten by the job that money is a trivial issue. "Raising the subject of money during the interview stage may give the impression – rightly or wrongly – that all you care about is money," states Los Angeleslegal recruiter Todd Moster, "as opposed to working as part of a team and giving your heart, soul and first-born child to the corporation."
If you're certain you'll turn down a job that pays less than a particular amount, state that amount in your cover letter. Even if you are flexible pertaining to salary, paychecks should not be discussed until you are actually offered a position. You may not be offered a position at all if you commit the error of trying to discusssalaryfirst.
During the interview, aside from proving you can do the job, you need to demonstrate your commitment to the work. If you inquire about vacation days before you've even proven your value or been given an offer, you appear to care more about time off than about time spent working for the company. This question, asked during the interview, can imply you have a very poor work ethic.
When you ask this question, it makes you look like you view this job merely as a stepping stone to another position. You're clearly communicating that you're already mentally moving on from the job for which you're interviewing. No one is going to hire someone who's already set their sights on the next rung on the ladder. Keep your goals to yourself for now. After you've proven yourself in this position, you'll be much more likely to be a candidate for a promotion. If you must ask, you can phrase your question along the lines of, "What are the growth opportunities here?"
In Illinois and Maryland, employers are forbidden to ask for Facebook passwords, but not all states have this protection in place.ZipRecruiter'sContent ManagerRachel Dotsonemphasizes that you shouldn't bring this subject up yourself. "Merely asking the question," Dotson says, "plants the seed in the hiring manager's mind. Soon enough, she may find herself wondering what you have to hide." Dotson says the same holds true regarding asking if the employer demands drug tests. "The fact that you're even asking says you're guilty."
If you're asking this question because you'll have a long commute, say so. Don't hold your breath, though – if it was a telecommuting position, the job description in the ad would have included this information. This question implies that you work poorly under direct supervision, you have a complicated schedule to work around, you may have problems at home or you are uncomfortable working with others. Sometimes, when an employee has held a position for a long time, they're permitted to telecommute, but this is a special favor that's inappropriate to request during a first interview, before the employer has had an opportunity to personally observe your work ethic. SaysJohn Kador, author of "301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, "They're going to wonder why you would want to get out of the office before you even see it."
You're asking for special treatment before you've even gotten the job, so employers may assume you're going to be regularly requesting that exceptions be made for you. The time to ask for special concessions is not during the interview. Once you have a job offer, you can negotiate for special considerations.
This question puts the interviewer in an awkward position and make you appear impatient or insecure. Instead, if you must ask, you could try requesting information regarding the next phase of the hiring process.Frances Cole Jones, author of "The Wow Factor" suggests a less intense alternative, such as, "So what are my next steps?" You could also ask, "Do you typically conduct several rounds of interviews with job candidates?" However, most employers will provide you with this information before wrapping up the interview, if they're interested in you.
The interviewer may interpret this question as an indication of laziness, forgetfulness or lack of preparation. If you're not even equipped with the basics, how will the employer be able to entrust you with the position's complexities?
Your prospective employer gleans information about your work history, job performance, intelligence, dedication and work ethic not only from the questions that he asks you, but from the questions that you ask him. Do your research, prepare some insightful questions, and you may find yourself transitioning from job candidate to valued employee.
