You’ve already spent years in school earning the right educational qualifications in your chosen career. Now that you submitted your resume and impressed the hiring committee, it’s time to ace the interview to land your ideal job. It’s essential that you ask some questions to show that you’re professionally invested in the interview. Plus, you want to make sure that the organisation is the right fit for your career goals and offers future opportunities.
However, there are some questions you should never ask in a job interview, even if you truly want to know the answer. In some cases, these “don’t” inquiries are a matter of bad timing; in others, they’re just inappropriate. Do your homework beforehand and avoid touching on these questions.
1. How much will I make at this position?
A potential employer wants to know that you’re motivated by the opportunity to excel and give your best to the organisation. This question only communicates that you want a paycheque and does nothing to demonstrate that you have skills and knowledge that no other candidate can offer.
2. Will I earn annual leave right away?
This inquiry tells an interviewer that you’re looking forward to getting time off – even before you’ve started the job. You’ll find this information out in due course.
3. When can I expect a raise or promotion?
While it’s certainly important to know the path to advancement within an organisation, the time for raising the question is not during the interview. During your orientation or first few days, most companies will tell you in clear detail what’s required for you to obtain a raise in salary or be promoted to a higher level.
4. What type of company is this?
This is possibly one of the top questions you should never ask in a job interview. When you’re called to discuss the position, you should have a keen understanding of what the company does, who its competitors are and where it stands in the market sector.
5. Do I have the option of telecommuting?
Another question that’s a matter of bad timing during an interview, asking about telecommuting makes a poor impression. It may become an option after you’re hired, but you should be showing enthusiasm about the workplace throughout the interview process.
6. Are there any particular work benefits?
It’s likely that you’ll be told these details if you’re a finalist for a particular position, as companies use these benefits to encourage you to join them. Such incentives are a topic of discussion when you’re talking salary and after you’ve been hired.
7. What’s your company’s policy on drug use?
This question creates the impression that you do engage in drug use. Otherwise, the answer is of no consequence to you. Again, if there is a policy, you’ll hear about it.
8. Is the work schedule flexible?
It’s not your place to decide the working hours of an organisation; that’s for executive and management to determine. They will inform you what’s required as far as the position is concerned, and you will either accept it or look elsewhere. Asking about hours will make the interviewer really question whether you have the proper dedication to be a professional.
9. Did you hear about X?
Questions about rumors or gossip are absolutely inappropriate during an interview. If there’s quantifiable information available, you can easily find this out by conducting an online search. In any event, the details are probably none of your business.
10. What are your qualifications as an interviewer?
This is another no-no on the list of questions you should never ask in a job interview. The credentials, experience and background of the person have already been evaluated by the employer and served as the basis for his or her hiring. Obviously, if this individual wasn’t qualified, he or she would not be sitting across the table from you.
Once you’ve been called in to discuss a career with a company, you’ve already made a good impression through your education and experience. Don’t cancel it out by delving into any of the above questions you should never ask in a job interview. You’ll only succeed in demonstrating your lack of professionalism and showing that you’re not the right person for the position.
If you’re still considering your career options, keep in mind that landing your dream job starts with the right program and educational qualifications. Check out the wide selection of course offerings at Kangan Institute.
