Top 5 Questions to Avoid in Your Next Job Interview

Hiring personnel and interviewers often get into the last phase of the interview by asking applicants if they have any questions. Asking questions will help you learn more about the company and the job. It will also show that you are interested to find out more. However, you should also keep in mind that even if the interviewer is already done asking you, they’re still judging you by the way you ask questions and what questions you ask.

If you’re currently on the hunt for a new job and scheduled for interviews, you need to know what questions to ask when an interviewer gives you the floor. Nonetheless, you should also know what NOT to ask.  

Here are five questions you should avoid asking your interviewer.

1. “What is the salary for this position?”

Asking about salary and compensation during the initial interview may instantly turn off an HR personnel. Basically, it is the interviewer who should ask the applicant how much is his or her expected salary, not the other way around. Furthermore, job ads often show the salary range for a position, so you should already have an idea of how much you might get should you get hired. If the job ad already specified this information and you still asked about it, your interviewer may get the impression that you do not pay attention to details.

Additionally, salary and company perks are often discussed further when an offer has already been extended. It’s better to reserve salary-related questions during the negotiation.

2. “When can I expect a raise?”

Let’s say you got a hint that the interviewer likes you for the position and he or she has discussed the salary range. Do you think it’s already acceptable to ask when can you expect a raise? That’s a big no-no. True enough, talking about compensation is a slippery slope and asking about salary raises is not the best way to go about it. 

3. “Who is your competition?”

Some think that asking this question will make them look like they care about the company. While they may indeed care, this question makes one look lazy. When you send an application to a job position, you are expected to do some research on the company. You should already have an idea of who their competitors are. A simple Google search can help you learn vital information about the company.

4. “When will I be promoted?”

Of course, you want to advance your career. However, as with asking about salary and raises, asking about promotion this early can be off. It may make you sound too proud. Instead of asking “when” will you be promoted, ask what are the steps and process that are likely to lead to a promotion.

5. “Is the work schedule flexible? Can I work from home?”

Unless the option to work flexible hours and work from home have been implied in the job ad, do not bring it up. Typically, companies allow employees to work from home once they’ve seen the employee’s reliability and accountability. Asking about flexible working hours and remote work when the job obviously requires going to the office may make you look less committed.

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Photo by olga serjantu on Unsplash