5 Questions NOT to Ask During Your Interview
During the interview process you have a limited amount of time to make the right first impression. Hiring managers form opinions of you based on your resume and all interactions during the interview process. Most interviewers will leave time during the meeting for you to ask questions. You need to come prepared with some meaningful questions. To get an offer, start the interview process with your end goal in mind.
Here are some I would strongly suggest avoiding all together:
What does your company do? - Do your homework before you interview. The interviewer has most likely prepared to meet with you. Not knowing about the company is one of easiest ways to turn a Hiring Manager during the interview process. If you can’t be bothered to type in the company’s name on the internet and click search, they most likely won’t see you as the top talent for the position.
When would I be up for my first promotion? - While you may think this showcases your ambition level, they are hiring for a particular position. No Hiring Manager wants to hire a flight risk for the current position. Instead, I’d encourage you to pivot your question to long term growth opportunities. There are key ways to phrase the question that won’t creates concern about your true interest in this position.
How much time off do I get? - While this may be tempting to ask, I would shy away from this direct question to the Hiring Manager. When you’re talking with Recruiting / Human Resources and if desired compensation comes up, this may be the time to reference your interest in the whole package- position, benefits, time off, 401(k), etc. Use your professional judgment on when to dive into the details.
What are the age / gender /ethnicity of the team members? - As a Recruiter, the first thing that comes to mind with this question is the laws governed by the US EEOC. While this could possibly be an innocent question by the candidate, it’s one that could be perceived poorly. The goal of most companies is having the most qualified employee for each position in the organization structure.
Does your company do background checks or drug screens? - This will certainly create some concerns with the Hiring Manager as to why you’re asking this question and the potential inability to pass employment screening.
When in doubt, run questions by someone you trust before you go in for your interview or at a minimum, think about how you’d respond if you were on the other side of the interview table.
