They say there is no such thing as a stupid question, but let’s face it—there’s a time and place for everything. And ending a job interview by asking some of these questions will unlikely help your chances of getting hired. Here’s why:
- What is the salary range for this position? Asking questions about salary can be dicey. Yes, it is a fair question to ask, but doing so will make it look like money is all you care about and that it’s the only deciding factor for whether or not you’ll take the job. The same goes for questions about benefits and paid time off. If you must ask these questions, try to save them for last to soften the blow or ask a less obtrusive question like, “What are the perks of working here?”
- Can I expect to be promoted from this position? If you’re worried about promotion, it makes it seem like you’re just settling for the job you’re being interviewed for and don’t actually want it.
- Do I get my own office? Is this really your biggest worry? Your interviewers will definitely perceive you as superficial and will wonder where your priorities lie.
- Do you do background checks? Asking this question will make an employer wonder if there’s anything you have to hide, and even if they don’t do background checks, they probably will now.
- Do you do drug or alcohol testing? Again, huge red flag for employers. Right off the bat, it will make your interviewers think you have a problem. If you have to ask this question, it’s probably a good sign that you won’t be able to perform the job duties properly.
- Do you monitor Internet or email usage? Do you have something to hide? Are you easily distracted at work and float to social media? You ask this question, and you’re opening the door for suspicion.
- What does your company do? This sends a clear signal that you don’t care about the company or the job and that you did no research prior to applying or interviewing. Asking this question shows ignorance and apathy, two qualities guaranteed to put your resume in the trash.
- I heard this rumor about your company…is it true? Bringing up dirty laundry during an interview is a huge no-no. For example, you heard that the company was in the news recently for poor treatment of animals. You might not know the whole story, and right away, you’ll put a negative spin on the interview. Plus, if you have a problem with the company’s history or public persona, why are you applying in the first place?
- Where did you go to college? Do you like dogs? Are you married? Asking random personal questions about your interviewer, no matter how innocent they may seem, will make them uncomfortable. If a question isn’t pertinent to the position at hand or the company, don’t ask. Your interviewer will wonder why you are interested in their personal history rather than the job.
- What do you least enjoy about working here? Keep anything negative out of the interview. Every job has its negative points, but if you show that you’re more worried about the negatives than the positives, it will make it seem like you’re trying to find something wrong with the company or the job. Plus it will put your interviewer in the hot seat. How are they supposed to respond to that kind of question?
Kristine Penning
August 05, 2015
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