Job Interview Etiquette: 5 Questions to Avoid

Ah, the job interview. The one key element that’s standing between you and the job of your dreams. Hiring managers typically receive about 250 applications per corporate job opening, but once you’re in for an interview, you have an increased chance at landing the position.

Interview etiquette is a big deal, though. You may have been advised to ask questions at the end of your interview to learn more about the company. However, there are some key questions to avoid in the job interview. In fact, even though you should continue the conversation, continuing in the wrong way can mess up your chances.

So, when you’re preparing for an interview, you have to evaluate what’s going to work and what may send you into the deep end. With that in mind, try to avoid the following questions during your session:

“What do you do?”

Clearly, you’re supposed to have done your research before stepping into the interview. Asking what a company does, particularly when you’re done with the interview, illustrates that you haven’t taken the time to delve into the company’s history, mission, recent news, or overall practices. It also shows that you haven’t been paying attention, either.

Instead: Ask what the typical day-to-day activities of the position may entail. This narrows down the question to job duties, which shows that you just want this to be clarified and explained in more detail.

“When can I get time off?”

If you haven’t even gotten the job yet, it’s not in your best interest to ask for time off. Although perks like paid time off are important, asking this question when you don’t have an offer seems like you want a vacation before you’ve put in the time to deserve it.

Instead: Typically, an organization will list organizational benefits or perks on its career site. Give that a look before you ask the interviewer. If they aren’t listed and you’re still curious, try to reserve this question for when you’re actually offered the job.

“Can I work from home?”

We obviously live in a telecommuting work culture now. In fact, the Census Bureau found that more professionals are working remotely than ever before. While the chances are high that an organization may allow you to work from home, some organizations value camaraderie or in-person settings. Some jobs don’t function well out of the office. So, the fact that you want to take away from these practices, or not want to be part of them at all, doesn’t make you look like a team player.

Instead: Ask about flex time, especially if you need more time on a project. This spins the conversation to your overall work ethic and how you can finish a task from other places. You can ask your boss about working from home once you’ve landed the job and proven you can handle it.

“Is the manager difficult to work with?”

This is a big no-no. Obviously, managers come in all shapes and sizes. However, putting it out there that you already anticipate a bad manager shows that you’ve made a negative assumption about the company, as well as hints at your inability to get along with different types of workers.

Instead: Ask what you can do to fit in with the company culture. This asserts your commitment to the organization since you want to be a team player in whatever setting you’re placed in.

“When can I expect a promotion?”

Promotions are obviously a common aspect of career advancement. However, you can’t get the reward without putting in the work, and as an interviewee, it doesn’t look good if you already want the prize. You have to put some effort in the position first.

Instead: Ask what you can do to succeed in the position. Because success can typically lead to more money or a higher job title, you’ll know exactly what to do in order to come out on top.

While it’s important to ask questions during your job interview, try to avoid the above inquiries. Instead, focus on what you can do to excel in the job and do your best to illustrate why your skills can make you the best candidate for the job.

What do you think? What are some other questions to avoid in the job interview?

 Image: Courtesy of Victor1558; Flickr