Questions you NEVER want ask in your interview

A job interview is a time where you expect to be asked a lot of questions. After all, the hiring business is trying to determine if you are a good fit for them. But you should also be asking questions at your interview. There is usually an appropriate time to do this, such as at the end of the formal interview the interviewer may ask if you have any questions. Let’s talk about what you don’t want to say at this point.

1. How much money does this job pay? You may really want to know the answer and it is appropriate for them to tell you at some point, but not during the first interview. Asking this question sends the message that all you care about is what is in it for you, and the company is still trying to determine why they would want to hire you. Wait until subsequent interviews. Better yet, let them tell you when they are ready. You should have already done some research so you have a general idea of what the position pays, anyway.

2. What are the expected work hours of this job? This is a little tricky, because you really want to know and you should have this answer before you take the job but keep in mind that the first interview is not a job offer. You are jumping the gun if you start asking these kinds of detailed questions during the first interview. This question also leaves the impression you will be watching the clock and don’t care so much about getting the job done.

3. How many sick days would I get? Yikes. This question leaves the absolute opposite impression of what you should be trying to do in an interview. This question insinuates you are more interested in being away from work than being there working. Any interviewer hearing this would assume that you will be absent, a lot.

4. What exactly does the company do? This should be a question the interviewer asks of you! You should walk into a company knowing as much about them and what they do as possible. You can ask specific questions about their operations, but this is to demonstrate that you have done your research. Asking what they do in general leaves the interviewer doubting your credibility.

5. Do you do drug tests or background checks? The interviewer will instantly think you have something to hide. Even if you don’t, your concern about drug tests or background checks says this is important to you. Why is it so important if you have nothing to hide?

What you ask in an interview, or any other meeting with a potential employer, says as much about you as the answers you provide to their questions. Think carefully before you ask a question and make sure it leaves a positive impression.

By: Becky Papp