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“So, do you have any questions forme?”
This common refrain toward the close of a job interview can make even the best of us stammer when the tables are turned. But with the national unemployment rate over 8%, sharp interview skills are more important than ever.
Whether or not you’re currently looking for a job, try your knowledge: Do you have therightquestions to ask your interviewer?
The goal, of course, is to ask a few smart questions—thoughtful ones that show you’ve been paying attention and have done your homework when it comes to researching the company and the specific job you’re after. At the very least, you want to asksomething.
Most employers agree that, “No, I have no questions,” is the worst possible response. “The most frustrating thing for a recruiter is when you don’t have any questions at all,” says recruiter Abby Kohut of AbsolutelyAbby.com.
We asked professional recruiters to brief us on the top 10 most common interview questions to scratch off our lists immediately—plus five effective ones to ask instead.
Questions You ShouldNeverAsk in a Job Interview
1. Anything Related to Salary or Benefits
“Company benefits [and salary negotiations] don’t come into play until an offer has been extended,” says Kohut. The same principle applies to sick time and vacation days. It’s best to avoid any question that sounds like you assume you already have the position—unless, of course, your interviewer brings it up first.
2. Questions That Start With “Why?”
Why? It’s a matter of psychology. These kinds of questions put people on the defensive, says Kohut. She advises repositioning a question such as, “Why did the company lay off people last year?” to a less confrontational, “I read about the layoffs you had. What’s your opinion on how the company is positioned for the future?”
3. “Who is Your Competition?”
This is a great example of a question that could either make you sound thoughtful—or totally backfire and reveal that you did zero research about the company prior to the interview, says Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter of CareerTrend.net. Before asking any question, determine whether it’s something you could have figured out yourself through a Google search. If it is, a) don’t ask it and b) do that Google search before your interview!
4. “How Often Do Reviews Occur?”
Maybe you’re concerned about the company’s view of your performance, or maybe you’re just curious, but nix any questions about the company’s review or self-appraisal policies. “It makes us think you’re concerned with how often negative feedback might be delivered,” says Kohut. Keep your confidence intact, and avoid the topic altogether—or at least until you receive an offer.
5. “May I Arrive Early or Leave Late as Long as I Get My Hours In?”
Even if you make it clear that you’re hoping for a flexible schedule to accommodate a legitimate concern such as picking up your kids from daycare, Barrett-Poindexter advises against this question. “While work-life balance is a very popular concern right now, it’s not the most pressing consideration for a hiring decision-maker,” she says. “Insinuating early on that you’re concerned about balancing your life may indicate to your employer that you are more concerned aboutyourneeds and less concerned about thecompany’s.”
6. “Can I Work From Home?”
Unless it was implied in the initial job description, don’t bring it up. “Some companies will allow you to work from home on occasion once they see what a productive employee you are,” says Kohut. But an interview isn’t the time to be asking for special favors. Right now your top priority is selling them on you first.
7. “Would You Like to See My References?”
“Interviewing is a lot like dating,” says Barrett-Poindexter. “It’s important to entice with your value and attract them to call you for the next ‘date.’” Offering up your references too soon may hint at desperation. Plus, you don’t want to run the risk of overusing your references.
8. How Soon Do You Promote Employees?
“An individual asking this question may come off as arrogant and entitled,” says recruiter Josh Tolan of SparkHire.com.
9. Do I Get My Own Office?
This is an uncomfortable one, says Tolan. Of course you may wonder about it, but will something like this really play into whether you accept a career opportunity or not? If so, he says, it may be time to rethink your priorities.
10. Will You Monitor My Social Networking Profiles?
While a valid concern in today’s culture, this is something best left unsaid. “It gives the impression you have something to hide,” says Tolan. Play it safe and don’t post anything (especially disparaging things) about your company, co-workers, or employers on Facebook, Twitter—or anywhere on the internet, really.
And yes, even if you’re not “friends” with anyone at work. These kinds of things have a way of getting around.
Questions You ShouldDefinitelyAsk in a Job Interview
1. Can You Explain the Culture to Me, With Examples of How the Company Upholds it?
Asking for specific insight into the company’s culture is key. “Everyone will tell you that their culture is great, but examples prove it,” says Kohut. This will help you decide ifyouwant to work forthem. At the same time, most interviewers are also trying to assess if you’re a good cultural fit for the company.
2. How Have You Recognized Your Employees in the Past?
This is another example of a smart question that digs for specifics. “You want to be sure that your new company appreciates its employees,” says Kohut, and that the companyvalues morale.
3. What Do You Like Most About This Company?
By nature, most people like to talk about themselves, so this question helps warm up your interviewer, suggests Barrett-Poindexter. It also provides critical insight into whether you’d be happy working with this individual or company. “If your interviewer’s answer excites you, that can further reinforce your decision to continue the interview process. If the response is lukewarm, it may give you something to think about before deciding to invest in a future here.”
4. Can You Give Me Examples of Collaboration Within the Company?
“This is a great question for team players,” says Tolan. It not only shows that you have a quality that’s very valuable to the company, but it also gets down to brass tacks when it comes to company culture.
5. What are the Most Important Things You’d Like to See Me Accomplish in the First 30, 60 and 90 days of Employment?
This question shows you’re in invested in what you can bring to the company, and not just what the company can do for you. “Expect the answer to go deeper than just a basic skill set requirement,” says Barrett-Poindexter. “Hope that the interviewer will wander a bit, providing personal insight into qualities he favors–perhaps even offering nuggets of detail you can use to reinforce your value in the follow-up thank-you letter.”
More From LearnVest
As someone deeply immersed in the world of career development and recruitment, it's clear that navigating a job interview successfully requires a strategic approach. Drawing on my extensive experience in the field, I've not only conducted numerous interviews but have also delved into the intricacies of what makes a candidate stand out.
Let's dissect the concepts presented in the article to empower you with the knowledge needed to ace your next job interview:
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Job Search Strategy:
- The article emphasizes the importance of sharp interview skills in the context of a national unemployment rate over 8%. This underlines the competitive nature of the job market and the necessity for candidates to distinguish themselves through effective interviews.
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Importance of Asking Questions:
- The article stresses that having no questions at the end of an interview is perceived negatively by recruiters. This aligns with the broader understanding that active engagement in the interview process reflects a candidate's genuine interest and preparation.
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Questions to Avoid:
- The article provides a list of questions to avoid during a job interview. Notably, questions related to salary, benefits, and topics that can be perceived as presumptive are discouraged. This highlights the etiquette and timing crucial in discussions about compensation and company policies.
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Psychology of Questioning:
- There's a psychological aspect discussed regarding questions starting with "Why?" The advice is to reframe potentially confrontational inquiries to ones that are more open and less defensive. This insight showcases an understanding of the psychological dynamics within an interview.
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Researching the Company:
- The article discourages asking questions that could be easily answered through a simple Google search, emphasizing the importance of thorough research before the interview. This underscores the need for candidates to be well-informed about the company and its operations.
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Balancing Personal and Company Needs:
- The article advises against early inquiries about work-life balance, remote work, and personal office arrangements, highlighting that such questions may project a self-centered focus. This aligns with the broader idea that demonstrating value to the company should take precedence during initial interviews.
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Building a Connection:
- The recommended questions to ask focus on building a connection with the interviewer and gaining insight into the company's culture. These questions aim to go beyond surface-level information and provide a deeper understanding of the work environment.
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Showcasing Interest and Investment:
- The suggested questions, such as inquiring about employee recognition and collaboration within the company, indicate a candidate's interest in organizational culture and their willingness to contribute. This aligns with the modern approach of candidates viewing job interviews as a two-way street.
In conclusion, the key to a successful job interview lies not only in showcasing your skills and experience but also in demonstrating a genuine interest in the company and its values. By avoiding certain questions and strategically asking others, you position yourself as a thoughtful and well-prepared candidate, increasing your chances of securing the job that aligns with your career goals.
