During any job interview, it's important to ask questions. Asking the right questions gives you greater insight into the company's goals and the responsibilities of the position while showing your interviewer that you are observant, thoughtful and enthusiastic. That said, there are some questions you should never ask in the interview, as they can seriously hinder your chances of getting the job.
1. What Does Your Company Do?
Far too many job seekers ask this question during the interview. The hiring manager rightfully assumes that you've done your research on the company prior to this meeting. Asking this kind of question makes you appear not only clueless but lazy and unprepared as well. You should never ask any question that can be answered with a quick Google search. Instead of asking what the company does, dig deeper and ask relevant questions based on what you've researched.
2. What Are You Looking for in an Employee?
This question should be avoided, because it puts the interviewer on the spot and forces them to describe a perfect candidate that doesn't really exist. Moreover, it takes the focus on what you can offer the company, which should be the real focus of the interview anyway. This question provides no value to you as a candidate and sounds like you're fawning. Instead, ask how this position helps the department succeed or what key issues the person in this position should address first upon hiring. This keeps the focus on the company's needs and how you can help.
3. How Soon Could I Be Promoted to a Higher-Level Position?
The interview is about the position advertised, not some future dream job. Asking about promotion too early in the game makes you seem like an opportunist who is only looking for a stepping stone. Even if future advancement is on your radar, the hiring manager doesn't need to know that. Your job now is to convince him that you can perform well in the position currently being offered.
4. Do You Monitor Employee Internet Usage?
Internet privacy is a valid concern for any employee, but the interview is not the time to ask about the company's internet policy. It makes it appear as though you plan on spending working hours on social media or surfing the web.
5.. What Kind of Benefits/Salary/Perks Can I Expect?
Never bring up salary or any kind of benefits or vacation time during the interview, unless the interviewer brings them up first. Your focus during the interview should be on getting the job offer — not on the perks you'll get. Wait until you get a concrete job offer before discussing and negotiating salary and benefits.
When it comes time to ask questions at the end of the interview, make them count. Ask conscious, thought-provoking questions pertaining to the company's current events, the details of the position, and how your experience can help, and avoid any questions that discuss only your own personal interests.
Photo courtesy of franky242 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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