Asking questions at a job interview demonstrates that you are engaged with a potential employer while giving interviewers insight into your personality, passion, goals and communicating style. However, there are some questions that you should avoid completely during this face-to-face time because they could ruin your chances of landing the job.
Any questions posed during a job interview should focus on the practicalities of the job and the organization. This gives you hints as to how the company works and how you fit into the company culture. As an added bonus, asking questions shows the employer you have what the company looks for in a new hire. Avoid questions with answers that only benefit you as opposed to the firm.
1. "What Is the Company's Maternity/Paternity Leave Benefit?"
Questions about benefits, and even salary, come later in the job interview process. Land the job first, then discuss benefits. Legally speaking, an employer has no right to ask about a family situation, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Therefore, avoid bringing maternity/paternity into the interview conversation.
2. "What Hours Do I Work?"
The job description should hint as to the hours of the position. Find out this information by connecting with a few employees at the firm rather than asking this question during a job interview. Simply expect that your work hours may vary by a few hours depending on project deadlines, time of year and staffing levels.
3. "Could You Tell Me Something About the Company?"
You should already have some basic knowledge about the company if you did your homework before the job interview. Read the company blog, perform a news search, look at the latest stock prices and read company press releases. Make an immediate impression on the interviewers by asking how you can help with the new merger or some huge project the company just landed.
4. "How Quickly Do Promotions Happen?"
Instead of asking how fast you may get your supervisor's job, why not stick to how you can earn the respect of your new boss? Ask a few questions relating to making your position more successful than your predecessor's.
5. "Does Your Company Monitor Computer and Internet Usage?
Asking this question makes your boss instantly suspicious of your activities before you even clock in for your first day. Simply do not open this can of worms.
6. "What's the Compensation Package and Benefits?"
Leave the money talk for the end of the interview process when the company makes you an offer. Before you sign on the dotted line, sharpen your negotiating skills, as the HR manager may alter the contract. The main interview focuses on how you fit into your role with the firm.
7. Don't Repeat a Question That Has Already Been Answered
Listen carefully to the interviewers, and pay attention. Try not to ask a question that someone already answered previously, because an interviewer may pick up on that and realize you did not pay much attention.
In general, refrain from asking any questions that talk about your own personal gain. Establish a working relationship with your future boss during a job interview, and expect the benefits of working with the company to arrive after that.
Photo courtesy of Ambro at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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