All the questions to avoid asking the interviewer in a job interview
Recently, I saw a post on LinkedIn about strange questions asked in an interview by potential employees… This made me think what are the no go questions job candidates should avoid asking in interviews.
Avoid personal questions about the interviewer
Always keep professional at all times, even if the interview seems to be going well and there is a friendly and relaxed conversation flowing. Remember you are being interviewed for a role and every interaction and answer will be analysed.
Avoid asking basic questions about the company
For example, “what services does the company offer?”
Asking basic questions about the company highlights that you have not researched them prior to the interview. Likewise, asking questions where the answer can be easily found on the company’s website will really put off potential employers. With this in mind, make sure you check out the company’s website, LinkedIn profile and social media content they have created. Furthermore, mention information you have researched about the company in the interview in a positive way.
Avoid asking basic questions about the job role
For example, “what does the job role involve?”
Avoid asking this question as it shows a lack of interest in the role and knowledge about the job. All the information should be in the job description and some of it would have been in the job advert that you applied to. As a result, asking questions like this one shows a lack of enthusiasm in the job. Also, it wouldn’t provide confidence to the interviewer that you are able to do the job and have the skills to fulfil all the job duties.
Avoid questions that imply you want to change the details of the job
Personally, I feel if you’re looking at a job description and it doesn’t fit fully with your wants and needs this should be discussed before the interview stage. Talk with the employer beforehand to see if what you need can be considered. Also, if it’s a no leave it there. As an employer will feel like you’re wasting their time and yours.
“If I am hired, when can I start applying for other roles within the company?”
Although it shows you are looking to stay within the company for the long term, it will just make the employer feel like you’re not 100% dedicated to the role they are interviewing you for. Wanting to progress is good. However, you don’t want to come across as over-determined during the interview. Instead, you could ask “How could I further develop my skills within the role?”.
“Do you do background checks?”
This is just going to raise alarm bells with any employer and will put them off hiring you!
“When do you do pay reviews?”
Asking about pay reviews should be avoided as it insinuates that you are not content with the salary offered with the job. Likewise, this is not the vibe you want give off before you have been offered the job. You must come across as positive throughout the whole duration of the job interview.
“What will my salary be?”
This question should be avoided to prevent giving off the wrong impression. Usually, salaries are displayed in the job advert. In addition, salary negotiations should only be done during the offer stage. If we are supporting your job search, we will handle all salary negotiations for you.
“How many holidays would I get in this role?”
Discussions about holidays and other employee benefits should be left until the offer stage of the hiring process. Additionally, asking about benefits during the initial job interview undermines your commitment to the job role and the company.
Pointers for the job interview
If this is leaving you wondering how you should conduct yourself in an interview here are a few pointers …
- Be positive and dress smart. – Keep smiling, be kind to everyone you meet within the company and be enthusiastic throughout the job interview. Also, make sure you dress smartly, your clothes are ironed, and your hair is tidy.
- Be on time. – Make sure you arrive for the job interview on time but no more than 10 minutes early.
- Be prepared. – Research the company and prepare questions to ask the interviewer. Moreover, consider what the interviewer may ask you and consider how you would answer.
- Be engaging. – Answer all the interviewer’s questions thoroughly. Be polite and engage with everyone you see. The interviewer will speak to the receptionist on the front desk.
- Don’t be afraid to take notes in with you.
- Take a copy of your CV for your reference. Also, take extra copies in case the interviewer doesn’t have one.
For more pointers view our Job Interview Hints and Tips, click the button below.
Questions to ask in the job interview.
If you are now wondering what questions you should ask in a job interview, here are some ideas. We suggest having 5 questions prepared in case some of the questions are covered during the first part of the interview by the interviewer.
- Ask questions about the company’s culture & leadership philosophies.
- Ask what a typical day looks like in the role you are interviewing for.
- Ask questions that show you have done your research. Maybe ask about something you have seen on their website or on their LinkedIn content.
For a full list of questions to ask the interviewer in a job interview, view our guide.
I guess the main thing to remember is to be prepared and our guides linked in this blog can help you to do so. I wish you the best of luck with your job interview.
Written by Shelley Gilchrist, Resourcing Consultant for all legal finance jobs.
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