When it comes to interviews, you can be sure that the last question you are going to be asked is actually: “do you have any question?” to which you better answer “yes”.
However there is something that can be as bad as replying “no” – if not worse: it’s asking the wrong question. Here are 10 examples of things you definitely shouldn’t ask an interviewer.
1. What are all the benefits?
With a bit of research, you can find the benefits the company offers: just check the company career page. You can also find them in review sites like Glassdoor. Benefits are usually discussed very quickly in the process, during the first phone screening by the recruiter. If they’re not and there is no information about it, it’s best to wait for the offer to review the whole package.
2. Is there free lunch?
Don’t specifically ask about free breakfast, lunch, gym membership or dental insurance. It gives the impression that it’s the only thing that matter to you. And even if it does matter, don’t show it to the interviewer. Show your passion for the job and the company’s mission rather than for free food.
3. What is the company policy regarding vacation?
With this question you are looking like you can’t wait to take days off, and you haven’t even started yet. The number of days off available to you is very likely shared with you from the very beginning (or even written in the job description). When it comes to how quickly you can actually take these days, better ask your direct manager in your 1:1. After you get the job.
4. What are the working hours?
Whether the job is full-time or part-time is always written in the job description before you applied. Asking this shows you didn’t pay any attention.
5. How often can an employee take breaks?
Um.
6. How quickly is an employee eligible for a promotion?
The arrogance and entitlement of this question are beyond me, but believe me, that’s something I was asked once in an interview. This just shows that the person will be willing to do anything for a promotion (but not necessarily do their job correctly), they won’t commit to the job you’re actually hiring for and won’t accept any sort of constructive feedback.
7. How often are the salaries reviewed?
Any question related to salary should wait for the offer stage, where you have a salary proposal. Regarding the salary review, you will have this information once you actually start in the job. Focus instead on your negotiation skills for your start salary when the offer comes.
8. How often are there company events / parties?
Don’t ask this, please. So many employees forget that this kind of events are sponsored by the company and behave in an inappropriate way. This question tells the interviewer you’ll likely be one of these people. Thank you, next.
9. Can I work from home?
Though working from home is increasingly popular, if it’s not mentioned in the job description it’s not going to be an option for you anytime soon. Finish your training, ramp up, pass probation, do a good job and see what the opportunities to work from home are.
10. How did I do?
This is not a very professional question to ask. No interview will ever say to you that you were not good. That would be very rude and disrespectful. Hopefully you will get constructive feedback from the recruiter a few days later. And if you don’t, it’s okay, get ready to interview for another role.