10 Questions Never to Ask During an Interview
Editors Note: BrainTrack sometimes features a lighter side look at college and career topics of interest. In this case our researchers present a serious topic -- what to avoid during job interviews -- with a bit of a light touch...
1. "Do you drug test?"
"Because I will fail it," is what the hiring manager is going to hear. Don't ask this question. If you have some objection to a drug test--other than the fact that you couldn't possibly pass one without a vial of someone else's urine--broach the subject if and when you are asked to take one.
3. "When can I expect to get a raise?"
Answer: You need to get the job first. Instead, ask how often the company conducts performance reviews. This question denotes enthusiasm rather than greed, and will answer your question about when you might expect a merit-based pay increase.
4. "How long does it usually take to get promoted?"
Again, you need to get the job first. Asking about the trajectory of the position is one way to gather the information you need, while looking purposeful and eager without seeming pushy or calculating.
2. "How often will I be asked to stay late?"
Translation: "I have my coat on and my bag packed by 4:55 every night." Employers want to know that you are willing to be flexible especially during very busy periods. If you are concerned that the hours expected of you will be more than you are able to devote a better question might be, "What is the life-work balance of this position?" It lets your employer know that you are protective of your life outside of the office without making you seem rigid.
5. "Are there any other open positions at the company?"
Read: The job that I am interviewing for doesn't thrill me. If you are concerned that the position is far below your abilities and experience be honest. It is not out of line to mention that your last job was a managerial position, or that you were earning significantly more than the job you are interviewing for is offering. Alerting the hiring manager to your abilities might remind them of other open positions that better suit your skill set.
6. "Does the company do background checks?"
"Shady" is not an adjective you want an HR person to use to describe you, is it? While you might not have a rap sheet, plenty of people have a blemish on their resume or credit report that they worry might compromise their job search. A better way to get the information is to ask how the selection process will proceed moving forward. You will likely be able to gather by the recruiter's response whether a background check will be conducted. A second interview, if you are asked for one, is a more appropriate time to share any concerns you may have about your past.
7. "I have [insert a medical condition]. Does your insurance cover that?"
You know how embarrassing it is when your grandmother starts rattling off her medical conditions to strangers on the bus? It is even worse to tell a total stranger who might hire you about your diabetes/ depression/ eczema.
First, you want to lead with your strengths not your weaknesses, so it is a really bad idea to share these personal details with someone who is deciding whether or not to offer you a job. Finally, the likelihood that the person interviewing you will know each and every illness covered by the company's insurance plan is slim. If you are offered a position and insurance coverage is a deciding factor in your decision, ask for a copy of the company's benefit plan.
9. "What do I need to do to get hired?"
Enthusiasm is one thing, but being too heavy handed is another. Hiring managers and HR people don't want to feel strong armed into making you an offer. It is perfectly acceptable to ask, "When do you expect to make your decision?" But prodding will likely get you nowhere.
8. "What is the telecommuting policy?"
Giving the appearance that you'd rather work from home could rub some employers the wrong way. Telecommuting is just one of those things: some companies see the benefits and others don't. If it is an option, you will be told in short order. If not, the policy is unlikely to change.
10. "How long do I have to work here before I get vacation days?"
It should need little explanation why this question is an obvious no-no. If you are thinking about vacation before you've even been offered the job, you probably don't really want the job.