Job Interviews: Questions To Not Ask

Much has been written about job interviews. The literature includes what to wear, how to act, questions to ask and how to follow-up. One area that the job interview literature rarely touches on is what NOT to ask.

For today’s job hunter, whether right out of high school or college, or a seasoned veteran of the workforce, what a candidate asks speaks volumes. Some of the questions to NOT ask as outlined below including why the job candidate should not ask them.

“How long does it take to get promoted?” While this is a seemingly innocent question, it says that the candidate is already looking beyond the interview job. It also is worthless to ask because the promotion cycle for most jobs is related to a great number of variables. Wait until you are in the job to ask this one.

“When do I get to take vacation?” I you are asking this question at the interview, then you are thinking about not working rather than doing an outstanding performance in the new role. Save this question for after you have been offered the job, not for the initial interview.

“Why do some people have cubicles and others have offices”? Unless you are an interior decorator, the size and type of offices should be irrelevant during the interview process. Wait until you are in the job and find out for yourself. Also, you can stop someone in the hallway on the way FROM the job interview and ask them inconspicuously if it is important.

“Do I have to work overtime?” Asking about how many hours you have to work per day or week says that you are a clock watches. This is not what a hiring manager is looking for unless you are on the assembly line or a steel mill.

“What are the employee activities?” Even if you are an avid softball player, chess champion or bowler, this question is an interview killer. It says you are more interested in the activities than working hard and moving up the ladder. Again, wait until after you are hired or asked someone in the hallway after the interview.

“Can I work from home?” While this seems like very good and important questions, new employees need to understand the politics, faces, dynamics and tempo of the office. They cannot learn these things from home. The hiring manager is looking for someone who will be right there, working and soaking up the office dynamics to help her become more successful.

“Will the company pay for me to go to graduate school in (underwater basket weaving, ethno musicology, Greek literature, etc.)?” I asked this right out of college. DON’T! They want you focused on what will make you more valuable to their business. No matter how much they say they care about you, they don’t. So don’t ask – unless it is about getting an MBA.

“Are shorts, tee-shirt and flip-flops acceptable on Fridays in the summer? I plan to go to the beach house from work.” Even if this is true, do not ask it. You are not in college. Give the impression you act and dress like an adult.

“Can I use my company computer for video games?” Even though many if not most employees use their company computer for non-company purposes, do not ask about it during an interview. It shows a lack of maturity and business sense.

“What is the cafeteria like?” This does not matter unless you are in a catering firm. For other companies, the answer will be a lie anyway.

“Where can I shop around here?” The hiring manager does not want you thinking about shopping, he wants you thinking about working. This gives him visions of preparing for a board meeting and you are out at the gap trying on new jeans.

“How do you like working here?” Similar to the cafeteria question, even for catering companies. Only ask if you want to here a lie.

“What is the dating scene here like?” Only ask if the hiring manager is the same age and sex. Even then, this is not an appropriate interview question. Work is for work, not for dating and a social life.

“What is the social life like?” Looking for a job is looking for a job. Do not look for or ask about the social benefits of the job. Again, the boss will have visions of you blowing out at 5PM for Happy Hour while she is working on the presentation for the board meeting the next morning.

“Do you have a substance abuse policy?” If you ask this, you might as well bring a bottle and a joint with you to the interview. Most employers do have a substance abuse policy. If this is important to you check on their web site BEFORE the interview.

While some of the questions outlined above may seem naïve, I have heard every one of them during screening and hiring interviews. Think about what you ask. Always ask questions, but if you are not sure, talk to a friend, mentor, professor or even parent first. Your questions tell more about you than your responses to the questions asked by the hiring manager.

George F. Franks, III is the founder and President of Franks Consulting Group, a Bethesda, Maryland based management consulting and leadership coaching practice. He is a member of the Institute of Management Consultants (USA) and the International Coach Federation.
George can be reached at: gfranks@franksconsultinggroup.com
His web site is: http://franksconsultinggroup.com
George's weblog is: http://consultingandcoaching.blogspot.com