I’m a careers expert – and here are six questions you should NEVER ask at the end of an interview
- Careers expert reveals what you should never ask at the end of an interview
- READ MORE: How you should answer the most common job interview question
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, especially for those fresh out of college or university.
When the conversation is coming to a close, the dreaded question usually comes up: ‘So… do you have any questions for us?’
It’s been drilled into most job-seekers that you must always ask something, even if you don’t really have any questions, or you feel they’ve been covered already.
However, it’s easy to slip up and the wrong questions could undo the good impression you’ve built with the recruiter.
Careers and Education Expert, Robbie Bryant from Open Study College, has revealed the six questions you should never ask at the end of an interview and some more unique phrases you should be asking instead.
When the conversation is coming to a close, the dreaded question usually comes up – ‘do you have any questions for us?’ (stock image)
1. What are you looking for in a candidate? How can I impress you?
The first question you should never ask is ‘What are you looking for in a candidate? or more simply ‘How can I impress you?’
Careers and Education Expert, Robbie Bryant from Open Study College , revealed the six questions you should never ask at the end of an interview
He explains ‘This can typically be found in the job listing or on the company website and asking the question has become extremely common’.
Instead, you should ‘pull something specific from the list of responsibilities and center a question around this.
‘For example, ‘One of the responsibilities listed was building relationships with key stakeholders, would you say that this was the most important aspect of the role and something I should be particularly focused on?’.
‘It ultimately leads to the same answer but shows more of a keen interest.’
2. Can I work from home?
Next up, Bryant advises that although it’s becoming more common practice, you should never ask if you can work from home at the end of an interview.
He explained ‘The corporate world has most definitely adapted and a lot of companies do offer flexible work policies.
‘Asking about this particular policy can seem as though the candidate is not happy to commute or work in person – which, if required by the company, could limit your chances of success.
‘It’s all about the way a question is phrased. Instead, ask more generally about the weekly schedule, work socials and office life.’
3. What can your company offer me?
Although you may genuinely want to know, the expert says that the ‘tone of this question doesn’t land great’.
He says ‘of course, as a potential employee you will be curious about any employee benefits.
‘To uncover this information, if it’s not available online, I would say ‘Which company policies are you most proud of?’
‘This will give you a good sense of the type of benefits on offer whilst still seeming genuinely interested.
4. Is the salary negotiable?
Asking if the salary is negotiable is a perfectly reasonable question – but it’s all about timing and how you word it.
READ MORE: I’m a recruitment expert – here’s five phrases to say during an interview to make sure you get the job (and the 10 clichés to avoid)
Bryant says ‘I would recommend completing the interview first and sending a follow up email to thank the interview for their time, and then ask what the next steps are.
‘There can often be several interviews before an offer and if you are a desirable candidate it’s best to wait until a later stage, when the company has really bought into you, to start negotiations. Timing is key.’
5. Why should I work for you?
Again, although you may want to know the answer, this question is quite abrupt and can create an ‘awkward situation’ between you and the employer.
The expert explains ‘You want to find a great match as an interviewee, but remember that ultimately you are being interviewed, not the other way around.
‘This can also catch people off guard and become a little awkward.
‘If you have applied for the job, you should want to work there and asking this question is almost like wanting the job to be pitched back to you.’
6. What time will I finish everyday?
Finally, Bryant says that while ‘showing a keen and can-do attitude is really important, especially in the earliest stages, wanting to know what time you will be home everyday shows a lack of interest’.
He added ‘I think the core of this question is wanting a good work life balance.
‘Instead, ask what the company’s employees would say is the best part of working there – the answers will help to paint a good picture of the work environment.’
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