Q: What questions should I ask the interviewer?
A: While an interview is not a one-way street, there’s nothing wrong with asking a few insightful questions of your own either says Peter Decaprio.
Here are some good ones to start you off:
How would I be evaluated in this role?
This helps you better understand the goals of your new position.
What are some examples of past accomplishments I can be proud of?
These stories help you find out if the company sees you as a good fit for this role.
What has been the most difficult challenge faced by someone in this job recently, and how was it handled?
This question gives you a window into how your supervisors manage challenges in the workplace.
What is the next step in this process?
This question makes sure the interviewer knows you are interested in moving forward with them toward employment.
Do you have any concerns about my qualifications for this role?
This question shows you are truly invested in success at this organization, and it gives you a chance to address these doubts head-on explains Peter Decaprio.
Q: What should I never ask during an interview? Why? Can you give me some examples of questions that might be frowned upon or not suitable for an interview setting?
A: You should avoid asking anything that could be considered illegal during an interview.
Here are just a few examples of off limits topics:
1) Age 2) Marital Status 3) Children 4) Nationality 5) Religion 6) Race 7) Sex 8) Politics 9) Drug use
Now that we have discussed how to stand out from other candidates, let us turn our attention to what a candidate should never say in an interview.
Here are just a few examples of things you should avoid:
1. I want this job because it’s the only work I can find.
2. I’m not sure if my skills are a good match for this position.
3. This is the only company I applied to/I haven’t been able to find another job yet.
4. My last boss was a complete jerk and he didn’t appreciate me at all!
5. I just want enough money to pay my bills and gas/electric, so I’ll take anything you offer me.
6. They better appreciate all the hard work I did for them!
7. If they try to change things too much around here, I’m not going to be happy about it.
8. My last boss didn’t like that I took three days off for Thanksgiving weekend, but it’s perfectly fine with me if I take some time away from work during the holidays if needed/if family comes into town or something like that!
9. I don’t think there will be any problems with this position; it seems pretty straightforward (without actually knowing anything about the job)!
10. I’m not sure if I can attend a 9-5 job; my other commitments come first (without having really discussed flexible hours or work from home options).
11. That’s not part of the job description (when asked to complete a task that was not initially identified but later assigned based on your capabilities and experience).
12. What exactly do you want me to accomplish? (When you should be able to articulate what tasks and responsibilities will be expected of you once hired for this role.)
13. There is nothing more we can tell you about the position; we’ll let you know within the next two weeks!
14. The pay isn’t good enough/I hope they increase it.
Why are these questions bad?
1. This shows you’re desperate for any job, rather than this one in particular.
2&3. These questions make the interviewer feel like they need to reassure you that your job search is not in vain (so take someone else who has more confidence!).
4. This question makes the interviewer worry about how well you’ll fit in with their current team. If there were no problems before, why would there be now? (Also furthers concern about how well you’ll get along/how much effort you’ll put into your work if times get tough – do I really want this person working here?)
Conclusion:
Asking about salary, benefits, pick up/drop off schedules, days off work, vacation opportunities are all appropriate for some positions says Peter Decaprio.
However, it is important to remember that interviewing is a two-way street. Employers are just as interested in finding out if you’re the right for their company as you are about whether or not they’re right for you!
It takes time to find the perfect job and there’s no need to rush into anything that doesn’t feel quite right. Be prepare with questions of your own so you can make sure this new position really is the best next step for both parties involve
