Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences, especially for people fresh out of college or university.
As the conversation comes to an end, the dreaded question usually comes: “So…do you have any questions for us?”
It has been drilled into most job seekers that you should always ask something, even if you don’t really have questions, or if you feel like they have already been answered.
However, it’s easy to make a mistake and the wrong questions can ruin the good impression you’ve built with the recruiter.
Career and education expert Robbie Bryant Open Study Collegehas revealed the six questions you should never ask at the end of a job interview, and some more unique phrases you should ask instead.
As the conversation comes to an end, 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 usually be found in the job advertisement or on the company website and asking the question has become very common.’
Instead, you need to “pick something specific from the list of responsibilities and ask a question around it.
‘For example: ‘One of the responsibilities mentioned was building relationships with key stakeholders. Would you say this was the most important aspect of the role and something I had to focus on in particular?’
‘It ultimately leads to the same answer, but shows greater interest.’
2. Can I work from home?
Then, Bryant advises that while it is becoming more common, you should never ask if you can work from home at the end of a job interview.
He explained: ‘The business world has certainly adapted and many companies are offering flexible working policies.
“If you ask about this specific policy, it may seem like the candidate is reluctant to travel or work in person – which, if the company requires it, could limit your chances of success.
‘It’s about the way a question is formulated. Instead, ask more generally about the weekly schedule, social contacts at work and office life.’
3. What can your company offer me?
While you may genuinely want to know, the expert says the “tone of this question doesn’t come across well.”
He says: ‘As a potential employee, you are naturally curious about any employment conditions.
“To find out this information, if it’s not available online, I would say, ‘What company policy are you most proud of?’
‘This will give you a good idea of the type of benefits on offer, while 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.
Says Bryant, “I would recommend completing the interview first and sending a follow-up email thanking the interview for their time, and then asking what the next steps are.
‘It can often take several interviews and if you are a desirable candidate it is best to wait until a later stage, when the company has actually acquired you, to start negotiations. Timing is crucial.’
5. Why should I work for you?
Again, although you may want to know the answer, this question comes quite abruptly and can create an ‘awkward situation’ between you and the employer.
The expert explains: ‘As an interviewee you want to find a good match, but remember that you will ultimately be interviewed and not the other way around.
‘This can also catch people off guard and make them a little uncomfortable.
“If you applied for the job, you would want to work there and asking this question is almost like wanting the job to be thrown back to you.”
6. What time do I finish each day?
Finally, Bryant says that while “demonstrating an enthusiastic and decisive attitude is very important, especially in the earliest stages, wanting to know what time you will be home every day 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 thing about working there; the answers will help to paint a good picture of the working environment.’