10 questions not to ask during a job interview

In a tight job market, your interview can make or break your chances. Asking one of these 10 questions will land you on the 'not hired' list.

Mon, Feb 18 2013 at 11:57 AM

Related Topics:

Jobs

Photo: bpsusf/Flickr

The unemployment rate is slowly falling, but there are still millions of workers looking for work. With competition for existing jobs high, you need to make sure that you are at your best during your job interview. An ideal interview candidate not only answers questions properly but also knows what type of questions to ask his potential employer. These 10 questions, which were actually asked during interviews, are definitely on the “do not ask” list.

1. "Do you want to take a ride in my new car?"

I love new cars as much as the next gal, but there is no chance that I’d ever consider this a valid question during a job interview.

2. "Is the boss single?"

Seriously? I don’t even think my teenaged nephew would consider this an appropriate question.

3. "Do you allow midday naps?"

Midday naps have been shown to boost workplace productivity and while I think they are a great idea, I don’t think I’d ask about this workplace perk during an interview.

4. "Can you help me with the employment test?"

I can appreciate the honesty that this individual had about not knowing the material, but this is definitely not a good way to build confidence.

5. "Could I get a pay advance?"

I get it, times are tough, especially if you’ve been out of work for a while. This may be a question better asked after you’ve actually been hired, though.

6. "Can I set my own hours?"

Are you self-employed? If not, you shouldn’t ever expect that the answer to this question is going to be yes, especially during an interview.

7. "What job is this for?"

The last thing you should do before stepping into the interview room is to remind yourself which position you’re interviewing for today.

8. "Do you have a job for my partner?"

While I appreciate people looking out for one another, this question should be reserved until after you get hired.

9. "Do I have to be at work every day?"

Why yes, you do have to be at work every day.

10. "How do you think I did on the interview?"

This is a tough one because I know that instant feedback is always appreciated, but asking this question during an interview is really taboo.

Did some of these questions surprise you? I knowI was surprised as I read through this list, which was compiled by OfficeTeam, an administrative staffing company.

Now that you know what not to ask, we’ll discuss the type of questions you should ask. "Job seekers can set themselves apart by asking intelligent questions about the company and the position," said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. "Before interviews, candidates should thoroughly research the employer and come up with questions that show interest in and knowledge of the organization." Source: OfficeTeam

Definitely do your research before your interview. This will not only help you avoid number eight above but it will also let the interview team know that you are taking this opportunity seriously.

The opinions expressed by MNN Bloggers and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of MNN.com. While we have reviewed their content to make sure it complies with our Terms and Conditions, MNN is not responsible for the accuracy of any of their information.

Previous Post
5 personal finance Pinterest boards to follow

Next Post
When is the best time to buy everything? [Infographic]

You might also like:

Join the conversation

Comments: 5

obbopp Feb 19 2013 at 11:31 AM

If you are the typical bleating citizen-sheep well-indoctrinated from your earliest years to be a subservient lackey of your betters then follow the standard advice used by the multitude of well-qualified folks unable to land a job. Sadly, more then ever, there IS great truth in that adage "It's not what you know it's who you know." Yes ye naysayers... I AM well-aware that exceptions always exist. Please refrain from spewing your one or two known exceptions as if those minute mentions is representative

.... More

of the "universe" of those seeking work within the USA. Okay... the Disgruntled Old Coot is mumbling some advice that will likely only be of use to those that have cast off a wee bit of the indoctrination/brainwashing that is a major aspect of a society in the midst of full-scale class warfare (a complex topic beyond the realm of this particular writing). Do not be akin to the masses "playing by the rules." Try a different approach. Do the requisite research about the task applying for and the firm as a whole. Then, come across as the answer to their problems. Be polite but NEVER kow-tow as if those already within the firm are somehow better than you. Conversely, do not conduct yourself in a manner that expresses you believe YOU are better!!!! It is a "fine line to walk." Only a few natural or trained consummate actors can use the approach I describe. Time and space limitations do not allow me to go into detail about using an approach to being hired typically found with those at the upper levels of the socio-economic hierarchy. It is up to YOU to wander the Web seeking the advice that is available but seldom sought for by those who have been indoctrinated to be mere serfs at the lower levels of the hierarchy.

Log in or register to post comments
Report This Post

BeantownDog Feb 19 2013 at 10:56 AM

Dont ask if pants are a requirement, you never get the answer you want.

Log in or register to post comments
Report This Post

Melissa Hincha-Ownby Feb 19 2013 at 11:20 AM

Good advice!

Log in or register to post comments
Report This Post

boogerfree Feb 19 2013 at 10:29 AM

Please, who would ever ask these questions?

Log in or register to post comments
Report This Post

JD Feb 19 2013 at 12:49 PM

"who would ever"? People DID ask all of these questions in actual interviews. OfficeTeam is a recruiting firm and these are questions that were reported back to them by their clients. I have conducted interviews where I got questions every bit as stupid or inappropriate. I sometimes wonder what percentage of the unemployment number represents people too dumb to make it through the interview process