9 Questions You Should Never Ask in an Interview

9 Questions You Should Never Ask in an Interview 9 Questions You Should Never Ask in an Interview Asking questions during a job interview is a great way to show youve done your homework  and youre genuinely interested in the job. And while smart queries  can impress the hiring manager, bad ones can seriously hurt your chances. Thats why its so important you avoid certain questions during the job interviewno matter how tempted you are to ask them. We looked through  The Muse article 10 Interview Questions You Should Never Ask (and 5 You Always Should), and Business Insiders 23 Questions You Should Never Ask at the End of a Job Interview and came up with a list of a few questions you should never ask in an interview. Here are nine  questions you should never ask in an interview: 1. What does this company do, exactly? No, no, no! This is another way of saying, Ive done zero homework or preparation! If you dont know the business, industry, or what the company you are interviewing for with does, well then, the interview will likely end quickly. 2. Anything that starts with, How soon can I How soon can I take a vacation? How soon can I get promoted?  and so on. These questions send the wrong message. They either tell the hiring manager youre impatient, you show a lack of commitment, or youre using this job as a stepping stone to the next thingor all of the above! 3.  How much will you pay me? To be clear, the salary conversation is something that  should be discussed  at some point in the process- but not in the early stages. Asking about salary too early is going to be a sign that you may be interested in the job for the wrong reasons. 4. May I arrive early or leave late as long as I get my hours in? Employers want committed workers, so if youre worrying about when you can start and leave before even being offered the job, youre showing a lack of commitment or that being available during working hours may be an issue. 5. What if I dont get along with my boss or coworkers? This one could send up a major red flag. Showing concern about not getting along with others implies youve had an issue with this in the past. And the last thing an employer wants is to hire someone who may create problems or tension among the staff. 6. I heard [this rumor]; is it true? Its fine to ask the hiring manager about things you may have read in the news or heard within the industry about the state of the companybut dont let it be about vicious rumors, or anything scandalous. According to the Business Insider article, thats highly unprofessional. 7. Do I really have to work when overtime is required? In certain industries, employers maintain specific work shifts in order to meet customer demands. Most often the shifts are included in the posting, and employers will screen specifically for them. Inquiring about policies around vacation, such as how much vacation is offered or how much notice is needed for a vacation, are usually fine. Asking if you must really work when overtime is required can be  a deal breaker. More than your experience, employers need reliable employees, says  Kari Scanlon, director of human resources for Touchstone Mental Health, a Minnesota nonprofit. 8. Can I bring my child/dog to work? Yes, job seekers have really asked Scanlon this question. And she loves furry friends, and kids too. Butnot so much in the workplace. I’m sure we would all like to have a job that supports a positive work-life balance, but it’s important to keep your work life separate from your personal life, says Scanlon. While you may be okay with your little one hunkered down in your office with an iPad, your coworkers may not be as open to working around a child. The same can be said about pets. Unless a company explicitly promotes a Bring Your Dog to Work Day, you should not be asking whether you can bring your child or pet to work. 9. Are you married? / Do you have kids? / Are you expecting? / Whats your nationality? Stay away from the super personal stuff! You may just be trying to make friendly conversation, but its highly inappropriate. You wouldnt want the interviewer  asking you these questionsso dont ask them. If you want to break the ice, you can mention, for instance, that you noticed on their LinkedIn profile that they went to a particular school, and ask them how they liked it, or what they majored in. Asking the right questions in an interview can help you stand out, and impress the employer. Asking the wrong questions, such as these, can hurt  or ruin your chances of getting hired. Have an interview coming up? Check out our job interviewing tips category.