A poorly thought-out question during an interview can jeopardize your chances of getting hired.
Asking the right questions helps you make a positive impression, while asking the wrong questions can lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Let’s explore the questions you should avoid asking in an interview.
12 Inappropriate Questions to Avoid During a Job Interview
During a job interview, it’s essential to ask thoughtful and relevant questions that demonstrate your interest and suitability for the position.
However, there are certain questions you should always avoid, as they can be considered inappropriate or even illegal.
Here are some examples of questions to steer clear of during a job interview:
1. Questions about personal information: Avoid asking questions that pry into personal matters unrelated to the job, such as someone’s age, marital status, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. These questions can be seen as discriminatory and may violate employment laws.
2. Salary and benefits inquiries: It’s generally not appropriate to inquire about salary, benefits, or compensation during an initial job interview. Save these discussions for later stages of the hiring process, such as when an offer is extended.
3. Questions about protected characteristics: Avoid questions related to protected characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, or gender. Focusing on these factors may lead to accusations of discrimination.
4. Family-related questions: Questions about an applicant’s family, whether they have children, or their plans for starting a family are inappropriate and can violate anti-discrimination laws.
5. Health and medical inquiries: Avoid asking questions about an applicant’s medical history, disabilities, or current health conditions. Employers should base their hiring decisions on a candidate’s qualifications and abilities, not their health status.
6. Questions about political affiliations or beliefs: Politics should not play a role in the hiring process, so it’s best to avoid questions about an applicant’s political affiliations, party memberships, or political beliefs.
8. Questions about union membership: Asking about a candidate’s union membership or involvement can be seen as an attempt to discourage or favor certain applicants based on their labor affiliation, which is generally considered unfair and potentially illegal.
9. Questions unrelated to the job: Stay focused on the qualifications, skills, and experiences relevant to the position. Asking unrelated questions, such as an applicant’s favorite sports team or hobbies, can be perceived as unprofessional and irrelevant to the hiring decision.
Remember, it’s crucial to maintain professionalism and treat all applicants fairly during the interview process.
By avoiding these inappropriate questions, you can ensure a respectful and legal hiring process that focuses on the candidate’s qualifications and suitability for the job.
Some other questions:
1. What are your company’s vacation time and benefit policies?
Asking about job perks too early may come across as self-indulgent. Save this question for when you are offered the job.
2. Can you tell me about the company?
You should have already conducted research on the company. Instead, ask specific questions that demonstrate your preparedness.
3. Will I be required to work overtime?
Rather than inquiring about overtime, ask about a typical day in the role.
4. Why did the previous employee leave?
Avoid appearing nosy by asking this question. Instead, inquire whether the position is new or if you are filling a vacancy.
5. Do you have any reservations about me?
This question puts pressure on the employer and is generally not well-received.
6. Will I have to relocate or travel?
Asking about relocation or travel makes you appear inflexible. Let the potential employer broach this subject.
7. What is the salary for this position?
Avoid discussing salary during the initial interview. It’s better to wait until the job offer is extended.
8. How long is the interview? I have somewhere to be afterward.
Asking about the interview duration or displaying a preoccupation with time can be seen as disrespectful to the interviewer’s time.
9. What’s your policy on flex time?
Unless flex time was mentioned in the job description, it’s best not to ask about it.
10. How long does it take to get a promotion?
Avoid questions about advancement opportunities, as it may raise doubts about your intentions.
11. How long is my lunch break?
Save questions like these for when you receive an employment offer.
12. What type of health insurance do you offer?
Leave this question for later interviews. The initial interview is not the appropriate time to discuss such matters.
These are the top 12 questions you should avoid asking during an interview. Here are a few more to steer clear of:
- What psychiatric benefits do you offer?
- Are you married? (Asked of the interviewer)
- Can you guarantee I’ll have a job a year from now?
- Can I accumulate frequent flyer miles from business trips?
- Would anyone notice or care if I arrived late or left early?
- The job description mentions working weekends, but is it truly required?
- Do you provide free parking?
- Will you reimburse the cost of my MBA?
- Can you discuss the retirement plan with me?
Remember, asking the right questions is as crucial as avoiding the wrong ones during your interview.