You've successfully navigated through the challenging questions, presented your qualifications with confidence, and demonstrated why you're the ideal candidate for the position. However, the interview process isn't complete yet. The final stage, where you're invited to ask questions of your own, can significantly influence the outcome. This moment often proves to be the most intimidating for job seekers, with Google recording 17,520 monthly searches for "questions to ask the interviewer." While it might seem prudent to research standard queries online, generic questions can appear disinterested or uninspired. Moreover, coming across as overly assertive or blunt might suggest you're not a suitable match for the company culture. To help you make a positive lasting impression, Careers and Education Expert Robbie Bryant from Open Study College identifies the top questions to avoid during interviews and offers more effective alternatives.
What are you looking for in a candidate? / How can I impress you?
Robbie explains that this question has become extremely common and typically covers information already available in the job listing or on the company website. Since interviewers often speak with multiple candidates, they frequently hear these standard inquiries. To distinguish yourself from other applicants, Robbie advises: "Pull something specific from the list of responsibilities and centre a question around this. For example, 'One of the responsibilities listed was building relationships with key stakeholders. Would you say that this is the most important aspect of the role and something I should be particularly focused on?'" Although the answer might be similar, your phrasing demonstrates genuine engagement and serious consideration of the position.
Can I work from home?
Despite significant changes in the corporate world since the pandemic, asking this question directly could potentially limit your success by implying dissatisfaction with office-based work. If flexible, home, or hybrid working arrangements haven't been explicitly mentioned by the company and are essential requirements for you, the role might not be the right fit. There are subtle ways to explore this topic without explicitly raising it. Robbie emphasises: "It's all about the way a question is phrased! Instead, ask more generally about the weekly schedule, work social events, and office life." This approach allows you to gather relevant information while maintaining a professional demeanour.
What can your company offer me?
This question should be avoided due to its demanding tone, which might suggest either that you're difficult to work with or that you haven't conducted proper research about the role. Robbie clarifies: "Of course, as a potential employee, you will be curious about any employee benefits. But to uncover this information, if it's not available online, I would say, 'Which company policies are you most proud of?' This will give you a good sense of the type of benefits on offer while still seeming genuinely interested." Additionally, this phrasing provides interviewers with an opportunity to highlight positive aspects of their organisation, creating a more collaborative conversation.
Is the salary negotiable?
While salary discussions are often necessary, timing is crucial when addressing this topic during interviews. Robbie recommends: "I would suggest completing the interview first, then sending a follow-up email to thank the interviewer for their time and asking what the next steps are. There can often be several interviews before an offer, and if you are a desirable candidate, it's best to wait until a later stage, when the company has really bought into you, to start negotiations. Timing is key." This strategic approach ensures that salary conversations occur at an appropriate moment in the hiring process.
Why should I work for you?
Robbie points out: "You want to find a great match as an interviewee, but remember that ultimately you are being interviewed, not the other way around." If you've applied for the position, you presumably want to work there, so this question can create awkwardness by essentially asking the employer to pitch the role back to you. Instead, consider asking: "What do your employees love most about working here?" or be more specific by inquiring about factors that attracted you to the role, such as company culture. This demonstrates interest while maintaining appropriate interview dynamics.
What time will I finish every day?
Your objective during an interview is to present yourself as an enthusiastic and committed team player, which is particularly important during initial stages. Robbie notes: "Wanting to know what time you will be home every day shows a lack of interest." If you wish to understand work-life balance, subtlety is essential to avoid appearing like a clock-watcher. Robbie recommends a similar tactic to previous examples, asking what company employees would identify as the best part of working there. He adds: "The answers will help to paint a good picture of the work environment." Phrases like "work hard, play hard," "fast-paced environment," "we're like a family," or "must handle stress well" could serve as potential red flags if you're concerned about burnout, though context depends on your industry and personal preferences.
Robbie's Ultimate Interview Question Tip
Robbie concludes with essential advice: "Don't over-prepare a set list of questions that you think will impress the interviewer. The best tactic is to really listen and be engaging during the interview, then ask follow-up questions based on the conversation." This approach ensures your questions remain relevant and demonstrate active participation, ultimately strengthening your candidacy. Even if you eventually decide the position isn't right for you, avoid discounting yourself prematurely with poorly-worded questions that might create negative impressions.
