What Not to Ask in Your First Interview

       There are a lot of articles on the internet filled with interview tips, detailing everything from what to wear to following up after. Just as important as knowing what to do is knowing what not to say. At the end of your interviewer when asked if you have any questions, your potential employers will be on the watch for certain red flags. Here’s what Forbes recommends you should be careful to avoid when asking questions during an interview:

When would I be considered for a raise and a promotion?

Reason to avoid: You want to reflect interest in supporting the organization through this role they’re trying to fill, not focusing on how you can immediately get beyond this role.

What’s the vacation and flextime policy?

Reason to avoid: Again, you want to reflect a sincere interest in working for this organization in the role they have open, and not evaluate the appeal of the job by the amount of time you have off. In my view, asking all about benefits, vacation/leave, flextime, etc. is for after you get the job offer and before you decide to accept it.

What would I be doing every day?

Reason to avoid: You should ask about the nature and scope of the role, but not “what will I be doing?” because that question sounds like you may not know as much as you should about your stated area of expertise.  Most often, "what will I be doing?" is answered in the job description that got you interested in the role. If you’re still unclear after discussing the job, you can ask something like, “What types of projects would this role be actively engaged in and what are the most important goals of this role?”

Why is this role open now?

Reason to avoid: This might be something you want to ask later with a question like, “What is the history of this position in the organization?" but not initially, because it suggests you’re digging to find out if the predecessor was fired or laid off, etc.

Do you check references?

Reason to avoid: This question gives the impression that your references are not what they need to be, and you’re worried about it. Do everything you can secure good references, but if you have an issue with that, wait until the interviewer knows you better and you’ve advanced to the stage where they ask for references, for you to share any more about the situation.