Page 11 - 301 Best Questions to Ask on Your Interview, Second Edition

FOREWORD

So when you get to the end of the interview and the interviewer
asks, “Do you have any questions for me?” you can feel free to say,
“No, I think I’ve asked enough questions to understand how I will
fit in well at this position. I’m very excited about working with you. I
think we’re a good match. Do you have any reservations?”

FOUR QUESTIONS TO AVOID

Not all questions are created alike. I mentioned four great questions
that smart candidates can ask in their job interviews. It’s only fair
that I also mention four questions that you should certainly avoid.

How many hours a day do you work?

This is a quality of life question. Quality of life is important, and if
you need to leave at 5 P.M. every day, that’s fair, but it is not some-
thing that automatically makes you more attractive as an employee,
so don’t ask this question directly.

If you get through a full interview and the hiring manager never
reveals that she has a life outside of work, there’s no need to ask:
she doesn’t. If you are unsure about the typical work hours, conduct
some independent research. Park your car in the company lot and
stalk unsuspecting employees to see when they come and go. Or, go
to a pay phone and anonymously call the interviewer at 7 P.M. four
nights in a row to see if she’s still at the office. Just don’t ask this
question in the interview.

If you were an animal, which one would you be?

Nothing abstract. Please. This nutcase question throws off an inter-
viewer. In extreme cases, it may be appropriate to ask such a ques-
tion to test what someone does under pressure. But, for the most
part, as the interviewee it is not your job to instigate pressure.

Most hiring decisions are made based on chemistry. Your number
one goal when you interview for a job is to get the person asking the
questions to like you. So you should ask questions that make this
person feel comfortable.

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