14 Common Interview Questions You Should Never Ask

Interviews are a pivotal moment in the job search process, offering a platform to showcase your expertise and learn more about the organization. However, the questions you ask during an interview are just as important as the answers you give. Some questions can inadvertently damage the impression you leave with your potential employer, signaling a lack of preparation or focus on the wrong priorities.

In this guide, we explore 14 interview questions that candidates should avoid and provide alternatives to help you navigate interviews with confidence and professionalism.

1. “What Does Your Company Do?”

Why to Avoid: Asking this suggests you haven’t taken the time to research the company. It shows a lack of initiative and interest in the organization’s mission and goals.

Tip: Research the company thoroughly before the interview. Learn about its products, services, culture, and recent accomplishments. Showing knowledge about the company is key to making a strong impression.

2. “How Soon Can I Be Promoted?”

Why to Avoid: This question can make you seem overly focused on personal advancement rather than on contributing to the company. It may imply that you’re not fully invested in the position at hand.

Tip: Instead, ask about growth opportunities within the company. For example, inquire about career development programs or mentorship initiatives that could help you grow in your role over time.

3. “What Is the Salary for This Role?”

Why to Avoid: Bringing up salary too early in the interview can make it seem like your primary interest is compensation, rather than the responsibilities of the position.

Tip: Salary discussions are best left for later stages in the interview process. Let the interviewer bring up compensation, usually after they’ve had the chance to gauge your fit for the role.

4. “How Much Vacation Time Do I Get?”

Why to Avoid: Asking about vacation or benefits too early can create the impression that you’re more interested in perks than in contributing to the company’s success.

Tip: It’s better to wait until the later stages of the interview, or even until you receive an offer, to discuss vacation and other benefits.

5. “What Are the Exact Working Hours?”

Why to Avoid: While work-life balance is important, asking about working hours early in the conversation can imply that you are more concerned about clocking in and out than about the role itself.

Tip: A better approach would be to ask about the typical day-to-day responsibilities of the role. This will give you a sense of the working environment without coming across as overly focused on hours.

6. “How Flexible Are the Working Hours?”

Why to Avoid: Asking about flexibility before understanding the role’s requirements can make you seem less committed to the job’s demands.

Tip: Frame the question in a more positive light by asking about the company’s culture regarding work-life balance or remote work options. This shows interest in the company’s values rather than personal convenience.

7. “Do You Monitor Employee Internet Usage?”

Why to Avoid: Questions like this can raise concerns about your professionalism and dedication. It might suggest that you are more interested in personal activities than your responsibilities.

Tip: Focus your questions on how you can contribute to the company’s success, rather than on workplace policies that could hint at non-productivity.

8. “How Did I Do?”

Why to Avoid: Asking for feedback during the interview can put the interviewer in an uncomfortable position and may make you appear insecure.

Tip: Instead, ask about the next steps in the hiring process. This shows that you are focused on moving forward, without needing immediate validation.

9. “Do You Conduct Background Checks?”

Why to Avoid: Asking about background checks can raise unnecessary red flags, suggesting you have concerns about your history or qualifications.

Tip: Most companies perform background checks as part of their hiring process. Assume this will happen and be proactive in addressing any potential concerns if necessary.

10. “What Don’t You Like About Working Here?”

Why to Avoid: This question can make the conversation feel negative or confrontational. It could put the interviewer on the spot and doesn’t reflect well on your attitude.

Tip: A more positive alternative is to ask about the company culture and what employees enjoy about working there. This shows you’re interested in being part of a positive and engaging work environment.

11. “When Can I Take a Leave of Absence?”

Why to Avoid: Asking about time off before you’ve even started can make it seem like you’re not fully committed to the position.

Tip: Wait until after receiving an offer to discuss time off policies and leave of absence options. First, focus on how you can make an impact in the role.

12. “Can I Work From Home?”

Why to Avoid: If remote work is not explicitly mentioned in the job description, asking about it too early may suggest you’re more interested in avoiding the office than contributing to the team.

Tip: If flexibility or remote work is a priority for you, bring it up later in the process or when the employer discusses their approach to work-life balance.

13. “Can I Bring My Pet to Work?”

Why to Avoid: While pet-friendly workplaces are becoming more common, asking about this early can come across as unprofessional if it’s irrelevant to the role.

Tip: If a pet-friendly policy is important to you, first research the company’s culture. If it’s known to be pet-friendly, this is something you can bring up later in the hiring process.

14. “Who Are Your Competitors?”

Why to Avoid: This question signals a lack of research and understanding of the industry, which could make you seem ill-prepared.

Tip: Instead, ask how the company differentiates itself in the market. This shows that you have done your homework and are curious about the company’s competitive edge.

Mastering the Interview Process

Asking the right questions in an interview can be a powerful way to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm for the role. By avoiding these common missteps, you’ll come across as professional, well-prepared, and focused on how you can contribute to the company’s success.

Remember to focus on questions that highlight your curiosity about the company’s culture, values, and growth opportunities. This will help you leave a positive and lasting impression on your interviewer.