Questions You Should Never Ask in a Job Interview
1. Anything Related to Salary or Benefits
“Company benefits [and salary negotiations] don’t come into play until an offer has been extended,” says Kohut. The same principle applies to sick time and vacation days. It’s best to avoid any question that sounds like you assume you already have the position—unless, of course, your interviewer brings it up first.
2. Questions That Start With “Why?”
Why? It’s a matter of psychology. These kinds of questions put people on the defensive, says Kohut. She advises repositioning a question such as, “Why did the company lay off people last year ?” to a less confrontational, “I read about the layoffs you had. What’s your opinion on how the company is positioned for the future?”
3. “Who is Your Competition?”
This is a great example of a question that could either make you sound thoughtful—or totally backfire and reveal that you did zero research about the company prior to the interview, says Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter. Before asking any question, determine whether it’s something you could have figured out yourself through a Google search. If it is, a) don’t ask it and b) do that google search before an interview.
4. “How Often Do Reviews Occur?”
Maybe you’re concerned about the company’s view of your performance, or maybe you’re just curious, but nix any questions about the company’s review or self-appraisal policies. “It makes us think you’re concerned with how often negetive feedback might be delievered " says Kohut. Keep your confidence intact, and avoid the topic altogether—or at least until you receive an offer.
5. “May I Arrive Early or Leave Late as Long as I Get My Hours In?”
Even if you make it clear that you’re hoping for a flexible schedule to accommodate a legitimate concern such as picking up your kids from daycare, Barrett-Poindexter advises against this question. “While work-life balance is a very popular concern right now, it’s not the most pressing consideration for a hiring decision-maker,” she says. “Insinuating early on that you’re concerned about balancing your life may indicate to your employer that you are more concerned about your needs and less concerned about the company’s.”
6. “Can I Work From Home?”
Unless it was implied in the initial job descripttion, don’t bring it up. “Some companies will allow you to work from home on occasion once they see what a productive employee you are,” says Kohut. But an interview isn’t the time to be asking for special favors. Right now your top priority is selling them on you first.
7. “Would You Like to See My References?”
“Interviewing is a lot like dating,” says Barrett-Poindexter. “It’s important to entice with your value and attract them to call you for the next ‘date.’” Offering up your references too soon may hint at desperation. Plus, you don’t want to run the risk of overusing your references.
8. How Soon Do You Promote Employees?
“An individual asking this question may come off as arrogant and entitled,” says recruiter Josh Tolan.
9. Do I Get My Own Office?
This is an uncomfortable one, says Tolan. Of course you may wonder about it, but will something like this really play into whether you accept a career opportunity or not? If so, he says, it may be time to rethink your priorities.
10. Will You Monitor My Social Networking Profiles?
While a valid concern in today’s culture, this is something best left unsaid. “It gives the impression you have something to hide,” says Tolan. Play it safe and don't post anything (especially disparaging things) about your company, co-workers, or employers on Facebook, Twitter—or anywhere on the internet, really.
And yes, even if you’re not “friends” with anyone at work. These kinds of things have a way of getting around.
Source :- An email from a friend 
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Renu
CAclubindia
