Do’s and Don’ts - Questions to Ask During an Interview

Your application materials worked and you landed your first job interview with your dream job. Your next step is to prepare for the actual interview. Whether it is a phone interview or an in-person meeting, we have some interviewing tips for you. Besides knowing what to wear and what research to conduct about the company, you have to be prepared with a list of questions to ask the interviewer. However, it can’t be just any random questions. Below are examples of the do’s and don'ts when asking questions to your interviewer when his or her question comes up: “So, do you have any questions for me?”

Right Questions to Ask

1. What does a typical day at work look like?

2. What are the challenges that someone in this position would face?

3. What is the work environment like?

4. What can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?

5. Where would the company like to be in five years?

6. What is the next step in the hiring process?

7. What is something that you’d like to see me accomplish in the first 60 days?

8. How have you recognized your employees in the past?

At the very least, you want to ask something because most employers agree that having no questions to ask them is a negative and frustrating response. Here is a list of interview questions that you need to scratch-off your list before you go into your job interview.

Wrong Questions to Ask

1. What exactly does this company do?

2. Who is your competition?

3. What benefits do you provide besides the ones stated?

4. How often do reviews occur?

5. How many days off and how much paid vacation time do I get?

6. Can I work from home?

7. Do I get my own office?

8. Will I have to take a drug test before getting hired?

9. If I get all my hours in, can I arrive late or leave early?

A job interview is not the time to ask for special favors such as raising the salary, vacations days or working from home. Your top priority is to sell them on you and come across as a prepared and responsible individual. However, before asking interview questions about the company, check to see if it’s something you can find the answer to on any search engine. Also, avoid at all costs asking questions that sound like you assume that you already have the position so you don’t seem conceited. And most of all, this is not the time to find out more about the company. You should have done your homework before the interview and know basic information about the job at hand and the company.

If you’re having trouble landing a job interview we at El Paso Professional Resumes can help you; with this and other interviewing tips.