Interview questions that'll kill ya

While completely reasonable to ask, some interview questions are toxic and will kill your chances! Learn how to rephrase things to make the right impression.

The questions listed below are a problem not because of the actual nature of the question, but because you are either asking the wrong person, asking at the wrong time or asking the wrong way. The answers you seek are certainly fair game. You just need to go about getting this information in a way that doesn't repel the Hiring Manager.

• WRONG: What are the benefits? (translation..."I'm the kind of person that gets hung up on minute details"). Do you really think the Hiring Manager knows the benefits off the top of their head? Let me help you out here...no, trust me, they don't. And if they do know this, it would take them easily ten minutes to answer you completely. This is an administrative question that should be directed to HR. Often times, all of your questions about benefits can be answered with a company document or online resource that covers all these details. So don't ever ask the Hiring Manager to list these out for you in an interview. And certainly, don't ever ask about benefits prior to a final round. It's presumptuous. Instead, if it is a final round, simply ask the Hiring Manager who you could speak with about this or where you can get this information. This is important stuff. But, let’s face it, the benefits aren't why you're accepting the job. Ask the wrong way or at the wrong time and you are telling them that it is (wrong message). RIGHT:  "Since we are getting to the final stage, I want to make sure I have everything I need to respond quickly to an offer if I'm fortunate enough to get one. Who can I contact or where can I go to find out about your benefits?"

• WRONG: Do you have high turn over? (translation..."I like to focus on the negative and assume the worst"). Hmmm...while you're at, why don't you ask if they have ever been divorced or if they have a drinking problem. For pete's sake, don't ask negative questions that expose the Hiring Manager's deficiencies. It's flat out rude and puts the Hiring Manager on the defense. This is a surefire way to kill your connection with them. Attrition is absolutely something that you'll want to know about. But find a way to get at this by asking a more positive question. That way, it isn't so abrasive and insulting to the Hiring Manager. If they can't answer your question about retention and the work culture with a lot of straight forward examples and details, you'll have your answer. RIGHT: "Tell me a little bit more about the work culture here. How long have people been here and what would you say they like most about this company?"

• WRONG: What are the hours? (translation..."I don't like to work long hours"). Knowing the hours IS important, but make sure you don't give them the impression that you are a "Nine to Fiver" who is only willing to work the minimum. When you ask about hours, you are stamping yourself on the forehead as a clock watcher. it immediately stigmatizes you. You can certainly ask about the schedule. But tell them it's because you want to understand what the expectations will be (so that you can meet those expectations!) in addition to wanting to fit in culturally with what the rest of the team is doing. RIGHT: "What's the typical schedule for this position and what time do you like people to show up and work up until so I can fit in with everyone else on the team?" 

• WRONG: What does your company do? (translation..."I was just too lazy to research this ahead of time"). This is the ultimate foot-in-the-mouth question. Why should a Hiring Manager have to spend time informing you of something you should already know? It is a time drain and an annoyance. It's also a little insulting because you are basically telling the manager that you've never heard of the place they work. Now, it's perfectly fine to ask questions about the company, just make sure they're specific questions, not general ones. Asking this seemingly logical question can absolutely kill your momentum in an interview because you will likely piss the manager off. Instead, ask a more detailed question based on the preparation research you've already done. This will engage the manager and show them you did your homework. RIGHT: "I researched your company online and understand that your company does XXX. But could you give me a bit more detail? How big is the company? Who are your competitors? What direction do you feel the company is moving in? etc..."  

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