Asking interview questions goes both ways, from the recruiter to the candidate and vice versa. When it is time to interview your recruiters, you need to be cautious with what you ask. Some questions like the ones in this article are better left unsaid.
Asking questions in an interview should never be scary, after all, that is the time to determine whether the job in question is the right one for you. Recruiters are always intrigued by candidates who are bold enough to speak their minds and inquire more about the little details. It is candidates like these who stand a chance to be hired. Never downplay your chance to ask your recruiters questions, even when your opportunities to land a dream job may be scarce, not all golden job offers actually make the cut.
When you’re preparing the interview questions you’ll ask the recruiters, you’ll be diving deep into the pros and cons of the job at hand. Is there anything like a perfect job? I cannot say. But regardless of how attractive the job and the company look, asking questions gives you more clarity. Should you then ask any question that crosses your mind? Of course not. The questions you ask have the ability to either make you the recruiters' favourite or just make them cringe.
Here are 5 interview questions recruiters hope you don’t ask during the interview
“What does your company do?”
This is your own homework, why are you passing it to the recruiters? Thorough interview preparation involves you researching your potential employer. So what exactly did you prepare for if you have no idea what the company does? Keep away from questions whose answers you can get from a simple Google search or even the company website.
In this article, Kelvin emphasizes that one of the tips to prepare for a job interview is to research the company and the role.
This will definitely keep you ahead of the game. Unless you need more details about the information you came across, then you can rephrase the question.
For example,“ I understand that the work you do here is primarily centered around environmental conservation efforts, such as recycling, what is the end goal of this initiative?”
This is a question that displays your level of curiosity and your ability to go the extra mile to find out about the company.
“Do you do background checks?”
Are you afraid the references on your CV won't check out? Why then would you ask such a question? It is not in your job description to find out whether the company does background checks or not. Even when you are applying for a role in human resources, it is still too soon to ask this question, and shows that you are not honest about the information you have shared. I would advise that you totally refrain from asking such a question or anything related. For recent graduates, the recruiter may understand your anxiety, but when it comes to an experienced professional, asking about background checks raises a lot of red flags about you as a potential candidate.
Are you afraid of the background checks or reference checks that the company is likely to do? Ensure to submit references you are comfortable with. Also, resist submitting wrong or incorrect information on your CV. This might include extended working dates, wrong titles on your positions, or even responsibilities you did not handle.
Here are better ways to write an authentic, winning CV that will not make you feel guilty about anything.
“Can I work from home?”
The job advert clearly showed that it is a full-time position on-site. Did you miss that? You were this close to making the recruiters actually believe that you are attentive to details. Forget the lockdown era, asking your recruiter if you can work from home might give the impression that you'll be handling other things on the side when you're supposed to be working. When your recruiters get a hint that your priorities are not in line with the role at hand, then you'll have spoiled your chances of being hired.
Instead, it is better to ask if the working arrangement is flexible, especially if you have valid reasons to work remotely such as attending school, the recruiter might be more open to hearing you out. If it wasn’t indicated in the job description, you could ask whether the role will be full-time or part-time. Always read the full details of the job advert and instead of suggesting your preferences, find out the employer’s preferences.
For example;
“I know this is a part-time position, how often will you need me on site?”
“On the days I am not supposed to come in at work, is it okay to handle my assignments remotely?”
This question helps you get clarity and dismisses your assumptions. You are also better positioned to know your employer’s priorities and re-align them with yours. Some companies have core security procedures and may not be comfortable with an employee taking on their assignments from another place rather than the office.
“How soon can I expect a salary increase?”
When you find out please let me know as well. This question is just off and gives off immediate greed and some discontent with the job as is. When your recruiters get a hint that you are unhappy with the offer at hand, they are certain that you won't hold the job when a higher bidder comes in.
It is obvious that the paycheck holds a big percentage of any candidate's interest in a job offer, but please tone down the urge to ask this question.
When you find yourself disinterested in what the entire job package holds, then there are better ways to turn down the offer.
“Do you have any other available opportunities apart from this one?”
This could imply that you are really not interested in the role at hand. Do not apply for jobs you do not see yourself doing. It is clearly a disservice to yourself and your potential employer.
In conclusion, interview fever is real. However, the more prepared you are, the better your chances of making it.
