Asking Questions in the Interview: Where Most People Go Wrong

It’s practically a given that any job interview will end with one standard question posed to the interviewee: “Do you have any questions for me?”

This is common practice and yet, many candidates remain ill-prepared. Believe it or not, you can actually sink an otherwise strong interview right here at the end by failing to handle this question effectively.

Here are a few of the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them.

Failing to Ask Questions

Too many people miss the opportunity to continue the conversation by asking meaningful questions. Instead, they move straight for the wrap-up and ask about next steps in the interview process.

Remember: The interview is a two-way road. You can (and should) be evaluating how well this organization and its people meet your employment objectives. Asking a few thoughtful questions can demonstrate your interest in a deeper way and help confirm the right match is being made.

For example, you can inquire about the company culture, team dynamics, high-level organizational goals and how this role impacts them, and so on.

Remember too that your questions should show you’ve been listening and you’ve already done research on your own as well. Don’t reiterate things you’ve already discussed and don’t ask questions that can be easily answered by visiting the company website.

Also read: How to Positively Answer Negative Interview Questions

Asking the Wrong Kind of Questions

This is not an open invitation to interrogate the interviewer about the finer points of what an offer might look like. I’ve sat in too many interviews where the candidate uses this time to ask about benefits, start dates, vacation, employee discounts and other details more appropriately left for later in the process.

The interview is a sales meeting. The prospective employer is still deciding whether or not to hire you. Those details will be sorted out once that decision is made. Right now, your job is to inspire them to make an offer. These kinds of questions can appear over-eager and out-of-step.

Similarly, avoid questions that make it look like you might be a difficult employee. For example, don’t ask about how quickly you’ll be eligible for a raise or promotion, or how strict the schedule is. These things can be discussed (delicately) in the future when an offer is on the table.

Also read: 3 Mindset Shifts to Rock Your Job Interview

Using Questions as a Sales Pitch

While you are, indeed, trying to sell yourself in the interview, don’t be heavy-handed about it. Ask questions for which you really care about knowing the answers; not questions that are just thinly veiled sales pitches.

Likewise, avoid overly aggressive tactics like asking, “Is there anything you see that suggests I’m not perfect for this job?” Few people will feel comfortable answering a question like this honestly to your face.

The questions you ask (or don’t ask) will leave a final impression on the interviewer. They can emphasize your interest in the role and the organization, or they can make you look like a desperate, lazy, amateurish job seeker. Be thoughtful in your approach and you’ll end the interview on a high note.