5 questions you should never ask during a job interview

So you’ve nailed every question the hiring manager asks you in your face to face. Good for you.

Now it’s your turn. The person interviewing you will likely ask if you have any questions.

And don’t think he or she is done evaluating you. “The questions applicants ask during the interview often reveal their priorities in a way that nothing else during the interview does,” says Barry Maher, a Corona, California-based business speaker and author.

The five listed below are the worst of the worst, and should be avoided completely.

“What is the salary for this position?”

If this is a first interview, don’t bring up salary, time off or other benefits, says Annette Richmond of Career Intelligence Resume Writing in Rowayton, Connecticut. Otherwise, it may seem as if compensation is the only thing you care about. Better to make the other side really, really want you before you start gearing the conversation toward dollar signs.

“So when do I start?”

Avoid asking questions that make it seem like you feel entitled to the position, says Philip Blackett, CEO of Boston-based Magnetic Interviewing. So much of getting the job is about the chemistry between you and the interviewer, and you can spoil that in a second by seeming too presumptuous. Here are a few similar questions to avoid:

• “How did I do compared to the other candidates?”
• “Is it OK for me to send you a Facebook friend request afterwards?”
• “What perks does your company offer us employees compared to the competition?”
• “Do I get an office with this position?”
• “How quickly will I get promoted?”

“Can you tell me what this company does?”

Contrary to conventional wisdom, there are stupid questions and asking them can hurt you in a job interview.

“The worst thing a candidate can say is, ‘Tell me about the company,’” says Richmond. “It shows you didn’t do your research ahead of time.”

Also, don’t ask about anything you could find on the company's website, through social media or by simply searching online.

“Will I have to pass a drug test or background check?”

Asking about these makes it look like you have something to hide, says Bill Fish of Reputation Management in Cincinnati.

“Could I work from home one day a week?”

Avoid asking about changing the work conditions right away. Same for the job duties. This is not the time to say that you’d rather avoid a job that involves travelling or managing a team. If they end up really liking you, they may make accommodations but wait until they show you this by extending an offer.

“Trying to alter the job description on your first interview is a great way to get your resume in the shredder,” Fish says.

More on this topic from Monster:

• How would you answer these 14 personality questions in a job interview?
• 7 tips for landing a part-time job when you’re already employed full time
• Last-minute interview preparation