A job interview is an exciting time! After countless hours of preparing your CV, taking courses, and networking, you finally have landed one. If you’re a newcomer to Canada and unfamiliar with the process, however, this can be quite an intimidating accomplishment. You may not know the interview process in Canada, the kinds of questions that may be asked, and the modes of interaction that are commonly practised in Canadian job interviews.
As a result, what can end up happening is that you may spend so much time preparing for how you will answer questions, that you give little thought to what questions you yourself might ask the interviewer. These questions, which are commonly asked at the end of an interview, can make you stand out, either in a positive or negative light.
In this article, we will not only cover the questions you should be asking but also the questions you should be avoiding – questions that will damage your chances of landing the role with the company you are aiming for.
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6 Job Interview Questions You Shouldn’t Answer
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Don’t Ask About Benefits, Pay, and Vacation Entitlements
While it’s natural to be curious about the perks and compensation offered by a potential employer, it’s crucial to approach this topic with tact and timing. Inquiring about benefits, pay, and vacation at this stage in the process might convey a focus on financial gain rather than a genuine interest in the role and company culture.
Instead, try asking: “Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?” This question demonstrates your interest in understanding the role’s expectations and how you can contribute to the team’s success.
Don’t Ask About the Interviewer’s Personal Opinion About Working at the Company
Seeking insights into the company culture and work environment is understandable. However, directly asking the interviewer whether they like working at the company can appear overly familiar or unprofessional. Remember, the interview is primarily an opportunity to showcase your qualifications and fit for the role.
Moreover, the interviewer is meant to be an ambassador of the company they are representing, and it may be taken as offense by some to be asked what they actually think of that company.
Instead, try asking: “How would you describe the company culture and values?” This approach allows you to gain insight into whether the company’s values align with your own and whether it fosters a supportive work environment.
Don’t Ask About Promotion Timelines
While career growth and advancement opportunities are important considerations, asking about promotion timelines too early in the interview process may suggest a lack of focus on the immediate responsibilities of the role. Moreover, interviewers are interested in candidates who are focused on improving the company and working hard because they are genuinely interested in the work they are doing. This, for them, tends to be a better predictor of a reliable, long-term employee than someone who is just becoming a part of the organization for the sake of personal advancement.
Instead, try asking: “What are the company’s short-term and long-term goals, and how does this position contribute to achieving them?” This question emphasizes your interest in understanding how you can immediately contribute to the company’s objectives through the role you’re applying for. Focusing on the company’s goals allows you to demonstrate your alignment with their objectives and how you can make an immediate impact, rather than solely focusing on personal advancement.
Final Tips:
- Approach each interview with confidence, preparedness, and a genuine interest in the role and company.
- Be curious about the company’s goals to identify how you can best contribute.
- Show initiative by asking about the next steps in the process to gauge when it might be appropriate to follow up.
By following these tips and asking thoughtful and relevant questions, you can leave a positive impression on potential employers and enhance your chances of success in the job market. Good luck on your job search!
