GLC Reference Notes: Eight questions NOT to ask
at the job interview
The phone call you have been waiting for finally arrives for a job interview. Are you ready? Have you
researched the company? Are your Situation/Action/Result – SAR- stories articulate and snappy?
The interview is not a one way conversation. An experienced interviewee should be prepared to ask the
interviewer questions as they go through their time together. Prepare the questions you are going to ask
the hiring manager in your next interview, as questions are expected; but, stay away from these:

Salary: Never, as in never, ask what the position pays. Until a hiring manager determines your fit
and expertise they may be flexible with salary, don’t give away your asking price or ask how much
the job pays – they just might be willing to pay more than you are expecting.

Vacation time/Benefits/sick days: Don’t expect an offer if you are already suggesting you need
time off. Wait until the contract is signed before mentioning pre planned trips or personal leave.

Time in lieu/overtime: If you are on salary, expect you will be working 40 - 44 hours without
extra compensation; the higher the salary, the more overtime is expected and not compensated
for If you want to negotiate time in lieu once the offer has been made, do it then.

Expense accounts/car expenses: Don’t think of an expense account as additional income, it is
taxable. Expense remuneration is pretty standard across the board within a company and it is not
usually discussed until an offer has been accepted.

Health issues: You are under no obligation to disclose past illnesses or disabilities that do not
pertain to the job responsibilities as outlined in the job description - don’t bring them up.

Past conflicts: Don’t speak negatively of past positions or bosses. Keep the reason you left
explanation as general as possible. It is perfectly fine to say your values were not congruent with
that of the new manager or management or that there were personal differences. You also don’t
want the interviewer to think you will ever speak ill of them.

A higher up position: Don’t interview for any other position than the one you applied for. If you
have ambitions of moving up, great, but stay focused on what you can contribute NOW. Don’t
ever tell the interviewer you would eventually like their job.

Personal stuff: The interviewer is NOT your friend; do not share any personal information no
matter how well you think you are “bonding.” The answer to “tell me about yourself” is not how
many children you have or your favorite holiday.
Keep in mind that you want to focus on what you can do for the company, not what they are going to do
for you.
Colleen Clarke – Workopolis.com