What NOT to Ask At Your Job Interview

Social IssuesEmployment

  • Author Cari Sommer
  • Published June 6, 2011
  • Word count 381

You’ve made it through your interview for a great summer internship. You’re really excited about the opportunity and feeling good about the prospects of landing this particular summer internship.

The interview is nearing an end, when you're asked that important question - "Do you have any questions for me."

Yesterday we gave you a few questions to keep in mind in case you find yourself suddenly blanking out. But perhaps even more importantly, what are the questions that you want to stay away from? Here are some areas to avoid:

Does the job require overtime or weekend work? A summer internship is a great chance to roll up your sleeves and get ‘business’ experience. Sometimes that may require going the extra mile and putting in extra hours. Asking this question makes it seem like you’re not willing to do that — even if you are. Rather, you can safely ask what the typical workday is like for the position you are interviewing for. If the answer is sidestepped, wait until you are offered the position before broaching this subject again.

Can I work from home? Maybe, but if the position isn’t advertised as such or as "virtual", then chances are it’s not. You have to wait until you have properly established yourself with a company before making this request.

Do you like working here? Stay away from anything personal. Just don’t go there.

How long does it take receive a raise? Whether the summer internship is paid or unpaid, let the company offer you a position first before negotiating salary or asking for a raise. While compensation is important, you don’t want to send the signal that it’s the only reason why you’re pursuing a particular summer internship.

I understand that …, but can I …? Any question that contains this phrase is asking for an exception. And since you haven’t been offered a position yet, it’s not the time to ask!

While you want to receive as much information as possible before accepting a summer internship, the interview is your chance to put your best foot forward. Use the opportunity to ask questions for gathering meaningful information while also sending the message that you are the right summer intern for the job!

Urban Interns is an online job marketplace that connects high-growth companies with talented candidates looking for internships, part-time jobs, freelance work and contract positions.

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