Interview: The Kiss of Death x5

You’ve got a fool-proof resume chucked full of all the experience and education and you get the big call for an interview. Aside from arming yourself in a business suit and bearing a folder-full of references, is there anything you can do to better prepare yourself for a superior interview without knowing in advance what the questions will be? The answer might not be with the questions your interviewer asks, but perhaps with the questions you ask. Curious if even your most minor inquiries can sabotage your job interview? Oh they can—read on.

Number one kiss of death: When will I get a raise? No matter how much you want to know the answer, don’t inquire about a raise until at least your second interview, and even then, you must take a tactful approach concerning the subject. In this economy, many people have been downsized or laid off and are taking jobs below their typical pay. For this reason, you’ll probably find it necessary to factor in the raises before you can make the best decision about accepting a job. Try this instead: Does the company perform annual or semi-annual reviews for feedback and salary review?”

Number two kiss of death: Exactly what do you do at this company? It’s your responsibility to know this information and if you don’t prior to applying, Google the heck out of the company name, type of company, product or services is designs, provides, performs, whatever—do it yourself. If you don’t, there’s a long line of folks who will. Try this instead: Uh, nothing—just don’t ask dumb questions...

Number three kiss of death: Will you do a background check or drug test? Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy…and yet employers keep telling us they’re hearing these questions regularly during interview sessions. Way to red-flat the interviewer that undertaking such checks or test might be a problem for you. As best as I can figure, this question emerges from nervous conversation…? Please tell me that’s the case. Try this instead: Is there a facility you’d like me to submit to for a drug test? And/or: Can I provide you with any additional information to assist you in checking my background, references or credentials?

Number four kiss of death: Do you have smoke breaks? This tells a potential employer where your priorities lie and also indicates a lack of self control. Probably at some point the issue of smoking will come up in an advanced portion of a job interview, and hopefully not because you’ve entered an office reeking of the smell of your habit. But the subject may arise. Try this instead: I am a smoker. Are there any policies regarding tobacco use that I should be aware of at this facility?

Number five kiss of death: Is my depression medication covered under your insurance policy?—or any other type specific medication relating to mental health issues, no matter how common or mundane the issue is. Look—we know that at least half the nation is on one type of medication or other for such issues—but it’s certainly nobody’s business and is an issue to be taken up later on via an insurance provider hotline designated for such inquiries. There’s no shame in it, it’s just an inappropriate question to ask your interviewer, and yet it makes the list of top twenty (roughly) questions asked at an interview. Only during an advanced interview session, you may try this: The insurance plan looks solid—is there a reasonable prescription plan that goes along with it?

Chances are good that the interviewer will ask you if you have any questions for him or her regarding the position or the company. It’s not mandatory that you have any for show if the interview has been a thorough one. But if you do, word wisely, be tactful, and know when to shut up, frankly. Now, go get ‘em, tiger.