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Originally posted on Forbes

Missteps in company protocol are expected in an interview. Job seekers don’t know what the business expects from its employees, and it’s common to see a few faux pas show up. The part of the interview where this behavior is most likely to emerge is when the interviewer asks the job seeker if they have any questions.

Job seekers consistently ask pointed questions during interviews that should remain unasked, demonstrating their inexperience or tactlessness. Both of those traits may affect the employer’s view of the potential employee. Below, 14 members of Forbes Coaches Council examine the most common questions that job seekers ask in interviews that would be best left unasked.

1. How Much Does This Position Pay?

Do not ask about benefits or how much you will be paid. Instead, use the interview to find out about the job, required skills, what contributes to the success, and what is an ideal candidate. Find out if you are a good fit. If you are asked about money, find a way to defer or deflect the question. A friend laughed when she was asked and that was the right thing to do! – Gina LaveryGina Lavery Inc.

2. Are There Opportunities To Advance?

In interviewing for a new job, one way to evaluate potential employers is by the possibility of being promoted in the future. But asking about moving up the ladder too soon can come across as self-serving. It is better to focus on the present and prove that you are the best person for the job you’re interviewing for than to try to position yourself for a promotion before you’ve even been hired. – Molly WalshStandout Consulting

3. What Would My General Responsibilities Be?

Regardless of the level of employment you’re seeking, instead of asking about general responsibilities, be prepared. Learn as much as possible about the company through public info and personal contacts and then think about the job description to understand the implications company information would have on the role.  you can create questions with this info that showcase the value you add to the role. – Elizabeth SemionElizabeth Semion & Associates

4. What Is The Company Mission And Vision?

Candidates should have a basic understanding of what the company is about and how the role they are applying for fits into the bigger picture. A better question would be, “If I understand your mission and vision to be X, then is it fair to say this role contributes to the mission by Y?” The question demonstrates big-picture thinking. Are you laying bricks or building a cathedral? – Marci MarraSia Partners

5. What’s Your Vacation Structure?

The worst question you could ask during an interview is about their vacation structure. Though you may be advised to ask about such details, it can send the wrong message. The hard truth is this: if you’re wondering how many days you can spend away from a job, is it the best job for you? There are many more important questions you could ask to understand the process of the company. – Jon DwoskinThe Jon Dwoskin Experience

6. What Is A Typical Day Like?

The interviewer assumes that you have done your homework and know the typical job duties. Don’t waste your time asking them mundane questions that can be answered by the job description, internet or LinkedIn. Instead, ask questions that show off your research. Ask about one of their new product launches, how they’re combatting a tough competitor or how they’re staying agile in this economy. – Loren MargolisTraining & Leadership Success LLC

7. Do You Offer Flexible Hours?

Candidates are told to ask about special accommodations they may need if they get the job. Don’t do it! You may ask about something that would disrupt their team mojo and will be perceived as “needy.” Interviews are for one purpose: to show how you are the best square peg for their square hole. Once you have the offer in hand, you may ask or wait until you start! Your boss will decide. – Dana ManciagliJob Search Master Class

8. Is Your Company Family-Friendly?

This question, for me, indicates a potential lack of commitment and grit to go through tough times with an organization. It also dangerously hints that a candidate is more focused on “me” than “we.” It’s not wrong to have that discernment to maintain work-life synergy, but asking during a job interview is almost the worst time to do it. – Chuen Chuen YeoACESENCE

9. Why Is This Role Open?

I think that most “why” questions can be perceived as confrontational. You can probably find out why the role is open by listening to the interviewer and coming up with the answer nearly on your own. It is not always a comfortable question that the interviewer wants to answer, but will often leak out. Let this answer come to you, especially early in the interview process. – John M. O’ConnorCareer Pro Inc.

10. What Has Turnover In The Role Been Like?

This question would be great as a follow-up question to how long did the previous person hold the position. As we are experiencing a massive shift in organizations due to current events, it may be interpreted as insensitive or irrelevant. As many people were let go, working and cultural environments changed, too. Instead, focus on the present moment and how you can contribute starting today. – Izabela LundbergLegacy Leaders Institute

11. What Is Missing From My Qualifications?

While this is a question with good intentions, it typically backfires by planting an unintended thought in your interviewer’s mind and curiosity as to what they may be overlooking about your skills. In addition, it may convey a lack of confidence. Instead of positioning your question from a lack mindset, reset your thinking toward an abundance mindset. You have what it takes to outperform. – Sheila CarmichaelTransitions D2D, LLC

12. What Reservations Do You Have About Me?

While some career coaches advise job seekers to ask about reservations at the end of a job interview, you most often want to avoid this advice. The focus of the interview is why you are the perfect fit for the company and position. Asking about reservations can turn a great conversation into an awkward or even uncomfortable one. You do not want to put the recruiting or hiring manager on the spot. – Kyle Cromer Elliott, MPA, CHES, CaffeinatedKyle.com

13. Who Is Your Ideal Candidate For This Role?

A good hiring manager/recruiter should highlight the ideal candidate characteristics and desired qualities in the job posting. If a candidate uses their interview time asking for a repeat of the job description’s content, it could allude to poor comprehension or lack of attention to detail. – Marnie MclainMarnie Mclain Coaching

14. What Do You Like Most About This Company?

This is often a sign that the applicant has been coached or can’t articulate this question in a better manner. This question is really asking about the culture of a company. A different question to ask would be, “After looking at your LinkedIn profile, I noticed you have been here for eight years. What is one of your favorite memories during that time?” The same question worded differently shows creativity. – Anthony GarciaAnthony Garcia Inc.

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