Asking good questions during a job interview not only allows you to evaluate whether the Rancho Cordova job is right for you, but it also helps you stand out in the interviewer’s mind. Asking bad job interview questions can also help you stand out – just not in a good way.

To help you avoid the latter, here are 5 interview questions you should avoid asking at all costs:

1. Does this position allow job sharing or telecommuting? 

Already you’re expressing a lack of interest in working full-time or working in the office with potential co-workers. Not a good signal for hiring managers. So unless job sharing or telecommuting were specifically mentioned in the job description, don’t bring it up.

2. Is travel a necessary part of the job? 

If the job posting stated that travel is required, then you already have your answer. So asking this question will make you sound less-than committed.

If the posting didn’t state anything about travel, wait for the interviewer to bring it up. Asking right away makes it sound like you’re automatically opposed to the idea of some travel, which equates to “inflexible” in the mind of an interviewer.

If you really need to know and the interviewer isn’t bringing it up, then rephrase the question in a different way, such as “How much travel does this position entail?”

3. How many breaks would I get each day? Does your company have a break room? 

“Breaks” shouldn’t even be on your mind when you’re interviewing for Rancho Cordova jobs. You should be asking questions that help you determine whether the job and the company are a good fit for your skills and personality. In addition, asking these kinds of questions in an interview simply makes you sound like a lazy clock-watcher.

4. How long does it take to get promoted? 

You haven’t even landed the job yet and you’re already asking about promotions?! Steer clear of this kind of question in your first interview. Instead, if you’re asked back for a second interview or offered the job, then ask about “opportunities for advancement.” If you use the word “promotions,” the interviewer may question your intentions.

5. Are we almost done? I have to be somewhere. 

Ask this question and kiss that job offer good-bye. Not only is it completely rude, but you’ll also be seen as indifferent about the Rancho Cordova job and flaky to boot. Also, don’t glance at your watch, or take out your cell phone and look at the time. Keep in mind, the longer your interview, the better. So whatever you have scheduled afterward can wait.

At the end of the day, you want to ensure that the questions you ask an interviewer are smart and appropriate. Otherwise, you could raise barriers and cause the interviewer to doubt your professionalism.

And if you need some help preparing for interviews and finding out about jobs in Rancho Cordova and Northern California, let us know. As one of the leading employment agencies in the area, we work with many top employers and can give you access to a range of exciting opportunities.

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