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Top 10 Scary Questions Job Candidates Ask

Dec 08, 2009 / Job Seeker / Trackback

#10 Would my office have a window?

#9   Do you restrict Inter­net access?

#8   What time would I have to work until?

#7   Do you do back­ground checks?

#6   Do you drug test?

#5   How many sick days do I get?

#4   Can I work from home?

#3   When can I apply for a promotion?

#2   When will I get a raise?

#1   How long will this inter­view take?

Job seek­ers, have you ever regret­ted some­thing you asked in an inter­view? Recruiters, Hir­ing Man­agers and other inter­view­ers, what are some of the most dam­ag­ing (or funny) things can­di­dates have asked you in interviews?


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  • Whoa Julia... I think you might have messed up your chances to hire the next Einstein...
  • Last week, I was asked "How long does it typically take for marijuana to pass thru a person's system?" - Needless to say that was a "We'll be in touch" interview!
  • shennee
    Holy Macaroni!
    I can not believe this reminder is even necessary~ This list should be re-named. WHAT NEVER TO ASK! in an Interview. One would think anyone with an ounce of common sense, wouldn't even think of asking these questions. Whoa.
  • Whoa is right Shennee... how about this from my friend Joan. She commented via Facebook "Most of these questions don't surprise me. How about when they show up for the interview and think they have the job? You wonder are they screwing with you or did they really interpret your request for an interview as a job offer? People never stop surprising me."
  • John - Love your new avatar.

    @Ask_The_Rctr - More oldies but goodies! Thanks for sharing these, thanks for helping candidates not make these mistakes..
  • @Ask_The_Rctr
    Questions candidates have asked me during their first interview.

    1. Can I have a couple of days off during the week so I can do my volunteer work?
    2. The hours are ok now but when can I request to change my shift hours?
    3. Will my supervisor be a man or woman? I get along better with female supervisors.
    4. Will you be contacting my last employer for references? I did not get along with my manager and some of my co-workers.
  • Whenever I interviewed people I used to throw them curveballs by asking thought-provoking questions like, "What's the last book you read?" - I remember one person answered "Harry Potter?" I asked them if they actually read the book or if they really just went to the movie. They didn't respond. They were not hired.
  • Deep thoughts, Karla. I might add:

    1) How strict is your sexual harrassment policy?
    2) Do you expect your direct reports to complete their task on time?
    3) Is it ok if I show my colleagues ALL my body piercings?
    4) What's your policy on multi-colored mohawks?
    5) I have a problem with gas, is that going to disturb my cubicle mates?

    I could think of more, but I'll leave it there for now. #hrnighmares
  • Oh my Margo... I have heard #4 before but the others... what kind of weird place did you work that attracted characters interesting enough to ask those questions???
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