10 Interview Questions You Should Never Ask (And Smarter Alternatives)
Avoid ruining your chances with the wrong questions. Discover the 10 worst questions to ask in a job interview—and what to ask instead.
10 Interview Questions You Should Never Ask (And Smarter Alternatives)
When the interviewer asks, “Do you have any questions for us?” it’s not just a formality. The questions you ask can make or break your chances.
To help you stand out—in the right way—here are the 10 worst questions you should never ask in a job interview, why they’re damaging, and what you can ask instead.
1. “Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: Crossing into personal territory makes you look unprofessional and intrusive.
✅ Ask instead: “What qualities do your most successful employees share?”
James Mason
2. “How much will I be paid, and do I get a bonus?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: Salary questions too early suggest you care more about money than the role.
✅ Ask instead: “How does the company measure success for this position?”
3. “What are my chances of being fired in the next six months?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: This signals insecurity and distrust.
✅ Ask instead: “What does a successful first six months look like here?”
4. “What qualifications do you have to do your job?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: This challenges the interviewer’s authority and is insulting.
✅ Ask instead: “How did you grow into your current role?”
James Mason
5. “Did I get the job then?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: It’s pushy and puts the interviewer on the spot.
✅ Ask instead: “What are the next steps in the hiring process?”
6. “So… what is the job role?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: If you don’t know, it shows zero preparation.
✅ Ask instead: “What would a typical day in this role look like?”
7. “Isn’t the company culture toxic?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: Asking bluntly about culture makes you look bitter or suspicious.
✅ Ask instead: “How would you describe the team’s management style?”
8. “Can you repeat the same thing you already said?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: Re-asking covered questions shows you weren’t listening.
✅ Ask instead: Take notes and refer back politely if clarification is needed.
9. “Can I work from home 100% even if it’s hybrid?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: Ignoring the job posting requirements shows inflexibility.
✅ Ask instead: “How does the team balance remote and in-office collaboration?”
10. “Can I get an advance on my first paycheck?”
🚫 Why it’s bad: Brings up money problems before you’re even hired.
✅ Ask instead: Save financial questions until you’ve received an offer.
Final Thoughts
Your questions during an interview say as much about you as your answers. Avoiding these 10 interview-killing mistakes and replacing them with thoughtful, professional alternatives will help you stand out for the right reasons.
