While asking questions at the end of your graduate interview is a great way to show recruiters that you’re prepared and passionate about the role, there are some questions that may be better left unasked. Here’s a guide on what questions you should avoid during grad role interviews, and some tactful ways of rephrasing questions!
1. Did I get the job?
2. When will I find out if I got the job?
Coming in first is asking about whether you got the job on the spot, or when you’ll find out. In most cases, recruiters will have other interviews to conduct and won’t have an answer for you during the interview. A better solution might be to ask what the next steps in the application process are, which can show that you’re interested in the position.
3. How long would I stay in a grad role before being promoted?
While you may be trying to demonstrate your willingness to grow with the company, phrasing questions like this may make it seem as though you’re already expecting to be hired. Instead, try asking if there are opportunities for growth and personal development within the role.
4. When do I get to go overseas?
5. What benefits would I receive in this role?
As a general rule, asking about the benefits of the role - including overseas trips - might be good questions to avoid placing too much focus on in an interview. These kinds of questions may portray you as someone who only cares about the extra perks, when really you want to demonstrate that you’re passionate about the role itself. This might be another good instance to ask about opportunities for growth within the company instead!
6. Questions you can find the answer to yourself e.g. What does the company do? What does the role entail?
You really want to make the most of the opportunity to ask questions at the end of your grad role interview, so it’s best to avoid questions that you can find the answer to yourself. Try and think of questions you can’t find online that you’re genuinely interested in instead! This shows you’ve taken the time to research the company and the role, and have put in thought and effort into preparing for the interview. Need some ideas? Check out our article here.
7. Can I work from home?
This isn’t necessarily one to avoid, but there are other better ways of wording this question. For example, it may be better to phrase it as “What are the options surrounding flexible or remote working arrangements?”
8. How much does this role pay?
While it’s completely valid to want to know how much a role pays, it might be best not to ask in the interview itself. If you’re successful in the role you’ll be told about the pay and benefits before signing a contract anyway, so you’ll definitely have time to consider the pay at a later date.
Additionally, you can research how much similar roles pay to give yourself a decent idea of what you should expect.
However, if pay is something you’d really like to know about, be sure to ask tactfully and make it clear that money isn’t the only thing you care about - highlight the fact that your main interest lies within the role itself!
9. Can I negotiate the pay?
In the sixth episode of our podcast, Cram Time with GradConnection, we spoke to Kelly Pfeffer, the Graduate Talent Lead from Suncorp Group, about tips on applying for grad programs.
In terms of negotiating pay, Kelly says that it’s not a hard no, but there are several things to consider before going down that route.
“Take a step back, most graduate employers, particularly when we’re employing for a graduate program…normally [you’re] not being employed to a specific role. You’re usually coming into a program where you’re going to get support to develop and find your pathway. So it would be more at that point in time that you would start to negotiate salary,” she says.
She adds that there is also room to negotiate pay when it comes to entry level jobs, where you’re being employed for a specific role, so long as you’ve done your research.
It’s also important to consider the other benefits of the program, including opportunities for support and development.
“...even for some employers where maybe the salary might be a bit lower, it may be because there are other things to consider, and what’s actually being offered, so outside of salary,” she says.
“So it could be the fact that you are getting on the job experience in a variety of teams, or there might be a whole heap of development that you’re being given, there could be other ways that you are being remunerated outside of actual salary.”
10. Will you check my references/do a background check?
Asking a recruiter if they’ll check your references and do a background check may stir doubt about your abilities and qualifications. It’s safe to assume that recruiters will do both of these things, so make sure all of your references and details are up to date before you begin the application process!
-----
Now that you’re an expert on what not to ask in a grad role interview, you may be wondering about what makes a good question to ask in an interview - we’ve got you covered in our article here.