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Is it bad to not ask questions in an interview?
If I don't ask my interviewer any questions, does it look bad? Should I always come to interviews with a list of questions?
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3 Answers
I have had a lot of career and employment consultants work with me and all recommend asking questions. I believe asking questions in a job interview is good and expected. To determine if it's bad to not ask questions really depends on the interview situation. You will have to learn how to judge the circumstances and not fear asking or not asking questions.
However, the types of questions you ask might create a "bad" impression. I would not ask "how much does the job pay, or how much vacation do you offer" for instance.
When you ask questions in the interview process your query should regard the state of the industry for instance. You might ask how has a new product the company recently introduced changed the overall industry. You want to exhibit an interest in your potential employer's business and how you would contribute.
Asking the right questions is an excellent method to show interest, to listen and learn about the job, and display your willingness to probe for improvement and advancement.
As a manager I would often ask potential hires if they had any questions. Honestly if they didn't query me I became concerned they lacked interest, especially when I interviewed reporters and anchors for hire. If a candidate couldn't ask questions of me how would they be expected to perform a job that requires them to ask questions.
Some last points of advice, ask single topic questions one at a time and then listen. Only follow up for clarity in an answer you truly don't understand.
Best practice always know the answer to the questions you ask but probe in a fashion that let's the person to whom you make the inquiry display their intelligence.
Brandon,
Don't know that I would use "bad" as the descriptor, but this would certainly be less than optimal and place you at a disadvantage vis-s-vis other candidates. Having questions ready to ask, and asking them, not only indicates a level of preparation for the interview and interest in the role/company, but also is indicative of critical/analytical thinking which is necessary for most positions worth having. It can also serve of an indicator of how you will represent the company. This may prove particularly telling for a client/prospect facing role where asking questions can be the key to uncovering customer need and opportunity for your employer.
Cheers,
William
Brandon,
I don't think I would say that not asking questions at an interview is "bad". It could, however, be viewed as being less than enthusiastic about the role (depending where you are in the process).
I would say that if you have already received answers to all of your questions then it is never a bad idea to say to the current interviewer (for example) that you asked the last interviewer (use name) about their perspective on the most critical elements of being successful in the role, but that you are interested in their view as well. It shows interest and that you are focused on what you can do for them (vs. what they can do for you).
Just my two cents. Some interview processes are lengthy and it is difficult to think of questions you haven't already asked someone.
Good luck!
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