Job Interview Mistakes: The Questions That Can Cost You the Job

In this guest post, Ioana Wilkinson of uSERP uncovers critical job interview mistakes that could cost you the job. She explores the questions that may raise red flags for employers and offers expert insights to help you navigate interviews with confidence — ensuring you leave a lasting, positive impression.

Job interviews can feel like a balancing act. You want to make a great first impression while still gathering key information about the company and the role you’re applying for. But, asking the wrong questions can affect your chances of landing the job. That’s why it’s important to know what to ask (and what to avoid) to show your best self. Let’s take a closer look at some common mistakes candidates make when asking questions during an interview. 

Mistake #1: Over-focusing on salary

Asking questions about salary too early in the interview process can make it seem like you’re only interested in the paycheck and not the job itself. Employees want candidates who are interested in more than just compensation. It demonstrates that the candidate it shows you’re interested in the role and can see yourself growing within the company. Instead of asking about the salary right away, shift the conversation toward the role’s career growth opportunities and company culture. 

Here a few examples:

Instead of Asking	Ask
“How much will I be paid exactly?”	“Can you tell me more about how salary reviews and raises work here?”
“When can I expect a raise?”	“What kind of opportunities for long-term growth does the company offer?”
“Is there a signing bonus?”	“How does the company reward top performers in this role?”

Key takeaway: Focus on growth opportunities, company culture, and long-term commitment rather than the salary. 

Mistake #2: Focusing too much on the perks and benefits

Perks like vacation days and gym memberships are nice, but interviewers want to see that you’re motivated by the position, not just the extras. Instead of focusing on the perks, talk about how your skills and experience can benefit the company and the team. What can you do for them? The interviewer will definitely see that you care about contributing to the team. 

So, for example, avoid asking, “Will I get free subscriptions to a variety of tech tools?” Instead, ask: “I hear you’ve invested in some of the best employee engagement tools. How has this investment impacted team collaboration and company culture?”

Here are other questions you shouldn’t ask and what you can ask instead:

Instead of Asking	Ask
“What’s the vacation policy here?”	“What proactive measures does the company take to support employee work-life balance?”
“Do you offer free lunches or snacks in the office?”	“What’s the office culture like in terms of collaboration and team-building?”

Key takeaway: Frame your questions in a way that shows you’re interested in being an active and supportive team member. 

Mistake #3: Asking about how hard the job is

Asking how difficult the job will be might give the impression that you’re worried about how much effort you’ll need to put in. And that might make the employer question your work ethic. Employers want to hire people who are ready to take on challenges with enthusiasm. Ask about the challenges the position comes with and how you can overcome them. 

Instead of Asking	Ask
“Is this job really hard?”	“Can you share more about the main challenges someone in this role typically faces?”
“How many hours do I have to work?”	“Can you give me an idea of what a typical workday or week looks like here?”

Key takeaway: Show enthusiasm about the challenges the role brings and that you’re ready to overcome them. What would you do if X problem arises? How would you approach your colleagues on X? 

Mistake #4: Asking negatively framed questions

Asking questions with negative connotations like, “Will I be blamed if a project fails?” can come across as cynical or combative. Frame your questions in a positive light so that the interviewer sees that you’re adaptable and solution-focused. For example:

Instead of Asking	Ask
“How often will I be forced to work with my colleagues on a project?”	“What’s the team dynamic like, and how do different departments collaborate?”
“Do I have to work under strict supervision, or can I work on my own?”	“How does the company balance team collaboration with independent work?”

Key takeaway: Focus on collaboration and team work to show that you can work well independently and with others.

Mistake #5: Focusing on short-term gains

Focusing only on short-term benefits, such as “How soon can I get promoted?” can imply you’re not ready to commit to the company long-term.  Employers want to see that you’re thinking ahead and looking to progress your career within the company. Ask questions that demonstrate you’re focused on the bigger picture.

Let’s say you’re interviewing for a travel CT tech position. Asking something like “Which locations do you have long-term partnerships with?” instead of “How often will I get to travel to exotic locations?” demonstrates that you’re focused on the bigger picture.

Other job interview mistake examples of what to ask and don’t ask include:

Instead of Asking	Ask
“How long before I can transfer to another department?”	“How do internal transfers work when employees want to explore different roles?”
“How quickly can I expect a raise?”	“What are the metrics for performance reviews, and how does that impact compensation?”

Key takeaway: Focus on your long-term career goals to show commitment and a growth mindset, which most companies appreciate.

Other Common Job Interview Mistakes to Watch Out For

Beyond asking the right questions during your next interview, here are a few other mistakes you should avoid:

Not dressing appropriately. Showing up in overly casual clothing can make it seem like you don’t take the interview seriously, even in virtual interviews. Instead of jeans and a t-shirt, opt for business semi-formal attire like a blazer with a button-up shirt and trousers to set the right tone. Or a nice blouse with a simple necklace and a pencil skirt.
Arriving late. Showing up late can signal disorganization or a lack of respect for the interviewer’s time. Make sure you log in earlier to test your tech set up.
Not demonstrating expertise. It can undermine your credibility if you claim expertise but can’t back it up during an interview. If you ask how to pay independent contractors when you’re applying for an HR manager role, the interviewer might think that you’re unfamiliar with key aspects of the position.
Failing to build rapport. Interviews aren’t just about answering questions. They’re about making connections. A positive attitude and a genuine effort to connect with the interviewer can leave a lasting impression, increases your chances to get hired. 

Stand Out by Asking the Right Questions and Avoiding Common Interview Mistakes

Asking thoughtful questions and avoiding these common interview mistakes can help you stand out from other candidates. The main takeaway? Focus on showing genuine interest in the company, your potential role, and how it aligns with your long-term career goals. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to contributing to the organization’s success for years to come. 

Author Bio

Ioana Wilkinson is a professional SaaS Writer at uSERP where she writes long-form content assets that earn press and valuable mentions. Born in Transylvania and raised in Texas, Ioana has been living the digital nomad life since 2016. When she’s not writing, you can catch her snorkeling, exploring, or enjoying a café con leche in Barcelona!