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What does your company do? -

It is so important to arrive at an interview prepared. If you ask a question like, "What does your company do" it shows that you didn't do any homework on the company beforehand. A quick online search and you will be able to find what the company does.

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Do you do background checks? -

Even if you have never had an infraction on your record, asking a question like this can make the interviewer very suspicious. This may lead to an awkward conversation and give the interviewer the feeling that you're hiding something or aren't the best candidate for the role.

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How quickly can I be promoted? -

Climbing the ladder within a company can be your ultimate goal, but be sure to take one step at a time. You haven't even been hired yet and are already thinking about what's next. Be sure to focus on what's happening now, which is landing this job.

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Can I start applying for other positions in the company once hired? -

This particular question shows a lack of focus on your part as the interviewee and raises questions of, if you're already looking to change, then why are you applying to this role? Recruiters and hiring managers spend a lot of time recruiting top talent and want someone interested in longevity within a role.

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Do you monitor email or internet usage? -

Asking about internet monitoring and other similar subjects will raise immediate red flags. The company will wonder what it is you're so worried about them seeing. Even if your searches are innocent, the fact that you're worried from the beginning will likely make the company doubt you.

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What’s the salary for this position? -

While this can be helpful information as you make your next career move, asking too soon about the salary can come off as presumptuous. In a second or third interview, it can be helpful to ask about a salary range for the role to show that you understand it can fluctuate depending on various factors.

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How many vacation days do I get? -

This is a question that's much more suitable once you've been offered the role and are negotiating the final offer. Yes, vacation and work-life balance are important, but there's a time and a place to discuss them.

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Can I work from home? -

Usually, the job description will mention if it's a remote, hybrid, or in-office role. However, if it did not and this will impact whether you pursue this role or not, then ask the interviewer what the structure for working is versus whether you can work from home. Though they may seem similar, the questions can be interpreted very differently.

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When do I get a raise? -

When you haven't been hired but are asking about raises, it can signal to the hiring manager that all you care about is money. Though money can be a motivating factor, employers often want more well-rounded applicants and employees on their teams.

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What is your policy on sick leave? -

If you ask about the sick leave policy, an interviewer might see this negatively. Whether consciously or subconsciously, the interviewer might have a biased reaction and think that you'll miss work a lot and, therefore, not worth the time to continue interviewing.

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Can I leave early on Fridays? -

If you are already asking to leave early, this is a warning sign for an interviewer. They will likely see you as lazy or unmotivated and worry that if you're asking to leave early now, what will be next?

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WIll I have a flexible schedule? -

While for some, this may be an important question. It can be a delicate conversation to have too early on. It's important to first sell yourself and your abilities and make the company want you as much as you want them. Then, consider having the flexible schedule conversation. 

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What is the company’s stance on social media use at work? -

Employers want and expect you to be working during working hours. So, if you are asking already about something that will distract you from your work, it's likely they will see a red flag.

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Can I arrive late occasionally? -

If you attempt to adjust your schedule during the interview process, the interviewer may view you as potentially difficult to work with and might disqualify you from continuing.

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How soon do you think I can take a vacation? -

This question is another presumptuous one. It also sends a negative signal to the hiring manager that you're already thinking about vacation versus the work that needs to be done. Overall, a lack of commitment is what an interviewer will likely see in you, and that's usually not a quality they're looking for in a new hire.

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Who is your top competitor? -

This is information that should be part of your due diligence going into an interview. An online search of the industry will show who a company's competitors are and often how they rank comparatively in things like size and customer count. If you ask this in an interview, it will show you're not prepared.

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How often do reviews occur? -

If you focus only on performance reviews, then it can give the impression that you're more interested in short-term gain instead of long-term growth. As a potential employee, you want to show that you're committed to continuous improvement, not one-off reviews.

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Do you provide free lunch? -

While everyone loves a free lunch and great career perks, asking about benefits too early in the interview process can give interviewers the impression that you care more about what you'll get rather than what you can give or contribute to the job and company. 

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Can I wear casual clothes to work? -

It's essential to focus on your qualifications for this particular role and company more than it is to be worried about what you'll be wearing each day. If you're interviewing in person, take a look around to try and gauge what others are wearing.

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Do you provide parking? -

Aside from needing special accommodations, asking about parking arrangements too soon can show that you value convenience over career goals. Again, it's more about showing adaptability to the company's environment, not so much them making changes for you.

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How soon can I start? -

Discussing start dates can turn off a hiring manager. Usually, the start date can be negotiated once a candidate is chosen. It's important to focus on why you're a fit or what characteristics you bring to the table versus the day you'll supposedly start.

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Can I have a copy of your employee handbook? -

Asking for a copy of the handbook can imply a distrust of the company and its policies, which is never good. If you have specific doubts or are curious about certain policies that will affect you, consider bringing it up to the interviewer differently.

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Will you check my references? -

Typically, companies will do reference checks once a job offer has been extended. So, to ask prematurely may come off as presumptuous and anxious. While references can provide great secondary reviews for you, none of them are important if you have already sold yourself.

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I'm not sure if I can do this job, can you tell me more about it? -

You should be your biggest cheerleader in the interview process. Confidence is key! If you have doubts before being offered the role, you will undermine your abilities to the hiring manager. Instead, focus on asking clarifying questions about the role and its expectations.

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Can I get an advance on my salary? -

If you ask about an advance before even completing any work, it can come off as having a lack of knowledge of standard employment practices. Be sure to land the job and show them your worth before ever asking about more money.

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How often do employees get promoted? -

It's good to be career motivated, but asking about a promotion before you've shown and proved your worth can indicate to the employer that you're focused on the short term rather than the long term. This question can be seen as very premature.

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Do you have a gym on-site? -

Health is an important aspect for each of us, but inquiring about it in an interview will seem very out of place. Interviews are meant to learn more about you and determine if a professional fit exists, not to discuss the presence (or lack thereof) of an onsite gym.

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Can I use my phone during work hours? -

For most employers, your personal phone should be put away during work hours unless in the case of an emergency. If you're asking about using it while on the company's time and dime, it can show a lack of work ethic and focus.

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Will I get an office? -

Instead of asking about something that would benefit you and your comfort only, ask about the company culture and express your ability to thrive in different environments. Today, many companies utilize open office spaces to enhance collaboration.

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What benefits do you offer? -

Hiring managers and companies, in general, tend to prefer candidates who show an interest in the role and the company culture long before talking about compensation and benefits.

Sources: (Business Insider) (BestColleges)

See also: A career coach's guide to nailing your next interview

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