Asking Recruiters Questions: 6 Things to Avoid

In any interview, asking questions back to the employer not only shows your interest in the job but also helps you better understand the position you are applying for. However, not all questions are appropriate to ask in this situation. There are questions that, if you are not careful, you can unintentionally leave a bad impression, even reducing your chances of being accepted. So what questions are "taboo" in the eyes of employers? Let's find out to avoid regrettable mistakes!

Báo Long An•09/07/2025

What is the expected workload in this role?

This question may seem trivial at first, but it can be a red flag for Japanese or Vietnamese employers, because you are trying to figure out the bare minimum you can do, rather than showing enthusiasm for the job. Employers are looking for motivated, proactive candidates who are willing to contribute, not those who seem anxious about how much they can do.

A better way to phrase this question is, “Can you tell me what a typical day or week in this role looks like?” This way, you show interest while avoiding the misconception that you’re trying to shirk responsibility.

“Can I work from home whenever I want?”

Asking this question outright can give the impression that you prioritize comfort over responsibility. It can seem a bit casual and tactless, especially if the company hasn’t made its remote work policy clear.

Instead, you can tactfully ask, “Do you have a flexible work schedule or do you work remotely?” or “Is the work schedule for this position fixed or flexible?” This is a professional way to ask, and it shows that you care about how the business operates, not just your personal interests.

“Is the manager here as bad as people say online?”

This is definitely not a good idea in an interview setting. Even if you have seen negative reviews, addressing them directly can come across as negative, judgmental, or disrespectful. It also puts the hiring manager in an awkward position.

If you are really interested in the work environment or management style, you can ask in a gentler way, such as “Can you share more about how you manage and support employees in the team?” This is a polite way to ask and will help you get the information you need.

“How long until I get promoted?”

While it's great to want to advance, asking too early can make you seem impatient or like you're not really invested in your current position. Employers want to see that you're ready to contribute and grow naturally within the company, not just rushing to the next job title.

A better way to approach this topic is to ask “What does career growth typically look like in this role?” This still shows that you’re interested in moving up, but in a more subtle and realistic way.

“What does the office look like?”

While this question may seem like a way to lighten the mood during an interview, it can actually make the interviewer think you’re more interested in the office space than the job or the opportunity to grow within the company. Plus, it’s too early to say this when you haven’t even been offered a job yet.

Instead of asking directly about the office, you can ask more gently and subtly like: "Can you share more about the working environment or company culture?", which shows both interest and shows that you are focused on more important things at work than physical space.

“What do you not like about this company?”

While it's perfectly fine to want to get an honest picture of the work environment, phrasing the question this way can make it seem like you're creating drama or looking for an excuse not to participate.

A more professional way to find out about potential challenges is to ask questions like “What are the current challenges the team is experiencing?” or “What do you think a new person might find challenging when starting here?” Questions like these demonstrate maturity and genuine interest without making the hiring manager feel uncomfortable or intimidated.

An interview is not only a time when you are asked questions, but also an opportunity for you to ask questions of the employer. Being technically prepared with your own questions and making sure they are on point not only shows that you are genuinely interested in the job, but also shows that you are intelligent and proactive. This will help you score points and increase your chances of getting hired. Good luck!/.