Hey Lykkers, have you ever walked out of an interview thinking, "I nailed it!" — only to never hear back again? Sometimes it's not about your resume or even your answers.

It's the questions we ask the interviewer that can quietly tank our chances. Today, let's talk about three common questions that make interviewers cringe — and what we should be asking instead.

1. "So, What Does This Company Actually Do?"

We get it — sometimes we're applying to multiple companies and things start to blur. But asking this question during an interview shows one big red flag: we didn't do our homework. To the interviewer, it sounds like we're not genuinely interested or serious about the role.

Instead, we should briefly summarize what we already know about the company and then ask something more insightful, like:

"I read that your company is expanding into Southeast Asia. How does that influence this role?"

This shows we've read up and are thinking ahead.

2. "How Soon Can I Take Time Off?"

Yes, we all want a work-life balance, and vacations are important. But bringing up time off too early — especially in the first interview — can make it seem like we're more focused on breaks than on contributing to the team.

A better approach? Wait until you receive an offer or are deeper in the hiring process. If time off is a major concern, you can reframe the question with timing and tone, like:

"I'm curious about the company's approach to work-life balance once someone's fully settled into their role."

3. "What's the Salary for This Role?"

This one is tricky. Of course, we all want to know if the role pays fairly. But if we ask this too bluntly or too early, it can feel transactional — like we're only here for the paycheck. Most interviewers prefer to talk about salary after they've seen how we fit.

Here's a smarter way to approach it:

"I'd love to understand the full compensation and benefits structure once we've determined this is a good fit on both sides." This shows we're thoughtful, patient, and professional — all green flags in an interview.

Why These Questions Matter

Interviews aren't just about proving our skills — they're also about showing how we think, communicate, and fit into a team. The questions we ask reflect our mindset. Are we curious? Are we prepared? Are we a team player? That's why the "wrong" question can leave a lasting bad impression, even if we had great answers earlier.

What Should We Ask Instead?

Let's replace the red flags with questions that impress. Here are a few ideas:

• "What does success look like in this role after 6 months?"

• "How do team members usually grow within the company?"

• "What are the biggest challenges your team is facing right now?"

These questions show that we're already thinking like a team member — not just a job hunter.

Let's Practice Together

Interviews can feel scary, but the good news is: we can prepare! Try practicing your questions ahead of time with a friend, or even say them out loud to yourself. It helps you stay calm, sound confident, and make a solid impression.

Over to You, Lykkers

Have you ever asked one of these questions in an interview? Or heard one that made you cringe? Let's talk about it! Share your stories with us — good or bad — and let's help each other grow stronger in our career journeys.

And next time you walk into that interview room, remember: it's not just about answering well — it's also about asking smart.