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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Courtney Pochin

Psychologist warns of question you should never ask at the start of a job interview

No matter how many you've done, job interviews can always be nerve-wracking, especially if it's for an opportunity you're really excited about.

There's plenty you can do to prepare for the occasion, from researching the company you're interviewing with to drafting practice answers for questions.

And one of the key things is to ensure you've thought of some questions you'd like to ask the people conducting the interview, according to an expert.

Professor Sir Cary Cooper, an organisational psychologist from the University of Manchester, has explained some of the dos and don'ts of job interviews and he claims it's important to remember it's an interview for you to learn more about the workplace and how you would fit in there as well.

Professor Sir Cary Cooper has been sharing the dos and don'ts of job interviews (Supplied)

Speaking to The Mirror, he said: "When you're going to an interview, you need to keep in mind that you're also interviewing them for a job.

"Talent is short these days and you're a commodity that they want and there are things you need to know.

"Talk about your own personal development, do they offer training, will you be able to work flexibly, that sort of thing."

He went on to share one of the biggest mistakes people make at job interviews which could impact your chances of getting the role.

Professor Cooper believes that you shouldn't ask about salary during the first half of the interview. Instead, he claims this discussion should be left for the end of the chat as it won't make you appear interested in the work/company itself and you need to spend some time showing off your enthusiasm.

"Don't start talking about salary at the start," he warns. "Or anywhere near the beginning of the chat. Leave that until the end of the interview."

Don't ask about salary at the beginning of the interview, leave that question until the end (stock photo) (Getty Images/fStop)

As for other general tips on how to work out if the interview is going well, the expert says that it's all about using your social skills and really listening to what the other person is saying.

"Show your enthusiasm for the role and be fairly creative. Listen not only to what people are saying but also listen to their body language, their eye contact," he adds.

"If you have good social skills, when they ask you a question you should be able to know by looking at their body language, which direction you should go in.

"But don't over-talk as you're going to turn off the other person. Say what you have to say succinctly and get to the point.

This comes after the psychologist explained how to work out whether or not it's time for you to quit your job.

Professor Cooper told The Mirror that there are two crucial questions you need to ask yourself to find the answer and they revolve around your boss or line manager.

He believes a bad or bullying boss will make an employee sick from stress, so if you have a boss like this you have to start by asking yourself if you think your boss is capable of change, if you were to give them constructive feedback on how they were making you feel.

If you don't think they can change, you need to then ask yourself where are you going to work - do you want to stay in the company and move to another department or is it time to leave and find a new job?

These questions will help you work out what's going to be best for you and your health.

Do you have a story to share? We want to hear all about it. Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk

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