“We’d like to offer you the job.” The sentence may be short but the implications are life-changing. If there is ever an occasion to give yourself a pat on the back, this is it – exciting news!
“Do you have any questions at this point?” You’ve just received a job offer, they want you on their team, you’re feeling super positive and confident right now, so surely you can ask them anything you want, right? No, no and no again!
You don’t want to do anything that might cloud your new employer’s view of you, or even change their mind, especially if you haven’t yet signed a contract. Asking the wrong questions at the wrong time can raise doubts about you – definitely not a good start.
Here is a list of the top questions employers DON’T want you to ask after receiving a job offer:
1. When do I get paid?
Whoa, hang on a second! You’ve not even done any work yet and you want to know when you’re getting paid? It doesn’t look good, does it?
It’s understandable that you will want to know this (in fact, you’ve probably already spent your first pay-cheque in your head) but it can wait. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes; if you ask this straight away they may assume that you are only motivated by money or they may think that you’re having financial problems.
Hang fire. It’s most likely that this information will be outlined in your contract once you receive it, and even if it isn’t, you can always ask one of your new colleagues once you’ve started.
2. Will I get paid if I’m off sick?
This seems innocent enough, but it may raise a red flag with your new employer. While you may just be thinking out loud, or trying to get as much information as you can, the employer will be wondering why you want to know this.
They will be asking themselves: “Are they planning to pull a ‘sickie’ already?” or “Is this person off work a lot due to sickness?”
Again, you should find these details in your contract or the company’s handbook once you’ve started, so it’s best to wait until then.
3. Can you tell me about the company car?
Whether you’ve already pictured yourself rolling up to work in your new company car or not, stay away from this question. If a company car is something you only obtain once you’ve proven your worth, assuming you’ll get one can come across as a little cocky. Don’t get ahead of yourself, now!
Even if a car comes as part of your standard package, avoid asking about it too quickly – your new employer wants you to be excited about the role and the company, not just the perks.
All will be revealed in due course, this isn’t something you need to know right away.
4. I’m planning on going travelling for a month – is that OK?
Be very careful with this one. Yes, honesty is the best policy, but remember that timing can be just as important.
As a new start, your first few months of employment are pivotal; this is when your training and development needs to take priority. Your aim during this time should be to prove yourself as a valuable asset who is committed to their role and to the company. Jetting off to South East Asia for a month isn’t going to achieve that, nor will it impress your new employer who put their faith in you by hiring you.
By no means should you throw away your hopes and dreams of meeting Orangutans in Borneo, surfing in Bali or meditating with Tibetan monks. There may be the opportunity for you to take extended or unpaid leave to go travelling later in your employment, but it’s best not to bring this up within the first year of your new job, let alone before you even start.
5. Can I get paid earlier so I can…?
Buy a car? Pay for my holiday? Buy new work clothes? Whatever your reason for needing cash in a flash, that’s not your employer’s problem. It’s highly unprofessional to start making such demands before you have even made a contribution to the business.
Similarly to some of the above questions, this one will make your new boss question your motives, character and professionalism. It’s also one they’re unlikely to agree to – there’s no point making a bad name for yourself for no reason.
You’ll have to source the money elsewhere or just make do!
Employers and recruiters, of course, are happy to answer any questions you may have and you probably have a pretty long list of them. However, you’re about to embark on a career with this company, so it’s safe to say that you’ll have plenty of time to find out the answers. Try to only ask questions that are urgent and that highlight your interest in the role and the company. Remember that the questions you ask when you receive a job offer say more about you than you think, so ask carefully!
