Reservations are for Dinner, Not for Interviews!

Ending a job interview is often a delicate moment, and the questions you choose to ask can significantly impact the interviewer's perception of you.

One common mistake candidates make is asking, “Do you have any reservations about me?” While this question may seem innocuous or even insightful, it can inadvertently raise doubts in the mind of the interviewer and detract from the positive impression you’ve worked hard to establish.

Firstly, this question can put the interviewer in a difficult position. They may feel obligated to voice concerns, even if they don’t have any major reservations about your candidacy. This can lead to unnecessary second-guessing on their part and could even create a negative atmosphere as they start reflecting on potential issues that hadn’t crossed their minds before. Instead of reinforcing the positive aspects of your candidacy, this question might shift the focus to your perceived shortcomings, which is not the impression you want to leave.

Moreover, asking about reservations may imply a lack of confidence in your qualifications or suitability for the role. Employers are looking for candidates who exhibit self-assurance and belief in their abilities. By questioning whether there are reservations about you, it can signal insecurity or a fear of rejection, which might not align with the image of a strong and capable candidate. Instead, it’s more effective to end on a positive note that reinforces your enthusiasm for the role and your fit within the organization.

Instead of posing the reservations question, consider alternatives that maintain a positive tone and focus on your fit for the position. For instance, you could ask, “What are the next steps in the hiring process?” or even "Is there anything else we should cover?" 

I have no idea why this question became the "it question" to ask, but I can assure you, many hiring managers do NOT like it!