Job interviews can feel like a high-stakes game where one wrong answer kills your shot. Imagine learning there are just three interview answers that, if you say them, will instantly disqualify you....

Many companies frame interview answers like “I want to start my own business someday,” “work-life balance is a top priority,” or even being honest... about a layoff as disqualifiers. But from an employee’s perspective, that seems one-sided. Companies restructure, lay off workers, or eliminate positions every day with no real consequence, yet employees are expected to show blind loyalty without asking for fairness in return. If the relationship is truly a partnership, then it should go both ways.

That’s why, as a candidate, I believe it’s fair to ask employers: What will you do to ensure I want to stay here long-term? What is considered a “fair wage,” and according to whom? Employees should be allowed the same freedom that companies exercise—the freedom to decide when a workplace no longer aligns with their growth, values, or well-being. At the end of the day, job security, fair pay, and balance should be mutual commitments, not just expectations placed on the worker. more