During an interview, which inquiry is considered appropriate?

The inquiry about how the candidate was referred for the position is considered appropriate because it serves as a method for assessing the candidate's networking and understanding of the company. When a candidate has been referred, it often indicates some level of pre-existing relationship with the organization, which can be a positive sign of alignment with the company culture or a recommendation from a trusted source.

This question also allows the interviewer to gauge the candidate's professional connections and can lead to discussions about the candidate's motivations or interests in the company, which are relevant to the interviewing process.

In contrast, other questions can be more sensitive or problematic. Asking about salary expectations can potentially lead to disparities or discomfort if not handled tactfully. Questions regarding the length of stay with the company may come across as lacking in goodwill; they might imply an assumption that the candidate may not be committed long-term, which could discourage applicants. Finally, discussing personal weaknesses can create an awkward dynamic in the interview setting, making the candidate feel defensive rather than open. Each of these alternatives can detract from a constructive dialogue that an interviewer aims to foster.