You are going to attend a job interview where your potential direct manager will be sitting in front of you. This is not only your chance to present yourself in the best light, but also a unique opportunity to determine whether this person will be a good or a bad boss. This will help you decide whether to accept the job offer. Some time ago we published an article on how to recognize a good boos at a job interview, now let's focus on a bad one using tips from businessinsider.com.
1. Feel the overall energy
What do you feel from the atmosphere in the company and the people you meet there? Do they seem friendly and focused, or dissatisfied and stressed out? If they appear fearful or negative, it may be the result of working for a bad manager.
2. Observer the manager's behavior
The manager conducting your interview should behave kindly and respectfully. He should not be hostile or belittle your abilities. If he offends you or does not listen, trust what you feel. He will not behave differently when you become his subordinate.
3. Ask him to explain your role
Your potential direct supervisor should have a clear idea of what will be expected from you during your first year and how your success will be measured.
4. Pay attention to the quality of questions
A manager who knows what he wants from you will use questions to identify your skills and abilities. He will focus on how you can fit into the existing team. We will not try to impress or trick you using questions that have nothing to do with your work.
5. Ask why the position is vacant
Inquire how long the position offered has been vacant and who was the last person to hold it. If many people held the position during one year, it is suspicious. A good boss should give you a satisfactory explanation of the reasons.
6. Ask about his management style
Feel free to ask how your future boss would describe his own management style. It should not be a problem for him. You want to know what type of people he prefers to work with, what the interrelationships in the team are, how he evaluates his people work as good or poor, etc.
If you want even more information about your potential boss, you can ask his existing or former employees, e.g. on the LinkedIn network. The final decision should be based on what you expect from your boss in your current life situation.
-Kk-