Is a bad boss in your future?
While most of us don't have a crystal ball to predict the future the good news is that there are many ways to tell during an interview what your future boss will be like. Let’s take a look at some of the warning signs!
They don’t pay attention
During an interview, you want someone who is present so if, they seem distracted, distant, or ask you to repeat questions or comments repeatedly this is an indicator that they aren't giving you 100%. They may also have poor eye contact or just seem zoned out in general. During an interview, both the employer and potential employee should be showing themselves in the best possible light. So when the employer doesn’t seem very interested in you it is very likely they will be even less invested in you if you land the job.
They frequently interrupt you
If your potential boss continuously interrupts or cuts you off during the interview, this is often a sign that they do not value what you have to say. This rude behavior potentially could carry over into your daily work life and daily interactions with them.
They don’t want to share HOW they manage
During an interview when it’s your turn to ask a question consider asking your potential manager personal leadership questions to gain more insight, such as the following:
- What do they do when someone makes a mistake?
- How do they handle disagreements?
- When, and how, do they like to receive feedback?
If someone is invested in you and those they work with they will not mind sharing this information! The answers to these questions will also provide keen insight into what type of boss they are by explaining their leadership style.
They have some terrible reviews
Word of mouth is everything! So before you say yes to a job or even interview for it do a little digging to check for information that raises any red flags. Consider doing a Google search on your potential boss. Check out his/her online profiles, as well as those of people who used to work for him/her.
Ask yourself as you are gathering information:
Do the people he/she manage(d) tend to leave the organization quickly or stay a long time?
What have others said about that manager?
How long did the manager stay at their previous places of employment?
High turnover rates are a clear indicator of problems within a company or under a particular manager. If you locate people who have left, you could consider reaching out to them and ask what it was like to work for that manager. Many may be willing to share their experiences working for that manager, particularly if they had an overwhelmingly positive or negative experience.
This is interesting.I am a cooperative person but am very unhappy when my boss shouts at me ..that's NOT good management..its good to know how to find out before I accept a position.