Turn the Tables—Gently—on Your Interviewer

As you may well have experienced in your own career, most people leave their jobs not because of money but because of poor management. It would be smart then, wouldn’t it, to be sure you learn as much as you can about your prospective new boss before accepting a job.

How can you do this? Besides doing online research and asking about this person as tactfully as possible, you can follow the principles of behavior based interviewing training and turn the tables, albeit gently, on your interviewer.

Surely you will be given an opportunity toward the end of the interview to ask questions yourself. Plan them carefully so that the answers will allow you to predict how your interviewer-boss actually would behave toward you on the job in various situations. Ask, for instance, what type of person they prefer to work with. Or how about, “What would your staff say about you if I were to talk with them?” Beware of defensive postures or inability to acknowledge feelings. Instead, welcome an open attitude, ability to admit mistakes, desire to help others succeed and laugh at themselves. This would be the boss to work for.

Know the type of boss and culture that suites you best and be relentless in uncovering if the situation is a good fit for you and your career.  

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