Three Tips on Interviewing Your Future Boss

Sure, you may get the opportunity to interview a potential colleague but a future boss? Rare. But it's not to say it won't happen. Here are some tips, courtesy of The Daily Muse, to amp up your mojo and get ready to interview your potential manager. 1. Raise your hand. That's right, ask to be involved. If leadership is open to it, why not have you interview the boss if you know your department and the inner workings of the company really well? The piece points out, "You have valuable input, and it’s not at all unreasonable for you to ask to get involved. As soon as you discover the hiring process for your future boss has begun, let whoever is in charge know you’d like to meet with the top candidates, if appropriate." Even if you only get the chance to meet the potential boss at the end of the interview process or during a group lunch, it's better than nothing. 2. Pay close attention to the resume. In essence, look at what this candidate has highlighted in terms of achievements and where they've spent most of their time in management. As mentioned in the piece, "How people see themselves and where they’ve “grown up” as managers will play a huge part in the type of manager they’ll be to you if they’re hired." Feel free to ask specific questions and don't be shy. If this person has never worked at a start-up and that's your company in a nutshell, maybe they don't have the entrepreneurial drive to succeed. Find out how they can alter their management style to fit and ultimately thrive in your culture. While you're at it, check out their profile on LinkedIn. Does it match the resume? Does anything in particular stand out that you want to probe further during the interview process? 3. Share your expectations and mention how you prefer to be managed. Why not write down a wish list prior to the meeting? The piece suggests, "Think about what qualities the best boss ever would have—and be realistic. Do you have areas where you don’t feel you have enough support from management? Are there classes or conferences you think your team should be attending? Would a more flexible work environment help morale?" Be realistic - no need to list every thing you're hoping for in a boss but if you create an ideal manager, the meeting can hopefully be constructive.

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Three Tips on Interviewing Your Future Boss

Vicki Salemi

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Vicki Salemi