How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Ideal Boss

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Ideal BossHow to Answer Interview Questions About Your Ideal BossAs part of thevorstellungsgesprch process, employers might want to assess how youll respond to supervision if youre hired. Theyll try to determine whether you have any issues with authority, so your interviewer might ask questions aboutyour preferred supervisorin an attempt to figure out how well youll work within the companys management framework. Whether youve had great past experiences with bosses or they were a collective nightmare, answering this question can admittedly be a little like walking a tightrope. It can help to have a firm plan going in for what youll want to say- and not say. What to SayTailor your response to the job youre applying for- for example, your response should lean toward independence when applying for a job where youll be largely expected to work on your own.Take the fence and mention something good about both sides of the equation, working indepe ndently vs. with a very hands-on supervisor.Make your answer about you, focusing on your strengths rather than potential problems with management.What Not to SayNever criticize them in these conversations, no matter how awful your previous bosses wereLess is more- and less can go wrong- when you keep your responses short and sweet, so refrain from getting too wordy.Try to focus on just one or two past bosses/employers so you dont come off as a job-hopper. Try to Strike a Balance Youll want to emphasize your ability to work independently as well as your comfort with taking direction from a boss. You dont want to come across as needing too much or too little supervision. Think about the job youre interviewing for before you answer, and try to estimate how much management the employer will expect that youll require. Use this to guide your answer. Emphasize Your Adaptability Share how youve thrived with a variety of supervisory styles in your past. Be prepared to give examples o f how youve been productive with different types of bosses...but not too many. You dont want to come off like a job-hopper with a mind-boggling, long list of previous jobs. Never Criticize a Past teamberaterin Your prospective employer will probably assume that youre a difficult employee if you offer up a list of complaints, no matter how well-earned they might be. You dont want this. Even when an interviewer asks you to describe your least favorite boss, focus on how you were still successful in this environment and emphasize what you look for in a manager rather than the qualities you dislike. Dont Get Too Carried Away With Your Answer Keep your answer brief. Dont imply that you have unrealistic expectations for some superhuman manager or that youll be too needy as an employee. The less you say, the less likely it is that youll trip yourself up. By the same token, one-word responses wont do. Try to balance your ability to take direction from a boss with your ability to wor k independently when youre answering these questions. Avoid criticizing any of your former employers. Hiring managers will wonder if youll do the same when its time to discuss their organization. Sample Answers Describe your ideal boss. My ideal boss would encourage clear communication between herself and her employees. I believe that communication- in person, as well as via phone and email- is critical to a successful relationship between an employer and employee.What types of managers have you worked for, and what type do you prefer? Ive worked under employers with a variety of management styles. Ive had some employers who encourage lots of independent work, and others who prefer to give clear, specific instructions. I thrive in both environments. I work very well independently, but also know when to ask questions. Describe your worst boss. I value an employer who communicates clearly with his employees. Im a strong written and oral communicator and I appreciate employers who value those skills. In the past, I have had some employers who have been less than clear in conveying their ideas and directions. Although I work very well independently and I dont require excessive supervision, I do appreciate employers who speak clearly to employees. mora Interview Questions About Bosses If you knew your boss was100% wrong about something, how would you handle it? Best AnswersWho was your best boss and who was your worst? Best AnswersWhat do you expect from a supervisor? Best AnswersHave you ever had difficulty working with a manager? Best AnswersWhat is the biggest criticism youve received from your boss? Best Answers