Arguably one of the most important things you should consider when interviewing for a job is who is in charge. Your manager, boss, team leader, or whatever you refer to them as will have a direct impact on how much you like your job.
According to research from Gallup, three-quarters (75%) of the reasons employees leave are influenced by their manager. So, when looking for a job, you need to give serious consideration to the management team at a prospective employer.
We talk a lot about red flags or things to watch out for when going on a job interview. We’re going to flip that on its head with this blog and take a more positive approach. So, I asked some of our Toronto-based recruiters to give me a list of positives, or green flags to look for when interviewing with your next potential boss.
- Green flags to look for when interviewing for a job
- Strategies to interview/ask questions to a new boss
- Questions you could ask a future boss
What Green flags should I look for when interviewing with a potential manager? Here’s 10!
There’s no question you want to work for a great organization and a great manager. Often it’s challenging to know what you’ll get until you already have the job. This is why it’s so important to pay particular attention to your potential manager during the job interview. Certain signs can signal the manager would be a good person to work for.
Here is a checklist of 10 green flags to watch for when interviewing with a potential manager:
- They actively listen to you: Does the manager ask follow-up questions and seem genuinely interested in your experiences and skills?
- They are a clear communicator: Does the manager clearly explain the role, expectations, and company culture? Are they easy to understand?
- They are enthusiastic about the role and company: Does the manager show excitement about the position and the company’s mission?
- They are focused on team success: Does the manager talk about team accomplishments and development, not just individual wins?
- They want you to succeed: Does the manager describe a style that supports autonomy and growth for their team members?
- They are open to feedback: Does the manager mention valuing employee feedback and opportunities to discuss concerns?
- Career progression is important to them: Does the manager talk about potential growth paths within the role or the company?
- They value learning and development opportunities: Does the manager mention programs or resources for professional development? Does the manager express a desire for themself and the team to keep learning and improving?
- There is a positive team atmosphere: If you meet other team members, do they seem happy and engaged in their work?
- There are overall good vibes: Trust your gut feeling. Did you feel respected, heard, and challenged during the interview?
These are all positive signs of a good manager and organization. Now that you know what to look for, let’s discuss how you should prepare and the types of questions to ask during the interview.
How should I interview a potential new boss?
While the traditional interview format has the employer interviewing you, many companies these days allow potential hires to ask questions of their interviewers, including their future boss. Here’s how you can approach interviewing your future manager:
Preparation is Key
Research the company and role. Understanding the company’s goals, the team’s function and the specific challenges of the role will help you tailor your questions. Brainstorm potential questions and whittle down your list to the most important ones you want answered.
Maintain Professionalism Throughout
Maintain a respectful tone. Remember, the goal is to gather information, not grill the interviewer. Show genuine interest in the role, the team, and the company. Finally, be concise and clear. Keep your questions focused and avoid rambling.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Focus on questions that require more than a yes/no answer, encouraging a conversation and revealing the manager’s thought process.
Examples include “What are the biggest challenges facing the team right now?” or “How would you describe your approach to supporting professional development?”
Pay close attention to the manager’s responses and ask follow-up questions to gain deeper insights. Tailor your questions to the specific role and company you’re interviewing for. Be prepared to elaborate on your questions if needed.
What questions should I ask my future boss?
We’ve written before about questions to ask during an interview – for example, 4 Questions You NEED to Ask Employers at the End of Your Job Interviews or 5 Questions You Should Ask a Headhunter About the Job. However, asking specific questions to a potential manager about them and how they lead is a little different. Here are some questions you can ask a future manager to see if you would fit in with their approach to work:
Questions About the Role and Your Success
- “What is your definition of success for someone in this role?”
- “What are the most important things you’d like to see someone accomplish in the first 30, 60, and 90 days on the job?”
- “How is performance evaluated in this role?
- “How often would I be formally reviewed?”
Questions About the Team and Work Culture
- “Can you tell me about the team I’ll be working with?”
- “How would you describe your management style?”
- “How do you prefer to communicate with your team members?”
- “How do you support/coach your team?”
- “What is your stance on work-life balance?”
Questions About the Projects and Development
- “What are your team’s biggest challenges and goals for the next year?”
- “How can I best contribute to the team and the company’s goals?”
- “What are the professional development opportunities available for this role?”
By asking thoughtful questions, you can gain valuable insights into the role, the team, and the company culture. This will help you decide if the position is a good fit for you.
A final word on asking questions about your manager during a job interview
Interviewing your future boss is a two-way street. It’s your chance to assess if the manager’s style, values, and approach align with yours. By asking insightful questions, you can gain valuable intel to help you decide if this is the right team and leader for you.
More Insights From Our Toronto Recruiters
How to Nail Your Final Interview & Make it Over the Finish Line
How to Ace a Second Interview: 8 Tips from an Executive Search Firm
Show These 4 Skillful Assets in Your Next Interview to Land the Job
