How to Spot a Toxic Boss at Interview

Every boss will try to hide their harmful tendencies during an interview with a potential new employee. Spotting a toxic boss at interview is no simple matter. Intentional or not, they will be aware of their (negative) impact on those around them and will likely attempt to come across differently.

Difficult bosses will likely try to pull the wool over a candidate’s eyes.

Having said this, most candidates will have a well-attuned radar to any elements of poor management. The problem comes when they choose to shut their eyes to any warning signs because they are desperate to be offered the role.

No job is worth working for a toxic boss. If you spot too many of the following warning signs, do yourself a favour and side-step the oncoming workplace misery.

Defensive comments. Every good candidate should ask some challenging questions of their future employer and check that the job is right for them. If there is any hint of defensiveness or insecurity in the answers, you might wonder what else the boss might be hiding.

Negative word choices. If everything your potential boss says comes across with a negative slant, it is clear they are a glass-half-empty person. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with this, but a consistently negative approach can wear you down.

Culture of fear. We have all been around people in the workplace who seem to manage with the fear of failure constantly hanging over their employees. It is an effective tool, for the most part, but it creates a demoralising atmosphere for their people.

Criticism of others. You should be cautious about getting close to a person who hands out criticism of others like confetti. When someone shifts the blame onto others at the first sign of trouble, you know they won’t have your back when times get tough.

Disrespectful toxic boss

Disrespectful attitude. Meeting a future boss who smirks at your answers and dismisses your concerns will set alarm bells ringing. Bosses who view their underlings as disposable pawns will show an utter disregard for your opinions and experiences. 

Self-absorbed. Any interviewer who talks about themselves too much is sure to be a boss that will put themselves at the centre of any relationship. They may also cloud your perception with what they want you to know rather than what is essential to you.

Overcompensation. Is it a red-flag moment if the interviewer is being too friendly? Maybe. Are they talking too much or tending to exaggerate certain claims? Hints of inauthenticity should tell you that there is something amiss. Try to work out what isn’t quite right.

Probing questions. If you have any suspicions about a toxic boss at interview, take the opportunity to ask a couple of revealing situational questions. “What would they do if….” If they seem flustered while answering, you will know they have something to hide.

Gut feeling. At the end of the day, you will have met enough people to be able to judge for yourself. Think back to those you haven’t got on with in the past, but does this person sitting opposite share any of the same characteristics? Your gut will inform your decision.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).