How to Spot a Good Boss at Interview

When you are looking for a new job, your relationship with a potential new boss will be near the top of your priority list. While you will want to perform well at an interview, imagine what it might be like to work with the person across the table. If you are wondering how to spot a good boss at interview, let’s look at the signs:

Individual definitions of “good boss” will vary greatly. There are several common behavioural themes that a candidate can pick up from a potentially great boss:

They ask emotionally intelligent questions and listen intently. Great bosses seek to understand situations and people at the deepest possible level. An interview conversation with a good boss will show that you are genuinely “heard,” and they will quickly understand how you can make your unique difference rather than simply fitting in.

Their honesty and compassion shine through – they care. There is nothing like feeling that a person is interested in understanding you. A compassionate interviewer will dig deeper into your experiences and work out what difference they may be able to make. Honesty will be evident when they don’t pull their punches when exploring any less-than-ideal episodes. 

They inspire others with empathy, vision and quiet confidence. A boss who believes in the power of setting an example and inspiring others will take the time to talk a candidate through how they see them fitting in. This is rare and is often an indication of significant interest on their part. Good bosses understand that suitable candidates need reassurance. You will be in no doubt why they want to hire you.

Spot a good boss (who already cares about you)

They are interested in who you are rather than who they want you to be. While recruitment is about finding a “fit” with the role, great bosses are mainly interested in every aspect of your difference rather than just those specified in a narrow job description. The best interviews branch off onto candidate-centric tangents. They diverge from rigid scripts and explore the true nature of your potential.

Trust in your gut – do your values align? Do they pay attention to what is unsaid? We have all walked out from an interview and felt that the interviewer “didn’t get me.” You can’t put your finger on it, but those trillions of intelligent gut microorganisms have “felt” this many times before. They are rarely wrong. If your interviewer seems to understand what has been left unsaid, it is a good sign that your value systems are compatible.

Look for the clues for all the above – do some detective work. Everyone has a different definition of what makes a good boss – this is a sample of what candidates look for. Another indication might include the atmosphere in the office as you walk through. Look at what people are saying about the company on social media, including the social media presence of the boss themselves. Take the time to have a snoop, then you will know for sure.

The “performance” of a boss during an interview, with any subsequent correspondence, can speak volumes. Pay attention to the subtle signs to spot a good boss at interview, then make an informed decision about whether you might benefit from working with them. If there is doubt, you won’t regret continuing your search.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

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