We’ve all heard the saying, “People leave bosses, not jobs.”
But, if you’re currently searching for a new job because you have a toxic boss, you might be worried you’ll run into the same issue again. Thankfully, there are ways to spot a toxic boss before you even accept the position.
One of the best ways is to ask thoughtful questions when interviewing with the hiring manager. Asking strategic questions during this conversation will give you the insight you need to determine if the hiring manager, who could be your future boss, will be the right type of manager for you.
Here are three questions you should consider asking in a job interview to help you avoid a toxic boss in your next role.
What is your favorite thing about working at [company name]?
While this is a simple and common question, paying close attention to the answer and observing their body language can provide valuable insights into whether your potential future boss enjoys working at the company. Do they pause for a long time or fidget before answering the question? Do they seem uncomfortable with the fact that you asked this question? Or, do they respond immediately with a smile and seem excited to share their thoughts?
Additionally, you should pay attention to what they share as their favorite aspect. This can be a clue into their values and priorities, which can help you determine if their values clash or align with yours. Overall, if they don’t seem to enjoy working there, they may not be as enjoyable to work with. However, if they seem happy to work there and even enjoy working there for the same reasons you’re interested in joining the company, then you may have a good experience working with them.
Read More: 5 Signs Staying At The Same Company Is Stalling Your Career Growth
Can you describe how communication typically works within the team, and are there any practices or tools that help foster communication?
If you’re nervous about joining a remote role with an absent manager or worried about working with a boss with poor communication skills or a toxic work style, this open-ended question can help you assess their communication style without revealing your concerns. Typically, when candidates ask questions during interviews, they don’t get the answers they need because they ask leading questions that sway the interviewer toward the response they want to hear.
For example, in this case, a leading question would be “How do you ensure open communication?” This question assumes that the manager prioritizes open communication and could lead them to answer the question as if they do, even if they don’t. Rather, asking the interviewer to describe how communication works invites the hiring manager to freely share their perspective, which allows you to determine if their answer aligns with what you’re looking for in your next role.
Can you share an example of how you’ve worked with your team to overcome a challenge or achieve a goal? What was your approach?
If you desire to work with a manager who supports their team in a healthy way, then this is a bold, yet excellent, question to ask the hiring manager. But, save this question for when you’re in the final stages of the interview process, after you’ve demonstrated you’d be a great fit for the role and communicated the value you’d bring to the team. By that point, you’ve probably already displayed the qualities they’re looking for in their next hire and they’re likely interested in the potential of working with you, so they’ll be more likely to take the time to answer this question thoughtfully.
This question will help you understand the manager’s approach to supporting their team and navigating difficult situations. Their response will allow you to assess if they micromanage, offer autonomy, prefer collaboration, create a positive and constructive team culture, and much more, depending on the example they decide to share. Ultimately, it will give you a clearer picture of their leadership style and whether or not they prioritize a supportive, goal-oriented work environment.
It’s natural to feel apprehensive about stepping into another toxic workplace. But by proactively asking strategic, open-ended questions, you’ll gain the insights you need to make an empowered decision about your next career move.
Adunola Adeshola coaches high-achievers on how to take their careers to the next level and secure new positions they love without applying to jobs 24/7, starting over or settling for less. Grab her dream job guide.
