Having a new job that’s exciting to go to everyday is hugely dependent on one person in particular: Your boss.
Having a good relationship with your boss is important to your mental health and productivity, so make sure you’re interviewing them as much as they’re interviewing you. According to a survey conducted by BambooHR, 44% of employees cited a bad boss as their reason for leaving a job.
If any of these signs pop up in the interview process, then you might want to reconsider an offer.
THEY’RE NOWHERE IN the INTERVIEW PROCESS
If your would-be direct manager is MIA in your interview, that’s a huge red flag. Going into a workplace with zero idea of who you’ll be directly working with every day is a big risk. If there’s a valid reason for his or her absence, ask their colleagues about what it’s like working with them. If someone isn’t in the role yet (i.e. they’re being hired as well) then ask to speak with the hiring team. Learn about what they’re looking for and how they’re evaluating candidates. If you trust the hiring team and take the job, insist to be part of the interview process for your future boss.
THEY CONTRADICT OR SNUB COLLEAGUES
DURING INTERVIEWS
Watch the body language of your maybe manager and how they react to others in the room. Eye rolls? Backhanded compliments? Are they on their phone while others are speaking? How do their colleagues react to them? You can expect to have a similar experience in the job.
THEY’RE CONSTANTLY LATE
OR RESCHEDULING
Your potential employer and boss should be trying to impress you as much as you’re trying to impress them. Your time is valuable, too. Being late for multiple interviews is either a mind game (also a major red flag) or shows they simply don’t respect your time.
THEY STRUGGLE TO GIVE A STRAIGHT
ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTIONS
If you’re only getting vague or wishy-washy responses, it likely means they’re unprepared, have trouble communicating or that they are unclear on the direction of your potential role. Look for directness, clear vision and preparedness in potential bosses.
THEY TALK ONLY ABOUT THEMSELVES
In an interview, your future boss should be trying to get to know you as a person, the way you work and your aspirations. If they rarely ask about you, it might be a sign of a boss that hogs all of the credit.
THEY’RE UNPREPARED FOR MEETINGS
Managers have a lot on their plates. A survey conducted by SoapBox found that 67% of managers said their biggest challenge was juggling team management with other responsibilities. But that’s not an excuse. If they’re distracted during your meeting and not asking intelligent questions about your experience, they’re likely completely unprepared.
THEY DON’T HAVE ONE-ON-ONES WITH THEIR TEAM
Ask your would-be boss how often they have one-on-one meetings with their team. If the answer is “not at all” or “we don’t need them,” something’s not right. Managers build trust and rapport with their employees through one-on-ones.