Interviewing for a New Boss
Capitalizing on a Face-to-Face Meeting with a Hiring Manager
Interviews are a two-way street. Make sure you're not run off the road by failing to ask questions and making the most of the interview.
Those looking for a new employment opportunity need to ask themselves if they are so focused on saying “the right thing” that they walk away from the interview unclear what happened.
Very often job seekers are so focused on selling themselves they neglect to be fully engaged in the interview process. They do themselves a disservice by not getting enough information to be able to determine if they are even interested in what the company has to offer.
Interviews are not just about what the employer wants and needs. It is equally important that job seekers ensure the company and position are a good fit for their career, their interests, and their personal development. And much of this depends on the supervisor. That’s why it is important to have a chance to interview the hiring manager.
With this in mind, here are three tips for candidates next time they are invited in for an interview.
Do the Human Resources Song and Dance
Everyone wants to buck the system or find a way around the human resources department. Truth be told most human resources professionals only know enough about every job in the company to talk quasi-intelligently about any specific position. It’s tough knowing every angle of every job.
What they do understand is the organization culture, and they can identify potential in the candidates that walk through their door.
Sure, every job seeker thinks highly enough of themselves and their talents to believe that the human resources goon squad is only there as a gatekeeper to prevent them from getting the job.
But whatever someone’s opinion, know that if the first interview is with human resources the company places some level of credibility on their input, so job seekers should bite the bullet and do whatever it takes to sell themselves to the recruiter in order to have a shot at an interview with the hiring manager.
Preparing for an Interview with the Boss
Before job seekers even know if they are going to be invited in for an interview, it is important they know what they are looking for in a company, a job and their new boss. Without this information, how can they be sure they are making the right choice?
That means asking questions about what they want to do, what kind of company they want to work for, and what qualities they feel are important in a great boss. It means taking the time to do a little soul searching. And it means developing questions to ask the hiring manager.
Here are five to consider:
- Why is this position vacant?
- What are the qualities of the most successful team members?
- How would you describe your management style?
- How do you develop the people you manage?
- What’s the quickest way someone could get into trouble with you?
The whole idea is to find out what type of manager he is and whether or not that fits with the candidate’s preferences.
Handling the Face-to-Face with the Hiring Manager
It’s finally time to meet the boss. And while it is still important to behave and look like a professional, it’s not just about the candidate selling himself. It’s also about kicking the tires and checking under the hood to determine if this job is a peach or a lemon.
Candidates need to take time to explain how their background prepares them to do the job; however, they also need to keep their ears open to gather details on why they want to work for this supervisor. If possible, talk to other people in the department.
The idea is to find out as much as possible before making a decision. And that’s the best way to capitalize on an interview with the hiring manager.
