Sometimes job seekers forget that they should be interviewing a future boss as much as they are being interviewed. Make sure you prepare questions that will help you assess management style and cultural fit. Pay attention to any red flags you see or feel during your interview as well. Here are some questions to ask your next boss:
What have you learned about yourself, or your leadership style based on feedback you’ve received from members of your team?
This question in particular will give you insights into the type of leader they are and if they are even open to feedback. Anybody who has a hard time answering this question will likely also struggle with feedback on the job. You can use this answer to assess if they would be the right manager for you.
Can you describe your communication style? Specifically, how do you communicate with your team members? Do you schedule one-on-one sit-down meetings, do you hold weekly meetings, or do you prefer to communicate via email?
Disconnects in communication tend to be the number one source of conflict in a work setting. Make sure you have a clear understanding of style and preferences coming in. Establishing these norms early on will make it a lot less stressful for you as you acclimate to your new role.
Can you please tell me a story that speaks to your lab culture/team dynamics?
People tend to say the “right things” in an interview setting. They will speak about the great work/life balance, culture, etc. but if they can’t back these words up with examples, be wary.
How will the new hire be trained? Please tell me about the onboarding process?
Admittedly, this can vary a lot depending on the size and sector of the organization; however, no matter the setting, each manager should be thoughtfully considering the process for getting a new employee on board. Even asking the question in the interview indicates to the manager that you expect them to help with this process.
What constitutes a workday? What are the policies on working from home, flex hours, or being ‘reachable’ after hours?
The pandemic and working from home has permanently altered the way we work. Have a clear understanding of the expectations before committing to a job that might not be the right fit for you.
