During the Interview Ask Yourself if This Manager is for You

A job interview is just as much an opportunity for you to evaluate potential employers and managers as it is for hiring managers to evaluate your skills and experience. Use this opportunity to assess not only how you could affect the company's productivity and profits but also whether or not the management structure is a good fit for you personally and professionally.

Take Advantage of the Small Window

Although you may not have ample time during a job interview to fully form an impression of a potential manager, you can put forth effort to learn more about the company's culture when asking interview questions. Do your research prior to the interview, and focus your questions on aspects related to the management and leadership strategies to uncover whether or not your direct supervisor subscribes to your professional philosophy. Ask questions such as "What is your management style?" and "How would you describe your company culture?" to reveal the supervisor's thoughts about how employees should be treated.

Evaluate Composure

While many supervisors put on a professional face during a job interview, pay close attention to the manager's body language to determine if this individual's character and style is in line with yours. For example, did the manager make eye contact with you, or did he seem preoccupied with emails or paperwork during the meeting? A supervisor who neglects to engage with you during the job interview may not be willing to engage with you as an employee. Assess the demeanor of the interviewer as well. Did the individual close the door to allow for privacy? Did he shake your hand willingly? Did the supervisor listen actively and promote positive body language during the interview? And most importantly, was the manager willing to answer your interview questions in a genuine and honest manner? Although you do not want to appear to be a desperate job seeker who will take any opportunity, asking questions helps to give you a more informed look at how your potential supervisor interacts with employees.

Inquire With Colleagues

Tap into your professional network before and after the job interview to gain insight on the management structure at the company. Mention that you interviewed with a specific individual to see if your colleagues or employees at the company offer an opinion about the professional's style, personality and ability to conduct himself in a fair manner. Evaluate body language, too, when inquiring about your future supervisor to reveal any hidden opinions that could indicate negative experiences.

It is not possible to predict how you will fit in when applying for a new position, but the job interview can offer you insight on how managers conduct themselves with employees. Use this opportunity to investigate the management style of the company as a whole to determine if this position is right for you.

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