What the Hiring Manager Is Really Asking…

When an interviewer asks you about your last or current supervisor’s management style, they’re trying to get a sense of how you fit within the chain of command. For example, by responding that your supervisor is a micromanager and a stickler, it could appear that you don’t enjoy being monitored or having your work scrutinized.

Recognizing that your supervisor is fair, proactive, or detail-oriented not only shows a team-oriented mindset, it shows that you’re a good observer. Those who can follow the examples of managers and supervisors are often the best candidates for those positions in the future.

• What traits do you especially value in a boss?
• How have bosses impacted the way you operate in an office?
• Think about good supervisors that you have had in the past. What has made them effective leaders?

Points to Emphasize

Although it’s necessary to keep the tone positive, painting a complete, honest picture is acceptable. Being an astute observer means seeing both the good and the bad.

• Recall specifics when applicable, but focus on the bigger picture of your supervisor’s habits.
• Start and end with positive notes, just as you would if delivering criticism directly to the individual.
• Strive for balance. It’s okay to mention that your detail-oriented supervisor sometimes loses track of the big picture.
• Talk about how you’ve been positively influenced by supervisors in the workplace.

Unless you’re at the top of the food chain, it’s always your job to support your higher-ups. Keep the conversation upbeat for best results.

• Write down five things that your current boss does well
• Write down five areas were you feel your boss could improve
• Compare both lists and try to highlight thing that would impress an employer

Mistakes You Should Avoid

Undercutting a supervisor isn’t an effective way to elevate your own knowledge or talent. Make sure you keep perspective and stay professional:

• Never talk down about a supervisor, current or past. Employers might assume it’s a natural behavior.
• Don’t lead in or end with negative statements. Start and finish on good notes.
• Have something to say. Lack of awareness of one’s supervisor gives the impression that it’s not a job you’re interested in securing one day.
• Don’t be influenced by emotion. When discussing someone you don’t see eye-to-eye with personally, focus on professional qualities.

Mature individuals are aware of how to offer criticism without making personal attacks. Make sure you come across as such in your interview.

• Try to remember an instance where a boss did something that really impressed you in a professional setting.
• Bring the focus back to you: Did this boss make the workplace better? Did it change the way you worked?
• Make sure to keep emotions out of your response. Review your answer with a tutor to make sure you aren’t allowing bias in your answer.

Sample Answer

It’s a good idea to reflect on a range of interactions to get an accurate overall picture when answering this question. An example response:

“My last supervisor was a major influence on me professionally. He made effort to check-in with the team frequently without being overbearing. He also had a big personality, but he knew when to keep things light and when to stay serious. Above all, I think he was great about seeing the big picture without losing sight of the details.”

Stay focused on the supervisor’s consistent behaviors; try to avoid anecdotes or responses which illustrate supervisors in a chummy kind of light.

• Write the first draft of your answer with your tutor.
• Are there any words or phrases that you are not comfortable pronouncing?
• Now rehearse with your tutor until you are comfortable answering the question without the script.