Interview Question - Horrible Boss?

Question

Imagine that you can't stand your current boss. She's rude, offensive, a micromanager, and very inappropriate. She slacks off on her job and when things go wrong because of her slacking, she blames anyone nearby (the poor soul who happens to be nearby is usually fired).

So now you're on a job interview for a new/better job and the interviewer asks you a direct question about your current boss. How do you answer?

A. Tactfully express that you and she tend to not see eye to eye on things.
B. Straightout say that you hate her.
C. Lie through your teeth saying that everything is rosey and that you're only looking for new employment to broaden your horizons.
D. Something different

Answer 1

Unfortunately, the full truth will not work in your favour here.

If you tell me your current boss is horrible I have no way of knowing if you're a nightmare employee or if she's a terrible boss. When in doubt, I'll skip you and hire the next qualified person.

Better is to diplomatically make a generic statement like you mention in option C. Only, don't say everything is Rosy (that's a bit extreme), just say something like you have a good working relationship with her. Then - as you suggested - focus the conversation back on the new position. I.e., I have utmost respect and enjoy a good relationship with my current boss. I am interested in pursuing the position you have because it is time for me to expand my horizon, learn new skills, apply learnt skills ...

Good luck.

Answer 2

By all means don't berate her or make it personal. Another way to look at this question is: "if I hire you and we don't have a perfect working relationship, what are you going to tell others about me?"

I would tell the truth in a tactful way but always find and add a silver lining e.g. "We don't always see eye to eye on everything, but I really don't have anything negative to say about her. We just seem to have different ways of approaching things, which is actually a good thing because it allows for different approaches and ultimately better solutions for the client as well as the company." You don't have to quote that answer but remember that no one wants to hire someone they perceive to be a pessimist or a whiner.

However, be aware that this will leave room for the interviewer to ask for an example to showcase 1)different opinions and 2) better solutions, so be prepared with an example that put you both in a positive light. Good luck!

Answer 3

I find it difficult to understand how life at work can be "hell" for you, if you're working in the UK. Fact of the matter is that you are entitled to safe working conditions, and that includes being safe from bullying, humiliation etc. Clearly this 'manager' has a "mental disorder" (I've met many 'managers' like this - at least three of them were taking (or had a history of taking) recreational drugs; at least two were neurotics under stress), and he ought to be treated by you accordingly. Surely there is an HR department, or he has a manager, or the business has an owner, that you can raise your concerns with (in writing or face-to-face, or maybe even with the assistance of your/a union)? Do bear in mind though that a lot, if not all, your suffering will be self-inflicted. It is possible to retain a happy and content mind in VERY adverse circumstances - try detach yourself from the situation and observe. Also read about "difficult" or "toxic" co-workers and bosses, and possibly also sociopaths (the authors Robert Hare, and Martha Stout spring to mind). (Library/Amazon etc) Hope this helps!

Answer 4

Well they probably won't ask that question, but instead ask something like

why are you leaving your current job?
What would you do if you have conflict with your manager?

They are interviewing you for a job, not counselling you for emotional trauma, so full and frank honesty is not required.

Instead you should be honest but always be positive. Complaining about your current job makes you sound like you are escaping rather than seeking new opportunities.

You can say negative things about your current employment situation and still sound good. For example, well my current company doesn't do enough to promote good staff, there are colleagues in my company who are very good at their jobs but are being passed over for promotion. Also the culture is not one that I like, I am very hard working, but where I am many staff don't work very hard and give other staff who are trying to do a good job a hard time.

See, you are being negative about your company, but also mentioning positive things about yourself and the opportunities that you are interested in.

Answer 5

Tactfulness is always the best way to go. Do not, however, say bad, inappropriate things about your previous employer. It reflects badly in an interview. I would say exactly what you stated, you didn't always see eye-to-eye, but you put forth your best effort regardless of whatever the circumstances were. Business is business. You have to do whatever it takes to get the job done.
Good luck!

Answer 6

Be REALLY careful... the person that you are talking to is going to be your boss and wondering how you do/don't respect authority. Listen carefully to the question and see what she/he is looking for. Speak the truth but be sure to show respect for your boss's authority over you so you don't come off as rebellious. They don't really care if she's your top choice as a friend, keep it to work and not personal opinion. Good luck!!! I hope you get the new job!

Answer 7

Do not speak about your boss bad Job attitude. just say nothing to express the horrible boss. Just say how he or she want to doing in which part in the his or her job n job scoop. my answer C

Answer 8

A ; looking for a better personality match

Answer 9

even though i worked for a similar boss previously; i wouldnt talk anything bad bout them during my interview.....i guess the interviewer wouldnt want someone that talk bad bout them later too........so def. will go for the answer 'C'