Making the right choice can be difficultespecially when shes choosing from a group of well-qualified applicants.
So how can you tip the scales in your favor?
Can I Manage This Person?
Others like to receive daily updates, religiously review timecards, and schedule regular check-in meetings with their staff.
At some point during the meeting, you should also get an opportunity to pose a few questions.
Try asking your potential supervisor how she would describe her management style.
If her answer is in line with your preferences, say, That sounds great!
Having a certain degree of autonomy to get my work done helps me to maximize my productivity.
Does This Person Truly Understand This Role?
Its a waste of both your and the recruiters time to only rehash whats involved in the position.
Is This Person Actually Excited About Working Here?
Was the company recently named one of the best places to work in your area?
Is the department youd be working in creating innovative new products?
Was the CEO recently mentioned in a well-respected publication?
Will This Person Make Me Look Good?
To a certain degree, an employees performance is a reflection on her supervisor.
If you do superb work and present yourself well, she looks good too.
What is the best way to assure your future manager that you are totally trustworthy?
Find out what she values in a team member.
Try asking, What traits are most important to you in an employee?
or What are your expectations of the person who steps into this role?
If her answers line up with your work style, be sure to tell her that.
Ive found that maintaining open lines of communication goes a long way toward optimizing productivity and teamwork.
I think that my experience and work style would be a great fit for this team.
This doesnt happen during every interview, but sometimes an interviewers mind will wander.
Are you looking down when you talk or speaking in a dull, monotone voice?
If you dont seem interested in your own answers, you cant expect anyone else to be either.
Another key trick to remember?
Keep your answers short and sweet.
Try crafting exceptional responses using this simple formula: answer + example + result.
For example, in response to, How do you manage your time?
say, I manage my time by prioritizing my responsibilities.
This has helped me to be very effective in my past roles.
In fact, I regularly get compliments on my ability to juggle a large workload without missing deadlines.
The goal is to proactively address questions shes probably asking herself during your meeting.
Shes also a resume writer, career advisor, and the founder ofThe Job Hop.
Top image byiluistrator(Shutterstock).
