When people say they want to leave a job, they invariably tell me it’s because of the boss.
My question: why don’t candidates ask to interview their would-be bosses?
If candidates are always putting their “best foot” out there, how can we be so sure that would-be bosses do the same? And,
If the boss-employee relationship is close, then wouldn’t the presence of good chemistry between the boss and candidate be essential?
Take the traditional job interview:
Candidate joins the Zoom.
Interviewer says “hi” says “this is just going to be a conversation” and then goes into standard interview questions.
Candidate presents prepared answers to these standard questions. They often preface their answer with, “oh, good question.”
Interviewer says, “it looks like we have a few minutes, is there anything you want to ask me?”
This asymmetric exchange may result in a lousy deal for the candidate.
I imagine a symmetrical job interview:
Every joins the Zoom.
Interviewer: we’re going to start out with questions you want to ask, but also, I want you to know that you’ll have time with my team later on to ask them, directly, about working with me and what it’s like working here. They’ll give you honest reviews. Simply ask.
Interviewer and Interviewee dig into the type of problem solving they might work through in the job — both getting a glimpse of how the other thinks and works.
Interviewer wraps up: thanks! Is this the type of working relationship you want to opt-in for?
Interviewer shares their feedback.
When our world and work are becoming automated and tech-driven, we must become that much more human.