How do you effectively answer the interview question: “Tell me about the worst boss you ever had?”

If you are asked, “Tell me about the worst boss you ever had?” the interviewer is trying to figure out how you like to be supervised. This question is similar to the “Tell me your greatest weakness” question, where it is not advantageous for the candidate to respond with all the things that irritated you about your manager. Many people have had pretty lousy bosses. Bosses are lousy for many different reasons, some legitimate. Perhaps you have an absentee manager, or you have a micromanager. Whatever the case, the truth is that interviewers do not want to hear you complain about a previous supervisor. Once you start talking badly about a prior manager, the interviewer can now start projecting in the future how you will talk about him or her or the company once you would be employed. Believe me, no one wants to hire someone that is perceived to be a complainer.

So how do you answer this question? First, take a long pause like you are running through all the managers you have had in your career. Then say something like,

“I guess I have been very fortunate that I really haven’t had any bad managers. You know, I have had bosses that have had varied management styles. The important thing for me was to know that boss’s expectations upfront. Knowing this was powerful in helping us develop a good working relationship.”

If asked to elaborate, you could then discuss the different expectations you have encountered by your managers and how you strive to meet them, all the while not speaking negatively about them.

Now if you have had a boss that committed a crime or was fired for a serious offense, then you can probably mention it without any risk of penalty to yourself. Just do not sound gleeful when telling the interviewer that your boss was walked out of the office in handcuffs!

What is an alternative way of saying 'references available upon request' on a resume?

There is no need to include this phrase. While this used to be standard phrasing to put on your resume at one time, it no longer is required or desired.

What you do need to do is contact your potential references ahead of time. When starting your job search, reach out to your potential references and ask if they would vouch for you. It is important to find out what they would say about you BEFORE they speak to a potential employer. Also, and this is important, you should have a good idea of what the potential employer is looking for based on the questions asked in an interview. Prep your references for the type of questions that might be asked and find out how your reference might answer. This is no time for any surprises.

In a job interview, what are subtle ways you can make yourself a stronger candidate?

Most hiring managers are looking for skills that are applicable to the job and a personal connection to the candidate. You want the hiring manager to feel that you would be an asset to the company AND would be good to work with. Most people would like to work with nice, friendly people. How do you come across that way?

1. Dress professionally and be careful of your personal hygiene. Brush your teeth, make sure your hair is clean and that you have bathed recently. Omit perfume and cologne. If the corporate culture seems pretty conservative, you might want to cover any tattoos and go light on the jewelry.

2. This depends on the culture but in the US, have a good handshake. Don’t try to break someone’s hand but also don’t put forth a limp handshake.

3. Smile. Smiles go a long way.

4. This also is a cultural thing, but in the US, try to keep good eye contact with the interviewer.

5. Sit up straight. Do not slump in your chair. Also, do not cross your arms.

6. Do not interrupt the interviewer. Let the interviewer ask the whole question before starting on your answer.

7. Listen carefully to what is being asked. If confused, ask for the question to be repeated. Answer what is asked. No need to go off on tangents that are off-topic.

8. Make sure to emphasize in your answers what you accomplished. Hiring managers are interested in not just what you can do but also how you do it.

9. End the interview by saying how much you would like the job and that you would enjoy working with the hiring manager.

None of these things are hard, but it is amazing how many people do not do some or all of them. Now doing these things does not mean that you will get the job. At least, though, you won’t be ruled out because you presented yourself inappropriately.