Have you ever had a bad boss? How about a terrible one? Some unlucky folks have even had the pleasure of having an all-out horrible boss.
Whether they’re flaky, disrespectful, dictator-like, ignorant, or just plain mean, a horrible boss can turn a great job into a nightmare.
As job seekers, it’s easy to fall into a bad fit just because you think it’s the only job out there. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you keep an eye out for those red flags that warn you about the horrible boss ahead.
While you might not have a lot of time to analyze your boss, ask yourself these four questions to spot some major red flags:
Were they on time?
Chances are, you probably interviewed with your immediate supervisor or one that you’ll be working with in some capacity. Punctuality is one of those qualities that doesn’t seem important, but can really stink. Was the boss on time to your interview? If they can’t be on time to meet you, do you think they’ll be on time giving you important assignments and feedback?
How do their employees act around them?
Unsure about a potential boss? Go straight to the source: current employees. Watch how employees treat their boss. While you’re in the office, pay attention to verbal and nonverbal behavior. If you’re connected with any workers on social media, you might even get the chance to ask about the work environment there. Be sure to sort out any exaggerated opinions and seek honest ones.
Did you feel respected?
You may have only had a few minutes with a potential boss, but even in that short amount of time, you can probably get a good sense of how you’ll be treated on a daily basis. Did they listen to what you had to say? Did they seem happy to meet you? Everyone has a bad day from time to time, but respect often shines through.
What do you think? Have you ever had a horrible boss? What red flags came up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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