When you make it to the part of the interview process where you talk to the hiring manager, how can you spot a toxic boss before accepting the offer? Many Glassdoor Community members have been there, done that, and they're sharing the questions to ask hiring managers to help you separate the best from the worst in a job interview.
Of course, bosses can say all the right things in an interview and act completely differently on the job, so these aren't foolproof. But asking thoughtful questions about their leadership style and approach to managing people can reveal signs of a bad manager, especially if you read between the lines.
Ask about their leadership style and daily management
These questions help you understand how hands-on (or hands-off) your potential boss will be, and whether their management approach aligns with how you work best.
"What is your leadership style?"
"What is your cadence with team members? How do you set expectations and track progress?"
"How do you give feedback?"
Dig into how they handle challenges and mistakes
How a manager responds when things go wrong tells you everything about what it'll be like to work under pressure. These questions reveal whether they're supportive or blame-heavy.
"How do you respond if a team member makes a mistake?"
"How do you handle missed deadlines?"
"What projects have gone poorly for your team and how did you step in as a leader to fix it?"
"How do you support team members when they are overwhelmed?"
Look for signs of a growth mindset (or lack thereof)
Great managers know they're not perfect. Toxic ones might struggle to admit any weakness at all.
"Where do you think there is opportunity to grow as a leader?"
"What is your biggest failure?"
"Do you want team members to challenge you?"
Get the real story on work-life balance
These questions to ask about company culture cut through the corporate jargon and help you figure out if "work-life balance" is just a buzzword or an actual priority.
"How often does the team work late?"
"What are the team members doing at 6pm Friday afternoon?"
"What boundaries have you implemented for yourself? How do you prioritize work-life balance on your team?"
Assess team culture and retention
High turnover is a red flag. Long tenure? That's usually a green flag. These questions help you understand what you're walking into.
"What is the average tenure of members on your team?"
"What makes someone successful on your team?"
"What's your favorite part about managing people?"
More pro tips from the Glassdoor Community
Beyond the questions themselves, here's what seasoned professionals pay attention to when interviewing with a potential boss.
"I always try to get a sense of whether or not employees enjoy working there. You can tell a lot by people's body language and how they are sitting at their desks about whether or not they enjoy being there." - Supervisor 1
"Never ask them a question about themselves. Toxic leaders love it and will give a charming answer. Ask something they won't have a prepared answer for." - Accenture 2
The key to all of these questions? Listen carefully to what they do and don’t say. A great manager will answer thoughtfully, give specific examples, and maybe even admit to past mistakes. A toxic one might deflect, give vague answers, or turn everything into a humble-brag.
Trust your gut, and remember: the interview is as much about you evaluating them as it is about them evaluating you.