Tell me about your relationship with your previous boss.

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
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The interviewer asks this question to see how you work with and speak of others. They want to know if you will be an easy person to work with or a challenge. When you answer this question, be sure to remain positive, even if the experience wasn't. Keep your answer short and respectful. Avoid talking about any previous drama, and do not speak poorly of your employer.

If you had a great relationship with your previous boss, explain what made it great. If you did not have a good relationship with your former boss, focus on saying, "I have had healthier relationships in the past with previous employers, but we did the best that we could. Our communication styles were very different, making it challenging at times."

You want to avoid speaking poorly of your former boss, even if you did not get along. You also want to avoid saying you had an excellent relationship with them if you did not. The interviewer will call your references and find out you were dishonest in the interview.

"I had a very healthy relationship with my previous employer. She was easy to approach, and we often bounced ideas off each other. I would sum it up as a relationship led by strong mutual respect."

"I have had healthier relationships in the past with previous employers, but we did the best that we could. Our communication styles were very different, which made it challenging at times."

"I make a point of investing in coworker relationships. It's important to me that these relationships are established early on, especially with my boss. My current boss knows that he can rely on me for anything in his absence, and my responsibilities have consistently increased to reflect that level of trust."

Anonymous Answer

"My current supervisor is a great guy. He is always there if I have an issue or question, and he is willing to ask someone else if he doesn't have the answer. He works hard at his job and expects the same from his employees. I have the utmost respect for him and find him to be a great example to follow."

Rachelle's Feedback

This sounds like an incredibly healthy relationship full of respect. Great response!

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Anonymous Answer

"It was good. We were put into a tricky situation, with him receiving a dept. he was not familiar with, and me having years of experience in it. By the time it was over due to covid 19, we were on the same page with everything."

Rachelle's Feedback

This answer is a good start! I recommend adding more detail to help the interviewer follow along. There are some information gaps that an outsider would not be able to fill (i.e., tricky situations, him receiving a department, 'it was over,' the same page with everything).

How to Answer: Tell me about your relationship with your previous boss.