HBR Guide to Getting a Job

HARVARD MANAGEMENT UPDATE

Five Questions About... Interviewing Your Prospective Supervisor

with Rich Wellins

Senior Vice President, Development Dimensions International

There is nothing more important than an employee's relationship with her boss.

Numerous studies have shown that it is the linchpin of great performance, long-term commitment, and employee satisfaction at all levels of the organization. But although most hiring managers will look at the personality fit between themselves and job candidates, few prospective employees give this component very much consideration—often to their regret if they discover later on that they and their supervisors are mismatched.

There are ways for job candidates to hedge against this fate, says Rich Wellins, ...