Ask a Manager

A reader writes: I had a really frustrating interview situation recently. I applied for a job based on the posted job description, which was for a generalist, with a list of maybe 10 areas of responsibility. Exactly what I’m looking for. In the past, I’ve had jobs under this umbrella where I only did one […]

A reader writes: I’m currently interviewing for new jobs, and the entire process is remote. I’ve noticed that the number of interviews for a single position is way higher than in previous years when I’ve looked for a job. In one position I’ve been through seven rounds of interviews, with no indication that a decision […]

A reader writes: As a hopeful job hunter, I’ve recently twice encountered the dreaded and oft-lamented phenomenon of being ghosted or strung along after multiple rounds of interviews. In one instance, my follow-ups get no response whatsoever, but I see that the job is re-posted on LinkedIn (albeit with very few applicants). In the other, […]

A reader writes: Is it a mistake to turn down an interview because you’re not passionate about the job? I’m a 28-year-old woman and at a stable, pretty well-earning point in my life after growing up poor. I allowed my LinkedIn to be open to opportunities, because I am. But I also like my job. […]

A reader writes: I’m writing after one of the more frustrating attempts to decline a bad fit job interview I’ve ever had. For context: I’m an artist and in my “rent job” a contractor, although the pandemic made me realize my contractor path needs to seriously change and so I’m currently navigating that. A few […]

A reader writes: A few years ago I was in a situation that I’d like some insight on. I applied for a job that, based on the description, seemed like I was qualified for (a mix of admin and marketing work). However, once I got into the interview, I realized it was much more about […]

A reader writes: I recently remembered a piece of interviewing advice from my high school teacher a long time ago, and I was curious whether this is actually a good idea or if there’s a better strategy. This teacher said that during an interview, if you’re asked a question you didn’t expect and might need […]

A reader writes: I’m job searching and just interviewed today. It went really well, but they did ask me one question that tripped me up: They asked me if I needed the job. I do, but I stumbled on my answer a bit. I figured if I said yes, I would look desperate, but if […]

When you’re interviewing for a job, you want to know what kind of manager you’d be working for. Here’s a question that isn’t that likely to tell you: “How would you describe your management style?” That question shows up over and over on lists of questions that job seekers should ask their prospective managers in […]