Hi everyone, I am interested in a lateral move position at my current employer and have no idea how to answer any questions at all about my current boss.

Anonymous

January 26,2023 at 2:56PM UTC

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Hi everyone, I am interested in a lateral move position at my current employer and have no idea how to answer any questions at all about my current boss. I can't stand her. She took this role and came into it as a know it all. She has never once asked what our roles were, is a micro manager, plays favorites, gaslights and lies, and has made our whole team miserable. I want to apply for another position but worry how to handle a question of "how do you like working for X"? or something like that.

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AnonymousJanuary 26,2023 at 3:04PM UTC
It is essential to do two things:
1. NEVER say something derogatory about your current boss. If asked the question directly, deflect as best you can, and accentuate the positive (she is dedicated, works hard, and expects a lot from her employees.)
2. Have a solid and positive reason why you want the lateral move (i.e., it is a better match for my skills of x, y, and z, and my career goals of ...)
Paula Manczuk-HannayJanuary 28,2023 at 2:45PM UTC
Yes! This is the exact response I would suggest. Focus on what you’re going toward- why you want the new role. Start thinking about the general characteristics you can say about your current boss- the above examples are great. Odds are the way she “manages” is known outside your department. Your refusal to take the bait will be a positive for you. Good luck!
AnonymousJanuary 26,2023 at 5:00PM UTC
Never take the bait and provide negative feedback. If you will speak about your current boss in that way, I would instantly think what would keep you from speaking poorly about the next. That is not a collaborator. This question you may even need to spend time and prepare for so that your response is authentic. Good luck.
AnonymousJanuary 27,2023 at 1:31AM UTC
Never say anything negative about a manager or a work situation in an interview. It will only make you look bad.
X must have some good traits that you can mention. Look at her LinkedIn or other online bio and find something positive to say.
Keep your comments brief and general.
Some suggestions based on what you have written:
“She’s very detail-oriented and takes her responsibilities to the company very seriously.”
”I respect that she’s been in the industry for xx years.”
”Although she’s new to the team, she’s jumped in and has taken the reins quickly.”
AnonymousJanuary 28,2023 at 6:53PM UTC
I would just keep it simple. Deflect - say I am looking for a new role because I want to do XYZ or to learn ABC. Don't respond directly to the how you like working for her. Instead say I generally work best when leadership supports me to learn and its time for me to learn something new in a new team.
AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 3:10PM UTC
I would keep it simple you want to go in a different direction, you want to do something new etc , don’t bad mouth the manager that will kill your chances right there . Stay positive and stress you want to do something new
AnonymousJanuary 29,2023 at 3:39PM UTC
Another thing to consider is will your current manager be supportive of you moving into a new role ? You will eventually need to let her know why you are looking to leave her team and she needs to be supportive of this move or she can possibly mention some areas of development that you need to work on first or share that with your potential new Manager prior to them making a final decision on your internal candidacy. I would be surprised if that is even a topic of conversation that your potential new manager would ask. I think they will more likely ask you , does your current manager know that you are interviewing internally and if you have not told your current manager, they might ask do you feel she would be supportive or why didn’t you discuss your career goals with her during your performance review. Best of luck and just stay positive. As long as you are in good standing with your current role , she really couldn’t block you. It would not make her look good. Most companies have an internal transfer policy that should be read by the internal employee before applying to internal roles to understand the internal transfer process.