The significance of this question lies in the interviewer's will to assess the interviewee's ability to work within a framework; their ability to accept rules, be professional and be part of an organisation. Rule acceptance is vital for most positions. People who are able to follow the rules and accept authority usually have an easier time acclimatising to a new work environment and will generally fit in better than individuals who are routine averse and have a need for "space" and "freedom".
- Describe your superior in a positive and professional light.
- Emphasise those aspects that you found positive and worthy.
- Avoid being too critical, disrespectful or contrarily worshiping your superior.
- Learn to respect your supervisor (even if he weren't perfect!). A candidate that has respect for his / her work environment and his colleagues and superiors, regardless of how critical they may be of them, is usually a more mature, rule accepting, professional and ultimately a better one.
Some candidates were at conflict with their superiors during their career and may actually perceive this question as an opportunity to 'get even' or set the score straight. They may choose to present their manager as incompetent and discredit them or even insinuate that any achievement or accomplishment made can only be credited to themselves. More often than not, this presents the interviewee as a person who has problems accepting authority, who is disrespectful of his/her superiors. Such a person may even find the interview situation as problematic and may try to resist the interviewer's authority.
Using superlatives and extreme affection when describing your manager is not necessarily good either. A person who shows feelings of admiration towards their superior may be too emotional. It may present the applicant in a needy and childish light. Such applicants may often expect the interviewer to be a wonderful and inspiring person. This attitude is childish and imbalanced and may leave a bad impression altogether.
Overall, it is better to keep your descriptions of your manager – professional. You may describe him/her as responsible, hardworking, motivated, a good manager, or in any other professional manner you see fit. A professional and balanced description of your manager reflects on your self as a professional, respectful and mature candidate. You do not have to portray an exaggerated or misrepresented picture of your superior, but try to highlight the positive aspects which you valued. An interview is not the setting to get even with your manager; it will only impede your chances of success in the interview.
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