 Searching for a new job or finding your ideal career can be challenging. You have criteria you are trying to follow, but just cannot seem to find the right opportunities. What job titles are you targeting? What industries are you interested in? Have you ever considered the question, who is my ideal boss? If you are looking for a meaningful job you are passionate about, finding a great boss is vital. You need someone who will support, challenge, mentor, encourage and teach you. No matter what your working situation is, your work will not feel meaningful to you if you have a negative dynamic with your boss.
Here are some things you should consider before, during and after your interview:
Before you go into an interview, think of three people in your life who have impacted you the most, whether it be a parent, friend or past professor. For these three people, think of ten qualities that each individual possesses. It is possible that you will find you have written down similar words for all three people, which is key. That is a sign you are identifying certain types of guidance that give you the most drive.
Next, do some research on the person you will be reporting to if you successfully land the job. Talk to your recruiter to find out what your potential future boss is like, find out their management style, what they like, what they do not like, look for mutual interests, etc.
 During your interview, keep all of the key qualities you have come up with in your mind. Simply because the company has the culture you are looking for, does not necessarily mean your boss is going to embody it (let's hope they do!) The interview is also your chance to find out what you want to know. Here are some helpful questions to ask:
How would you describe the company culture here?
By asking this, the response you receive reveals more about the interviewer than the company itself.
What are some challenges you are facing that someone in this position would be able to help you with?
This question will help reveal your interviewer's willingness and openness to manage and collaborate.
What is your biggest expectation out of the person in this opportunity?
The answer to this will tell you what type of management style and expectations your potential future boss has.
After your interview, think through the questions you were asked and think about their responses to your questions. Did you feel comfortable speaking with the person? Did your goals and interests match up with their expectations? There are several questions you need to ask yourself to determine if this opportunity is right for you and if this boss is right for you.
"The impact of a good boss can extend way beyond your work life. Your emotional and mental health, potentially your physical health, and your ability to enjoy life outside of your job are dependent on the quality of interactions you have at work." – Cloe Shasha, Co-Founder of Global Leadership Lab.
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Have you thanked someone today? According to Robert A. Emmons at University of California, Davis, and Michael E. McCullough at University of Miami, people with a strong sense of gratitude, love and appreciation don't necessarily have more than others; they aren't "luckier". They simply recognize and see more beauty in their lives. A 2003 study suggests that people who count their blessings are generally happier and healthier than people who don't. This powerful state of being may be the most important impression you leave with the new relationships you create and a helpful tool for challenges you face head on – whether during an interview, or before your next promotion. If you ever feel as if anything in your life isn't "enough", try practicing an attitude of thankfulness. You might realize how good you have it after all. 
"I began my job search with the hope of finding a more fulfilling, rewarding and long-term career than my current role had to offer. When I initially encountered Laufer and Associates, I was hesitant, as I already had a few brief and very impersonal experiences with local recruiters. Within the first two minutes of meeting with Cristin and Julie, I knew that I had made the right choice.
According to an article written by Kathy Robertson in the Sacramento Business Journal:
The rules are simple. Tell everyone you know about Laufer and Associates and have them view our website and contact us directly, or provide us with the names of qualified professionals. Once a person whom you have referred works as a temporary employee or gets placed permanently by Laufer and Associates at a client company, you will receive the cash amount listed below.
