I have just interviewed a prospective candidate to work here. Now I rarely talk about work on this blog, mostly because a large numbers of readers are co-workers. They are all fabulous, brilliant and amazingly good-looking people*. We are often reminded we are working with the best in the business. I just wonder if there are some places where they say: "You're working with the fifth best in the business. We've almost reached the average. Keep it up!"

As usual, I digress. The interview process is strange. Humans demand interaction, being social creatures. But what I can say about someone I've spent 20 minutes with asking a few questions I made up on the spot. I tested her knowledge. I tried a few curly ones. I avoided the HR favourites ("Please give me an example when you were in a leadership situation and how you applied those skills in your work.") I don't think I mentioned how this place, like all work places, has it mix of good and bad. Or that we tend to eat lunch at noon at the latest. Or there are a couple of rabid right-wing Republicans in this row. No need to scare her.

In the end though what is achieved? Not a lot. You get a first impression that is most likely misleading. Any time you are in an interview, are you being yourself, or trying to be the best version of yourself that is appropriate for the job? The truth is an interview just shows how good you are at doing interviews. The candidate sits there nervous, worried if there current workplace knows what they are up to. The interviewer is hearing the same five answers they've heard from every candidate they've seen to questions that come from the back of a distracted mind. It all finishes with handshakes and smiles and a thanks for coming and no-one's any the wiser.

Still it could be worse. It could've been something like Helen's presentation.

* Actually it's come up to bonus/review time, so it never hurts to say things like this.