Second Interview Questions

Of late I have been doing hiring, both in filling vacancies and in company growth. As anyone knows, it takes a lot of time. First interviews are usually ZOOM meetings or TEAMS. You know, a bunch of boxes on your screen, some talking, some listening, some likely doing something and maybe listening.

In my work the second interview is the important one. By that point the person is on the short list. This is the first, likely deciding, person to person meeting. It is also where we get a feel for chemistry and personality.

But how? We know full well that there is a lot of stuff you CAN'T ask about--the sex, age, religion, orientation, etc that is protected. So what can you ask? I have a few I'd like to share. I start by simply saying "there are no wrong answers". In any order:

• Are you a dog or cat person?

• Star Trek or Star Wars?

• PC or Mac?

• If you are setting up your ideal desk, how many monitors?

• Do you have a favorite sports team?

• Beach or mountains?

These have served me in getting conversation going. Sometimes they lead discussion into some, er, interesting areas. Miss Competitive Knitting, you will live in my memory forever. You too, Raider Dude.

Good luck out there.