She is the third person we’ll interview for a new position at work. My rule of thumb is to search for some sign that I can get along with this person.  Do they have a sense of humor?  Do they understand sarcasm?  Are they interesting?  Do we have something in common?

The first two candidates a co-worker and I talk to seem … fine. They’ve been vetted so I don’t question their qualifications.

I pass the conference room where “she” is taking a writing test. I feel the briefest flicker of … something. Thirty minutes later I am sitting across from her. My co-worker asks her some bland interview questions. I listen.  She answers professionally. Work-talk bores me. Time to take over and have a conversation.

There is something here.  I can feel it.

“… So what do you like about the iPhone?”

“What’s one of your favorite movies?”

“Single parent?  How tough is that?”

Her answers are perfect and I can almost hear something click inside me. I cant stop smiling. The interview ends too quickly.

The team meets for a post-interview roundup.

“What did you think?”

“Exceptional. ” I gush. I’m still grinning. I can’t help it.

She’s hired two weeks later. And so it begins.