Starbucks Interview

Okay, We know that I am not very smart when it comes to business things. I could not help but tune into the people sitting behind me this morning. It was a recruiting interview for a C.F.O. of a large company. The interviewer was a woman maybe 45 and the interviewee was an gentleman in his late 50's.

My interest peaked when he sat down behind me with out getting coffee, a few minuets later this woman rushed in and asked the whole place if "John" was there and he sorta raised his hand, then she sat down at the table and began to ramble apologies.

She started the interview by explaining in great detail why she was late and some family issues that prevented her from being on time, then she let out a loud OK. that meant time to start.

She asked John when he left Intel if he received a bonus package. John replied that he never worked there, so She said "oh I am sorry, that was the other guy, look do you have another copy of your resume, I left yours on the kitchen counter" I was floored. He fumbled for a copy, he was very nervous. I could tell that he had always worked and interviewing at his age was not expected and he was a little rusty. She grabbed the resume and asked if he might have an extra piece of paper she could use, John was a good sport and gave her one.

The interview consisted of her asking questions about his previous jobs and and asking him "how he felt" about certain employers or "why he felt the need to leave" other jobs. John was put off but managed answers. Most of the time she would ask a question with the answer already in it and when John would respond she would just interrupt or repeat "uh-huh" very loud while he was speaking. Her body language let him know she didn't care nor wanted to hire him. I believe she was intimidated that he was older and smarter then she was, and I am sure she felt threatened trying to hire somebody overqualified for a job beneath her own.

I had to leave, I was getting uncomfortable, I wanted to rescue John and take him home. I would help him go over his financial situation and figure out if he had enough to retire now. His kid are grown, so sell the big house. Cut back a few expenses, keep the golf club membership. Sell the RV you haven't used it in years, Let your kids pay their own student loans. Your wife has a part time job at a boutique, there is enough coming in with what you save, "It's okay John, you don't have to go through this...Ben is here now"


It bothers me that I have no education, nor knowledge of business, but I could have been a better interviewer the she was....