An unusual but great interview technique for hiring managers
My first ever job interview was in 1995, straight out of university, for a tech services company. My role was to be a technical trainer for software like Lotus123 and dBase. Yes, I’m that old.
What I remember most about that interview was the hiring manager telling me — at the beginning of the interview — that, at the end of the interview, he wanted me to do a five minute presentation on any topic I liked. But preferally about an outside of work interest.
I did a whiteboard presentation on musical notation and why any chord can be presented by notes in different places (e.g. C can start with C, E, or G with different inversions, inverted triads etc). I told them how confusing it was when learning music, but unlocking this knowledge — it all made sense!
I then used that “5 minutes presentation at the end of the interview” and it mostly terrified people. Why? Because their interests and authenticity were about to be revealed. The real them!
Here are some of the candidate presentations I’ve been delighted with over the years:
- How to reprogram a Subaru ECU.
- How to buy a house in Spain.
- How to use prophylactics five ways in the US marines.
- The most important golf shot — is it driving, pitching, or putting?
- How to be a foster parent.
It was brilliant to learn new things, but that was not as brilliant as watching a stressed candidate relax and show their true personality. I think they enjoyed it as much as I did, and the other panel folks.
So, if you’re hiring then try this 5-minute presentation technique: I swear you’ll be as delighted as I was, and everyone has a bit more fun.
If you’re a candidate: what would your 5-minute presentation be? No slides, BTW. Off-the-cuff. Whiteboard if you need it, but not required.
Go for it!
