Emergency - interviewing for a new administrator this morning and can't think of a single question to ask them!

[Enid]

My mind has gone blank. They have to be cheery and efficient with good computer skills.

I think I'll 'know' who I want once I have met them but I have to ask them all a question (about being organised) to sort out the good from the bad.

Have a cold this morning and had a minor row with dh and my childminder is going to be late so I'll literally be rocking up as the first candidate arrives...help.........

twiglett - efficient yes, grump no. Had a grump (ok, she wasnt efficient either) and it was totally miserable.

I am horribly upbeat at work

employing a friend who will be subordinate to you is a BAD idea IMHO

I'd be a bit nervous about that too. Friendships made at work are ok but employing friends can go horribly wrong.

I know.

Am keeping an open mind. off now.

I interviewed someone once to run an office on her own and asked her her strengths and weaknesses (corny, I know...) and she said "I hate working on my own, I easily get bored and I panic if I have to work under pressure."

Errr...thank you and goodbye!

I also interviewed a friend of mine for a job once (and also wanted her to get the job) but her i/v was crap - showed no initiative and just sat there grinning like an idiot. The other members of the i/v panel and I all said "NO!"

Well the woman I know interviewed very well. I kept it quiet that I know her and the other people on the interview panel liked her too. Very calm manner and thoughtful, considered answers.

So we've gone for her! There was another woman who had a lot of relevant experience but seemed very 'unmanageable' her main reason for wanting the job was to finance her travels around Europe...er no thanks.

Brilliant!

good for you

did you ask any of our questions?

yes - I asked them all the phone, complaint, urgent piece of work one and although they all (there were 4) got it 'right' it was fascinating to hear the way that they each justified it.

But in the end the one that was most revealing was good old 'Why do you want this job?'. The woman we have chosen said that it would be nice to be doing something 'worthwhile' - very nice answer I thought as it mirrors what I think

It always amazes me, when I interview, how many people have to think about "what made you apply for this job?". If they can't even think abou that before an interview, how much thought will they put into the work.