I had forgotten how much fun it is to interview job applicants. …or to train new hires. I’m currently interviewing for an intensive home-based therapist to work with seriously mentally ill children. Here’s what one applicant said when I asked what part of the job she thought she’d have the most trouble with, “Doing that therapy part. I mean, is in-home different from in the office.” “Yeah”, I told her, “You have to take all your clothes off when you go into their homes.” WTF?
Another one said, “Well, I just hope my personal beliefs don’t get in the way of my doing therapy.” When asked to explain the comment, she said, “I’m a very private person, and I just don’t like digging into peoples’ lives.” WHAT? And you’re a therapist? What do you talk about?….the weather?
Then I also am interviewing for Family Resource Specialists. These people are paid to just spend time with very disturbed children. One guy said, “Cool! I’d get to take them to ballgames and stuff? I love ballgames.” Yeah, dude…you get to take them to ballgames where they’ll instantly run away, or punch somebody, or steal something. How will you deal with that? Or they might grab the steering wheel and try to make you wreck your car. Or they’ll pee all over your upholstery. Still want the job?
Oh well. It ain’t easy trying to save the world. So, I get my kicks where I can. And interviewing is one of the most fun parts.
Peace.
PJ
WLC said,
June 23, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Well, speaking as someone who has been interviewed by PJ and interviewed with PJ, there’s no other interview experience quite like it.
Nola said,
June 25, 2009 at 1:04 am
I would love to be a fly on the wall at these interviews!!!
Some of those answers left my mouth so wide open I nearly caught a fly!!!
Never mind……one therapist at a time….one kid at a time…….
Good luck