There is a thing I always consider when interviewing, especially for entry level positions. You can train someone to follow instructions and teach them the software, the workflow, the acronyms, and even the coffee order. Training can walk them through the onboarding checklist, the SOPs, and the company values poster hanging in the breakroom.
But you can’t train someone to care.
And that—more than degrees, certifications, or a perfectly polished résumé—is what interviewing should be about. I wonder how much of that ability to discern is lost we have relegated so much of this process to AI. But that is a matter for another post.
The Myth of the Perfect Candidate
We’ve all seen it: the candidate who nails the technical questions, recites their experience like a TED Talk, and drops buzzwords like confetti. But when you ask them why they want the job, their answer is a vague swirl of ambition, compensation, and “growth opportunities.”
Translation: they’re here for the paycheck. And hey, no judgment—money matters. But if that’s the only fuel in their tank, don’t expect them to go the extra mile when things get messy.
What You Should Really Be Listening For
Forget the rehearsed answers. Listen for curiosity. For ownership. For someone who asks questions that show they’ve thought about the role beyond the job description.
- Do they care about the impact of their work?
- Are they curious about how the team operates?
- Do they light up when they talk about solving problems?
These aren’t soft skills. They’re the foundation of someone who will show up when it counts.
The Interview Isn’t a Performance—It’s a Preview
When I interview someone, I’m not looking for a flawless performance. I’m looking for signs of engagement. Do they follow up? Do they ask for feedback? Do they treat the process like a partnership, not a transaction?
Because here’s the truth: I can teach you how to do the job. I can’t teach you to care about doing it well.
Final Thought
Hiring isn’t about finding the smartest person in the room. It’s about finding the one who gives a damn. The one who’ll notice when something’s off, speak up when it matters, and take pride in the work—even when no one’s watching.
So next time you’re interviewing, ask yourself: Is this someone I can train? Or is this someone who’s already invested?
Because if they care, the rest will follow.
Want to add a branded visual or turn this into a podcast segment? I’ve got ideas.
For more on how to interview with confidence, check out this Forbes article: Get That Job! Nine Ways To Interview With Confidence
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