i feel during an interview it is extremly important for the candidate to get to know the interviewer to allow them to relax throughout the process. letting them to get to know you allows you to get to know more about them in the process. the interview is not just about what is on their resumes as far as experience and education. you should get to know the person. sometimes, in some jobs, it is just as important. you get to know their personality and interests. when people speak about what they know best about they speak more comfortably. if you are hiring for a sales position, this allows you to examine their communication skills. if you are hiring for a event planner or some other detailed oriented position, it allows you to see how descriptive they are.

i know because of all the legal stuff we have to deal with we get a bit gun shy about personal types of questions. remember, you are hiring the person, not the paper. so long as you are not using truly personal information as the basis of your hiring decision you will be fine. there is a reason why the interview is such an important part of the hiring process.

now, on a personal note, my wife will be delivering my daughter early this morning. our first child, benny, is so excited to have a little sister. although, i believe it's because he thinks he is going to have a 3 year old playmate to start.......ah, to be a child