Putting the team together

Kate and I have gone through our fair share of interviews in our lives. Up to now we have always been the interviewee, sitting across from someone who had something we wanted. In other words, we were there hoping to make a good impression. At least we should have been, but it didn't always turn out that way. I will never forget my law school interview - I was sure I had blown it. Law school interviews tend to be adversarial, because they want to see how well you can argue a point under pressure. I had gone to-to-toe with one of the three panellists on several issues and in the process forgot to keep my poker face in place - anyone looking at me would have been left in no doubt that I thought the guy was a jerk. Obviously I was shocked when I got the call a few days later informing me that I had been given a spot.

Being on the other side of the table doing the interviewing is a very different perspective. We still needed to impress - we wanted the people we were vetting to love us and want to come work at Infusion! However, being in the position of asking the questions was an entirely different game and we had to remind ourselves that everyone reacts differently to facing prospective employers across a table. Most of the lovely people we interviewed rose to the challenge and really made fantastic impressions upon us. But the odd person was uncomfortable and nervous. Our hearts went out to them and we just wanted so badly to help them relax. What a difference from a law school interview where they try to throw you off and get you rattled! As a result of our many interviews, we have started to put together an incredible team and we can't wait to start working with these amazing ladies!


One unexpected thing I discovered during this process is that interviews for spa and salon employees have a huge advantage over any interviews I have ever gone through - as the owner you get to be pampered while you check out potential staff! When you are interviewed for a job at a law firm, you sit in a boardroom, on the opposite side of the table from any number of intimidating people, talking about legal principles and billable hours. How cool is it to go from that to lounging in a chair getting a pedicure while interviewing an esthetician? There I was, comfy in yoga pants with a Starbucks chai latte in my hand, getting my feet massaged and polished, while getting to know the amazing lady I was interviewing. It was perfect! I guarantee that professor at the law school never enjoyed an interview as much!