The art of interviewing

So far, I think I've gone on at least 30+ interviews, including first, second, and occasional third rounds for internship, full-time positions, etc. I had always been the one to be interviewed, but I got to be on the other side of the table for AAP today. About 25 people applied for 4 available tutor positions -- WOW, such competition. I don't even think there was anyone else who applied to tutor Econ 101 except me when I applied during my third year... 

Basically, most of the interviews went like this:

1) Greeting: Hi, how are you? Please have a seat. How's your day going? (then the small talk continues)

2) Introduction: I'd like to introduce myself before we begin. My name is Hari and I'm currently a 4th year majoring in Math/econ and I've been tutoring Econ 101 for 5 quarters.

3) Ask questions: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a tutor? What three words would describe you the best? If ______ happened during your tutoring session, what would you do? (many other behavioral/situation questions)

4) Mock tutoring: Pretend that you are a tutor. Teach a lesson for 5 minutes.

5) Closing: Thanks for coming in. We'll get back to you in five days. 

I interviewed about 8 people and realized that interviewing someone is very subjective. It's all about whether or not you like that person. I was thinking inside how biased interviews are, but also realized that I like interviewees who are good, meaning they communicate their ideas clearly (which is very important to be a tutor), outgoing, good personality, energetic, etc. 

I also realized that it's not the best idea to be the last person to be interviewed for the day. By the time I was done interviewing the 4th candidate, I was so tired and hungry that I got kind of cranky. Sorry, if I was mean to you or snapped at you today... In addition, I really didn't want to mention this, but I'm just going to say it anyway -- it definitely helps to be presentable in terms of looks. For example, you don't necessarily need to be the best looking person in the world to get a job, but it definitely helps to have a good smile and a clean-cut look. 

Hmmm, hope I'm making sense. I'm so tired. It's 10:51 PM and I think I'm going to hit the bed in 30 minutes. 

YAY FOR THE WEEKEND (which will/should be filled with lots of number theory...)