I usually pride myself on being able to pick out good job candidates when they show up for interviews. I chat with them for a minute and can pretty much judge their character from there. I then offer my opinions to HR, without being asked. I don't know how much they consider my perspective, but the people I've liked the best have been hired and I do feel at least partially responsible.

Today a guy showed up for an interview and he was very friendly. He seemed comfortable and chatty so I told HR that he was a good one. However, in a bizarre plot twist, I overheard him on his way out ask the interviewer if people get disqualified for having a couple beers. He said that "I hear you have a drug test and I just wanted to make sure it's o.k. to have a couple beers." The interviewer seemed a little taken aback but replied with, "well, if people were disqualified for having a couple of beers, we wouldn't have any employees."

First of all, we do not have drug testing so I don't know where he heard that from. Secondly, I could be wrong, but I don't think drug tests are testing for beer. Therefore, this guy is either betraying the fact that drinking is very important to him, or he secretly does drugs and wanted to find out whether or not we have drug testing. All I know is, that certainly isn't the recommended way to end an interview and I would be extremely surprised to see that guy join our ranks.   ¶ 5:24 PM