Friday, February 08, 2008

the interviewer got interviewed

i've lost track of the number of people i have interviewed in the course of doing my job as a researcher. having done it continually for 10 years now, i have mastered the art of establishing rapport so i could get them to answer intriguing questions with confidence and trust.

this time around it's my turn to be interviewed... by a six-year old. i would call it an ambush interview, complete with the element of surprise. she came unannounced with her mom and dad holding a piece of paper, her interview guide, and sat next to me while i was trying hard to finish the proposal i was writing.

i didn't seem to have any choice, i love the kid and enjoy her company. her dad (allan) started setting up two video cams, her mom coached her on how to start the interview.

confident i could pull it off and knowing the procedures i asked what was the objective of her interview. she told me it's a school project. when all was set, i asked allan and malou to leave so we could start.

the interview was about multiple intelligence, only three questions. irene did the interview by the number. first was my name, second was the type of intelligence i use for my job (intrapersonal and people smart, i said)

then came the ultimate question "what did you do to make a difference in this world?" uhhhh.... what????? malou came rushing and coached me "tell her your job." so i did. "i am a researcher." (by the way, irene only speaks english). she didn't mask the disappointed look on her face. "You did not answer my question," she exclaimed as she leaned back with exasperation, "I will repeat, what did you do to make a difference in this world?"

i wish i could just tell her to read my blog but then the camera was rolling... i made several attempts to explain to her in simplest terms what i do, but i fumbled each time i tried and had to yell "cut" but she would immediately retort, "there's no cut here".

the interview was over in 10 minutes, both of us shaking hands with relief. when she went to the room she told her mom, "oh mommy, this is the worst interview i've done. tita len kept saying 'cut'!"

allan, malou and i were laughing after my ordeal i went through with my interviewer. allan consoled me by saying i shouldn't worry because it may be the worst but i'm the only one she has interviewed so far.

but irene isn't over it yet... she said, "oh mommy, i think i'll get a B- in this project."

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