While in the advertising business at a big NYC shop in the 90s I had to interview lots of job candidates. I put together a battery of questions which I used on each applicant — many of which I was quite proud. “Tell me about the best letter you ever wrote.” “Discuss a new process or procedure you developed at you job that made work easier.” Stuff like that.   

Well, one time I asked a question of a young lady that got a weird response. The question asked, a few minutes into the interview was “Tell me a little bit about me.” I wanted to know if she was observant.  Did she look at my desk, my books and pictures. Advertising people have to be curious and intuitive. Also, I wanted to know is she going to blow smoke.

Well, oh my.  She became a bit indignant. She felt I was getting too personal, maybe it was a come on.  It was well before “Me Too,” but certainly not before women and men were being objectified.

After that interview, I changed up my questions a bit. I became the observant one.

Peace.