The Interview That Flipped the Script

With the new year comes the inevitable rush of hiring season for summer camps. As I gear up to build my own team, I find myself reflecting on one particular interview from a few years ago that changed how I view the hiring process entirely.

It was a classic "power shift" moment. I went in as the interviewer, but by the end, I realized I was the one being interviewed.

Now finding male staff for youth programs is often a challenge, so I try to keep an open mind with every application. On paper, this young man didn't scream "superstar." He was a science student with some church volunteering experience looking for a summer job. But the moment he sat down, the energy changed. He was animated, passionate, and, most notably, he answered nearly every one of my questions with a thoughtful follow-up of his own.

The real turning point came at the end. I gave my standard closing: "Do you have any questions for me?" and without missing a beat, he asked: "Why should I work here?"

In the wrong context, that question can reek of arrogance. But at that moment, it was different. It was sincere. I found myself pausing in that moment as not only was I surprised but I didn't want to give him a boilerplate HR response. I wanted to give him a reason that mattered. Suddenly, I found myself trying to "sell" the organization to him. I was the one trying to prove we were the right fit.

That interview reminded me that character-driven hiring outweighs a resume every time. A hiring manager focused strictly on qualifications might have dismissed his boldness as ego. But if you look at his heart, his desire to ensure a mutual fit, you see a leader.

He taught me that the right person doesn't just fill a gap; they challenge the culture to be better. When we look beyond the paper, we find people who empower the whole team, creating a healthier, stronger dynamic for the kids we serve.