“For most of us, hiring someone is essentially a romantic process, in which the job interview functions as a desexualized version of a date. We are looking for someone with whom we have a certain chemistry, even if the coupling that results ends in tears and the pursuer and the pursued turn out to have nothing in common. We want the unlimited promise of a love affair.”

He’s contrasting current HR practices with something called structured interviewing which he describes more like an arranged marriage, based on logic and practicality.

Funny how companies persist with the same practices that lead to mismatches. Perhaps every job should begin as a 6-month (or however long it might take to qualify for unemployment benefits, just to protect the employee) contract, with the option for either party to walk away after that with no hard feelings.

I love your response to urban_mermaid. Such a big initial excitement rarely lasts and shouldn't be taken as a sign you should (or really want) to work somewhere.

Along with information interviews, I think getting to know employees on all levels of a company you're interested in working at helps. If you run into these people often and seem to get along well, chances are you'll fit in their space well and probably enjoy it!