A week or so after having applied through their website, I was invited by email to meet with an HR representative in their Seattle office. I probably sat for 45 minutes with this recruiter and her trainee in a small meeting room. I could only describe that visit as a super-positive experience that felt more like a conversation than an interview. I don't remember there being many questions. It was just a discussion about life experiences. There was occasional laughing and a well-balanced back and forth that gave us both the opportunity to share interesting and heart-felt examples of our goals and accomplishments. And then.... I think I fell down a slippery path of talking myself out of the job! She agreed that I was more than qualified for the position applied for, and then she began asking me to consider a different position at the firm. She seemed so very excited about placing me into another role—one for which my personality and experience may be “better suited”. I felt awesome about where our conversation had ended. She sent me home with the expectation that I would return to meet with an employee in this other role. Between the two positions we discussed, I was sure I had a job. For whatever reason, I received a very nice email letting me know that they weren’t interested. The situation I found myself in wasn't mean, but it felt weird. I do think i would have moved on in the interview process if I had maintained an interest in the first position only. That interview gave me the impression that they don’t hire based on who is most experienced, capable or intelligent. There seems to be a fair expectation for one’s IQ, but the real qualities she was looking for pertain to personality. In fact, I also feel that I would have moved on in the hiring process if I had set aside the "professional me," and spent that time letting her see the fun, interesting, and memorable side. Also (and I genuinely consider this as a positive thing), I had the impression that they were trying to diversify their workplace gender and ethnic makeup--which is a really great opportunity for those who can add value in this area. Oh… and don't wear a suit! Wear something expensive, but no tie. They had no shame in letting me know that this was a mark against me.