Coming back to the USA after a trip to Europe, I was ‘inconvenienced’ by an Immigration agent, who asked a few more questions that I cared to answer before showing some impatience. I was not a US citizen yet.

After a few grilling questions which I answered without needing to resort to imagination or any prepared script (I had nothing to hide), and once he established I was not a threat to anyone, he kind of explained himself (I perceived that as an apology) by saying: “you know, we are the last line of defense, separating the bad guys from the good guys; keeping the bad guys out”.

Well, this is quite similar to the HR Manager that interviewed you. The job of the HRM is to bring in only the right people, and keep all the others out. It is not an easy job by any extent, and it is not an exact science either. Neglectful hiring costs a Company a lot of money and wasted time, and could cost the HRM her/his job.

Would that make an HRM paranoid? You bet it will, in many cases. Wouldn’t you?

Are you aware of how many ‘customized’ resumes and scripted, rehearsed interviews each of them has to sort through, without falling for it? Can you imagine how many small and big lies they hear? How many smoke and mirrors, dog and pony shows and snake-oil sales people take up their time and attention, trying to finagle their way into the factory, store or corporate suite? By the time you heard 200 incredible (non-credible) stories either sprinkled with lies or exaggerations or complete fabrications (references included) you are likely to become quite agnostic.

Nevertheless, the positions need to be filled, the company goals have to be met, and so goes the HRM reading resumes, interviewing people, opening the gate for that lucky one, or keeping it shut for yet another day.