Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced a Victorian world to the the new ‘science of deductive reasoning then popularized at Scotland Yard. His character was the ever so famous to this day Sherlock Holmes, chemist and crime solver. Holmes took particular pride in letting the Yard take credit for cases he had solved. The character has been so popular that he has been played by numerous actors and remains a library staple today.
Student Development and I have recommended several sources to aid in your successful job search and interview process. What Color is Your Parachute and How to Win Friends and Influence People should be at the top of the list as well as continued hints off MSN Careers. I would add another suggestion to the list.
Try A Study in Scarlet . It tells of how Dr. Watson came to meet Holmes, describes Holmes eccentricities, the science of deduction, a description of Holmes arch enemies, and an interesting mystery. It was published in 1887, and Doyle continued to write stories until 1925, an incredibly long fictional accomplishment. By the way, the second Holmes story, the Sign of Four, begins with Holmes administering himself a dose of cocaine. I want to be on record as definitely opposing that sort of self destruction… So what does this have to do with our interview process?
I am attempting to heighten your sense of observation, inquiry, critical thinking , and supportable conclusion. Perhaps you are being interviewed in the office of the recruiter, this would be far batter from your standpoint than an interview at the Career Center. Why? Well there is a Sherlock Holmes question in itself.
The answer is that his or her office is likely to be complete with all sorts of clues as to their likes and dislikes, hobbies and interest, even their extent of a family. Photos, degrees, momentos, awards, souvenirs, all contribute to telling you who this person is. The interview office at Career Services will not offer clues beyond the manner of dress and appearance of the interviewer which frankly is probably uniform throughout the company. It requires a trained eye to rapidly take in the details of an office and conclude what sort of person you are visiting. But the results can be rewarding, the faster you connect with the interviewer, the better. And as Dale C observed,
You will make more friends in two months taking an interest in someone else than you will in two years trying to get them interested in you.
DLE
Professor Elam 
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