Show Me Your Playlist: A Great Interview Question?

Twenty hours of door-to-door travel lay ahead, and it's time to go home. Time to make a playlist—or rather, a "mixtape," as I like to call it because I'm stuck in the '80s. What genre would you expect to find? Some metal classics? A few Ibiza beats? A bit of Bowie? Maybe a dash of Rihanna? Perhaps the odd K-pop hit or some bebop? My playlists are like a musical buffet; there's something for everyone, even if you're not sure what it is.

Music has taught me that it can be a window into a person’s soul—or at least what they were thinking at the time. Whether I’m discovering new genres or revisiting an old favorite, my playlist often reflects, well, me, of course. But let's be honest, it goes far beyond that, doesn’t it? We all slip something in that we hope won’t pop up on shuffle when you're the designated driver for the away game. This made me curious about how music could play a role in understanding others, especially in a professional setting.

I’ve gone, as we all have, as far as picking specific music for specific activities, from going to the gym to studying, and even—you know. That brings me to how this can backfire: I once had a girlfriend who said, “Can you please turn that …ing music off! ... NO! ... Not down, off!” Maybe music isn’t always the mood setter we think it is.

Nowadays, everyone’s got headphones on, and we never really know what they’re listening to. “What are you listening to?” used to be the only question I’d ask, or I’d find myself discovering sign language, if I saw someone with headphones on. Now, they could be listening to Steve from the LA office drone on about his cat while torturing himself with a playlist he insists his “flatmate” put on as backing for the WFH Hit Single “Can you hear me” (you know who you are if you’re reading this; yes, we could hear you and your lack of taste!).

In today’s competitive job market, companies are seeking innovative ways to evaluate candidates, eliminating unconcious biased. Asking them to share their weekly playlist and top 10 hits can spark conversations beyond technical skills. Plus, it reveals if they're the type to play satanic Slipknot anthems during Ramadan.

If you’re considering using music playlists in interviews, here are some strategies to keep in mind:

• Encourage Authenticity: Let candidates share music that genuinely resonates with them. If they’re into that classic karaoke show stopper "My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion, so be it.
• Focus on Conversation: Use the playlist as a starting point for deeper discussions about the candidate’s interests and personality.
• Avoid Judgments (hahaha!!!): Remember, musical taste is subjective. You might not understand why someone loves Dua Lipa’s latest album, but that's okay.

And let’s be honest, it can also unlock biases you didn’t know you had—like an irrational dislike of people who love to hate ABBA.

I wonder if Daniel Ek was asked for his playlist? Was he afraid to say, or did he give it a quick shuffle and have his assistant come up with a CEO of Spotify-worthy one as safe as this quote,

“Music is a universal language that connects people beyond borders. It tells stories and speaks volumes about who we are.” Reinforcing my point Daniel, let's have people tell us something we don't know about them without them telling us something we don't know about them!

I will leave you with a nice one in the context of unconscious bias,

Bob Dylan had a rather blunt opinion about the rock band KISS. He reportedly said, "I’m not sure how serious I am about that band. I’m more interested in seeing them without their makeup."

Sure, I've been judged for my music taste—and probably will be again. But asking about a playlist can reveal a little more about a candidate than their polished resume. It’s like a sneak peek into their inner being, without needing a degree in psychology. So, before your next interview, think about what your playlist says about you. Are you secretly into festive jingles more than Drake? Don't worry, your secret's safe with me—until the next office party-or until you dare put it on your CV!