Advanced ➔ Results Dollar SignsI hired a ‘combative, controlling and extremely self-centered’ assistant. How do I deal with her — and avoid nightmare hires this in the future.
‘The part that really gets under my skin is her intense staring. She’ll lock eyes with you during a conversation and very visibly scan you up and down, even midsentence.
’Published: July 1, 2025 at 12:48 p.
ETResizeListen(10 min)While it is impossible to fully understand a person’s quirks during the span of an interview, you can employ some incisive strategies during the hiring cess to reveal a bit more their character.
Photo: MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphotoDear Dollar Signs,I desperately need some advice. Last year, I hired a new administrative assistant. Let’s call her Ramona.
Everyone on our team interviewed her, including two (very tough. ) members of our executive team.
She made a strong first impression: articulate, eager and maybe a little down on her luck — which, at the time, I saw as a reason to root for her, not write her off.
We unanimously agreed she was a great fit. Fast forward, and she’s now the source of nearly every point of tension on our team. She’s inconsistent, combative, controlling and extremely self-centered.
Even situations that have nothing to do with her somehow become emotionally charged in her presence.
One colleague, who barely interacts with her, filed a formal-ish complaint simply because of how unsettled Ramona makes her feel.
There are also some strange personal stories she s that leave everyone blinking in disbelief. The Author Aditi ShrikantAditi Shrikant is an advice columnist and personal finance reporter.
Previously, she was a lead reporter at CNBC Make It covering relationships and psychology. Before that, she reported on consumer spending and transportation at Vox.
Show Conversation (0)Back To TopCopyright © 2025 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved.
Terms of Use DPrivacy NoticeCookie Notice MarketWatchCustomer Center UsNewsroom RosterVirtual stock ExchangeMarketWatch GuidesCopyright PolicyManage NotificationsCancel My SubscriptionCompanyDow JonesCode of ConductCorrectionsRes & LicensingDigital Self ServiceYour Ad ChoicesCorporate SubscriptionsAccessibilityDow Jones NetworkThe Wall Street JournalBarron'sInvestor's DailyBigChartsFinancial News Londonrealtor.
ComMansion GlobalDow Jones Smart MoneyIntraday Data vided by FACTSET and subject to terms of use. Historical and current end-of-day data vided by FACTSET. All quotes are in local exchange time.
Real-time last sale data for U. Stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only. Intraday data delayed at least 15 minutes or per exchange requirements.