I look at the series of debates the GOP Presidential candidates have been participating in as a continuing series of job interviews of the candidates by the American people. As a political junkie and as someone who searches for, recruits, and interviews potential employees for clients, the whole process has been intriguing. I'm not talking about when the candidates go at each others jugulars. Although for some, that's fun to watch and for the respective moderators it probably gets some kudos, but this is not what I'm referring to.
The scenario I reference is when a candidate is asked about one particular author, economist, or, as recently was the case, "Which scientists have you found most credible on this subject?" when the topic revolved around climate change. The candidate (in this case, Texas Governor Rick Perry) never really answered back with a name. It isn't a rarity that politicians don't answer questions that are put to them, but when they reference "science" in an answer and then can’t answer with a specific scientist whose thoughts influenced them (after being asked directly three times) the audience becomes skeptical.
Similarly, in a job interview, when a candidate brags about being way over his or her sales quota or being first among their peer group in acquiring new clients, and then can't really rattle off a list of clients, or name their contacts at those clients - I become quite skeptical.
Lesson for the day - be able to go many layers deep when a potential employer inquires about past performance and successes and then tell your story -- whether you are interviewing for that customer service job at the Principal or being interviewed by the American public to be their next president.
About the Author: Chris McLinden has been in the human capital marketplace for over 15 years and has owned Axis Human Capital, Inc. a Waukee based search, recruitment, and placement consultancy for over eight years. He can be reached at 515.897.JOBS (5627) or via e-mail at axishumancapital@earthlink.net
