Palin Flunks Debate Interview

In the article Job Interview Questions to Ask I list the three things you need to find out from the candidate in a job interview. Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is "interviewing" for the position of Vice President of the United States. Part of that interview process was the vice presidential debate Thursday evening. Since so many people watched the debate I think it gives us some common ground to review these job interview questions and how to use them in a hiring decision.

Based on her answers during that debate and the things I list in the article that need to be answered during the job interview, I would not hire her if I were the hiring manager. Feel free to add your comments by clicking the comments link below.

In the job interview you ask questions to help you determine three things:

• Can the candidate do the job like they say they can?
• How well do they function under pressure?
• And will they fit in?

Equally important as the answers they give is how they deliver those answers. The important thing here is how quickly, directly, and completely they answer your questions. So here's my "scorecard" of her job interview:

Can she do the job? Doubtful. Answers seemed like memorization of someone else's answer rather than a thoughtful response of her own. Good style for a beauty pageant, but not for VP of the country. Frequently evasive. Answer did not relate to the question asked.

How well does she function under pressure? Seemed better than in previous interviews. Clearly used to being in front of the camera. Gaffes in her answers were minor (General McClellan?). Biggest concern is that when asked a tough question for which she didn't have a pat answer she retreated to what she knows and talked about that instead.

Will she fit in? She was able to communicate directly with the audience. Good eye contact. Pleasant smile. Folksy delivery and choice of interjections. Very likeable "hockey mom". Questions remain whether that is the image we want the VP to carry forward into the international community. Incumbent President is likeable and folksy, but has destroyed our image overseas.

Bottom line - not my first choice for the position. Given the number of better qualified female governors of either party, her nomination makes me question the judgment of the person who suggested her for the position.