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Interview Tips from American Idol Judges?

This year's American Idol has delivered all the usual hype we've come to expect and more, even a new controversy. The question being debated in coffee shops and chat rooms across the country - have the American Idol judges gone too far in their criticism of idol wannabes? Well, as I watched this latest episode, it occurred to me that these "auditions" draw parallels to the job interview. And as I pondered this similarity, it may sound crazy but I believe some interviewers could take a cue from Idol's own Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

I wonder if it may be more useful (and frankly refreshing) for potential job seekers to get feedback on their interview performance right then and there. Now I'm not advocating that interviewers start name calling or commenting on someone's physical appearance. Let's be clear about that. All I'm suggesting is that for job candidates who have "auditioned" over and over again for prospective employers only to hear a "no" every time, it might be a nice change and ultimately fruitful to hear some very straightforward feedback from their interviewers.

How many times have we heard Simon remark "singing is not a career for you"? Well, this may be just the feedback candidates need if they are interviewing for jobs that are out of their league. Or, Paula often encourages Idol auditioners to "work on your range and come back in a year or two." Job seekers could benefit from getting very specific advice on where there might be holes in their qualifications and/or resume.

And while the promise of hearing candid feedback after an interview may make interviewees even more anxious, I suspect it wouldn't stop them from going to the "audition" in droves...