KGHarris & Associates, LLC

Seeking a career in today's employment market is not a task for the tired, weary or faint of heart. Becoming a 21st century employment candidate means making assessment of ones skills, determining strengths and even admitting weaknesses, in preparation for the search to a dream position.

When William Shakespeare penned, "All the worlds a stage", he had no idea the workplace would become a premiere global performance venue.

In every organizational setting, company office, or corporate boardroom, there are actors, directors and bit players. The key to success in the workplace is to know what part one is cast to play. How will candidates know what part they will play"? The answer, at the interview.

Thousands are armed with well written, proofed and edited professional resumes; however, competitive candidates possess an edge in the hiring process. Prior to setting an interview appointment and placing the date entry into the Blackberry, prepared candidates know they are on center stage and how they interview will determine what part they are cast to play within the organization.

During the interview process, as the human resource rep moves through prescribed probes and questions, employment candidates find out who are the lead players, as well as the supporting cast of characters.

Nicole Fondren, former ORM Team Leader with Nestle Purina PetCare states, "Organizations are utilizing behavioral based interviewing tools to assist in the identification and assessment of candidates they are seeking to fill open positions. The behavioral based interviewing tool allows the interviewer to predict possible future performance based on past performance measures in "like" situations or circumstances."

Smart candidates know hiring managers are professionals and trained in detecting fact from fiction; therefore, preparing to answer a battery of questions openly and honestly in the friendliest manner possible are essential to a candidates' employment success.

The interview is a candidates' first professional presentation in an organization and savvy candidates are groomed, dressed neatly and conservatively, bypass cologne and fragrances, because many are allergic to fragrance and some odors also evoke memory and may distract the interviewer.

Last, but not least, belief in self and most certainly a winning smile will radiate the candidates' confidence to the interviewer and the current organizational team, while all eyes are on the new prospective office star.

Following these tips on personal career empowerment will certainly assist in placing the successful candidate in a dream position.  Imagine your name in lights and in hand a set of keys to the executive suite.