November 15, 2006 2:02 PM

Fitting the profile
Posted by Douglas Eisenhartat 2:02 PM

Here's an interesting exercise. Take a job description, and see how many different people might fit the bill. You lay out the attributes and "screen" candidates for the position, seeing who fits and who doesn't.

In this case, we have a rare opportunity to see several individuals who have already filled a specific position over time. Here are the sought-after attributes that comprise the position profile:

Male

Actor

Handsome

Physically fit

Of British extract

Possesses suave manner, with a sense of humor

Has a way (or at least appears to) with the opposite sex

Looks good in a tux

Photogenic addition to bars, restaurants, and a variety of breathtaking global settings

Comfortable with guns, violence and adventure

Credible as international spy

Holds his own in conversation and conflict with endless series of international warlords, criminals, and terrorists

And here are the results - those who have filled the position over the years.

It makes you realize that more than one person can - and does - fill any given position, bringing his or her own personality and attributes to the role.

So keep your hopes up, Mr. and Ms. Job Seeker. You never know when you will become the next. . .well, fill in the blank ____________________________.