This week's topic is not just about the awesome alliteration the title afforded me. (There's more alliteration: awesome afforded alliteration.) Although, we could sit around for hours and make up fun little sayings that all begin with "P" or "A." That's neither here nor there, though.

The best advice anyone can ever give you is to be yourself. Tips like what not to wear and how to write your resume can certainly help polish the outward appearance, but you would be better off walking away from a position that won't make you happy, or doesn't fit your personality than muting your skills or ambitions. Doing so will only create turbulence down the line for you, your employer, and your organization.

So how do you make sure that your personality paints an accurate picture of who you are, both inside and outside of the workplace?

Well, first, remember that nobody is perfect. We have all made some missteps and that's ok. Here is a poignant cliché: Live and learn. Be honest about the mistakes you have made, but impart the wisdom you have received as a result of those life lessons on your prospective employer. Discuss how the hiccup has made you stronger in some aspects.

I mentioned how too much personality can really hurt you sometimes. It's football season, and holiday season, so there is a ton of good cheer just kind of bubbling up from everyone's souls these days - which is great for family gatherings where you have to fake enthusiasm over the egg salad your least favorite aunt brought all the way from Topeka, up a hill, 300 miles, in the snow. However, it's not so appropriate in an interview to bubble over. If you have got a great sense of humor, use some discretion and throw in a few laughs here and there. But be mindful of the fact that too many jokes, too many smiles, too many nervous laughs can come across as an act. Likewise, if you aren't naturally outgoing, don't go out of your way to be. Just be you!

It's great to have some enthusiasm, though, so use the skills you do have to show that enthusiasm! Ask pertinent and thoughtful questions about the position. If you know about something really great the company has done in the past, mention it in relation to the position you are applying for. Your interview is a conversation. It might be about you, but that?s not such a bad thing, is it?

Often, your prospective employer will give you a skills test as part of the interview. This is sometimes called a "working interview" as well. I've had that moment when someone says, "Prove it," and even though you are so sure of your ability your mind just comes up empty. It's not fun. So to help you get through that, here are some tips to keep in mind.

- Carefully read all instructions twice to make sure you don't miss anything.

- Budget your time and divide it evenly among the various sections of the test.

- Answer the easy questions first to build confidence and ensure easy points.

- Focus only on the task at hand. The process is just as important as the end result.

- Communication is key. If you have a question at any time, do not hesitate to ask! It will help your prospective employer you are interested in doing well.

- Always proof your work, especially if it is text heavy or visual.

By following all of the tips and advice I have given you over the last couple of months, you'll be able to take us right into next week's topic: Following Up. So come back next week for our final installment of our Practical Interviewing Series!