If Elle Woods can do it...

I've been seeking out job search and career advice lately and sometimes it comes from the most unusual places! I'm watching Legally Blonde with my roommates and I think I'm learning some valuable lessons...

• Set your eyes on the prize and go for it. So I don't necessarily agree with why she decided to go to law school (for the boy), but she really worked hard to get there. Once upon a time, I took the LSAT and Elle scored much higher than I did. It's hard stuff and I probably should have worked harder. In the movie, there's even a scene where she's studying for the LSAT in the library while there's a frat keg party going on outside! She also buckles down and starts studying to get the internship with the professor's law firm. Anyway, you want a specific job, then you should do everything you can to prepare yourself for it. I like the quote at the end of the movie when Elle says, "If I'm going to be a partner in a law firm by the time I'm 30, I need a boyfriend who's not such a complete bonehead." Eyes on the prize, baby!

• Know your skills and be able to verbalize how they qualify you for the job. Elle was a fashion merchandising major in undergrad, yet she was able to convince the Harvard admissions committee that she was qualified for law school. I think I have hardest time doing this. I know what I've done and what I can do, but being humble is an ingrained trait and its hard to talk about yourself in terms of your accomplishments. I want to say, "Here's my resume, judge it yourself." I think this tip is relevant to cover letter writing and interviewing when you have to present yourself and convince someone you have the skills to perform the job (and better than someone else).

• Perfect your techniques. The "bend and snap." Need I say more? Learn techniques and when they work, keep using them! This applies to the search, the applications, the networking, the interview, etc. The problem is knowing what's working and what's not, so it's probably not a bad idea to ask around. Find out what's worked for other people in the field. I've been following some blogs and asking people I've worked with if they have tips. As Elle says, "Trust me, Paulette. You have all the equipment, you just need to read the manual!"
  

• Network, network, network! (and carry your pink, scented resume around with you) That Elle Woods talks to everyone! Maybe it's the sorority upbringing (or the fact that it's a movie...), but it doesn't come as naturally to everyone. Nearly everything I've been reading and have been told is saying that you get the job you want through networking. People you know and the people they know are more likely to give you an "in" then a random resume screener at a random organization you've researched on the internet.
  

• Have faith in yourself. She was about the only one who believed she could survive law school and become a lawyer, and when she gives the speech at her graduation, this is her message. If you can't believe in yourself, who will?

I've already mentioned how overwhelming this whole "finding a job" issue is, but it can be fun and exciting (I hope!)! Inspiration can come from random places and I think I'm going to have to purposefully seek out the positive messages in all this. Two rejections already?? Just steps in the learning process! Thanks, Elle!