Power of mastering key job search skills.
Quint was the only fisherman that used “piano wire” to catch the really big sharks, and it worked. The other bozos were throwing their wife’s roasts off the docks. Brody got the help he needed when Hooper came to the island from the Oceanographic Institute on the mainland. So don’t hesitate to consult someone who knows what they are doing and that includes Career Services and perhaps Career Coaches. They will ensure that your resume, interview skills and pitch are where they need to be.
Power of Research.
After Brody was slapped by the Kintner boy’s mother, he read everything he could about sharks. He learned that most attacks occur in just 3’ of water and that territoriality was probably more of a reality than a theory. So learn everything you can about the company you are interested in. Check your career services library or college on-line resources for any and all information about your company of interest. Read the Vault Guide on your company/ industry of interest. Ask career services for a list of alumni that work in that company or in that industry. Search LinkedIn and ask everyone you know if they know someone at the company. Conduct a Google Search which will send all news items directly to your email.
Power of Not Biting Off More Than You Can Chew.
The shark made a fatal error when it tried to swallow the air tank whole. Brody was then able to kill it by blowing it up. Don’t network unless you know how to do so effectively. Observe others that do it well and learn from them. Don’t rush into an interview situation if you aren’t ready. There are many introductory things you need to do before interviewing. These include assessing and knowing your strengths and weaknesses, researching various companies, and preparing your marketing materials. You should practice with a friend, or a career coach because they can give you the feedback you need to improve. In this market, you have to shine at every contact with the employer.
Once you land your dream job, you will no doubt be tired. So you can then sing: “Show me the way to go home. I’m tired and I want to go to bed.” Happy job hunting!
________________________________
Caroline Ceniza-Levine is co-founder of SixFigureStart a career coaching firm for Gen Y professionals. Formerly in corporate recruiting and retained search, Caroline has recruited for Accenture, Booz Allen, Citibank, Disney ABC, Oliver Wyman, Pfizer, and Time Inc. She currently writes career columns for Portfolio.com and Vault.com and teaches Professional Development at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.
Connie Thanasoulis-Cerrachio is a career coach and co-founder of SixFigureStart and has worked for the bluest of blue chips for the past 25 years. Her companies include Citigroup, Pfizer, and most recently as the COO of Campus Recruiting for Merrill Lynch. Connie also co-authors a career blog for Vault.com.
Comments? Send them to executivecareers@cnbc.com