Okay, I’ll admit it, I watched American Idol last week (along with 28 million other viewers).
Being a career management professional, I paralleled the show with career management/job search techniques. Oddly enough, similar philosophical and practical approaches surfaced in a matter of seconds. Before shaking your head in disbelief, give me a moment to explain.
Breaking it down, American Idol and Career Management carry the following characteristics:
1. Candidates are asked a few introductory questions and then (within seconds) are required to “show” what they have to offer
2. A panel of judges decide instantly to severe their relationship or allow a second interview/audition
3. External and non-relative variables are introduced in the mix and used to support decisions (yes, even in “objective” interviews, this happens)
4. Additional filtering rounds become increasingly difficult
5. Candidates often leave the process not knowing exactly what the judges (or company) is looking for
6. The arena is extremely emotional and often those not going to the next round tear or lash out
7. There is a stereotypical good guy/bad guy setting (need I detail where Simon and Ellen fit in this category)
8. Candidates are judged not only on their skill, but on their added value, ie marketability
9. While there is an appearance the judges (or interviewers) appear to be concerned about the individual, truth be known, it’s all about the bottom-line
10. And finally, there is only one winner; one candidate will be offered the position or one person will be the next Clay Aiken or … who won last year.
As for me, tomorrow night I will be watching another round and the final 12. Not so much for the singing, but perhaps Simon will accidentally offer insightful interview and networking tips.
For those looking for career transitions or for students looking to gain access to the employment market, keep checking out WON and this report. Regarding American Idol, take notes, once in a while Simon offers insight (as for the other three, forget about it!).
Let me know what you find out,
Danny Huffman, MA, CEIP, CPRW, CPCC, author, educator, and co-owner of Career Services International/Education Career Services, www.educationcs.com. He may be reached directly at [email protected] or visit his Career Blog at www.educationcs.wordpress.com.
Mr.Huffman, our astute sesquipedalianist, watched American Idol? For shame!!! Who knew you would expose that brilliant mind of yours to such pop culture nonsense. However, one does admit that your article raises an eyebrow. The similiarities to the drama of the career search are quite fascinating. Dare I say you have a reality TV show you need to pitch? hmm… I daresay it would be quite the success with you in it.
Viola,
Thanks for the comments though your choice of words have me scrambling to a dictionary. True enough, I watch little television but do like a few shows. For example, Jon Stewart is my source for current news (surprised?).
As for me creating a reality show, think not… I am way too old for such attention. Again, thank your for the comments and hope you continue checking out WON as there are quite a number of talented wirters on this site.
I loved the top 5 American idol group song last night. It was moving to see Aaron Kelly eliminated but I do believe the others were better singers so he had to go!
Aracelis,
Agreed on your rating of the top few singers but now it is time to step up. In many ways, the next few weeks of American Idol truly will reflect the interview process. Think about it this way, if you were an employer and diminished the field to four, what characteristics/attributes would you expect the top dog to possess? Hiring executives do the same thing as Simon is doing… so, next time you are in an interview situation, consider what the judge will be looking for and nail it EVERYTIME!
On a side note, I’m going for the girl to win it all.