3 Lessons You Can Learn from Super Bowl Weekend

Super Bowl XLVI

It is the countdown to Super Bowl Sunday.  As we get closer to the big game, the media frenzy will only get crazier as the two top teams in NFL get ready to battle.  Even if you are not a huge sports watcher, this weekend is all about entertainment.  There is something for everyone –  the game, TV commercials, half-time show, parties, BBQ’s and the list goes on.

Before the NFL crowns the next Super Bowl Champions with the Vince Lombardi Trophy, I want to highlight 3 lessons that job seekers can take away from this year’s Super Bowl experience.

Lesson # 1: STRATEGY – On “game day”, these two football teams come to play on Sunday with a strategic game plan.  They don’t just go out in the middle of the field for the coin toss and call “heads” or “tails”.  Each team has spent countless hours watching film, crafting key matchups and scripting their first 15 – 20 plays of the game.

For job seekers, looking for a job requires a game plan as well.  One cannot just wake up in the morning and start looking for work.  The approach of just browsing through random job boards and “clicking & applying” may not be effective these days.   To yield good results, you have to be more methodical in your job search approach.  What do you want to do?  What type of company do you want to work for?  What skills are required and are there any new skills you must learn?   How do you create or update your resume?   Where do you begin to look?  What are today’s social networking tools like LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook?   Who do you know that might be able to help you?  These are the type of questions that you need to ask yourself when develop your strategy to finding that next job.

Lesson # 2: MINDSET – It’s hard to imagine that the NFL season started with training camp during the summer where many teams emphasizes hard work, self discipline, focus and the importance of team work.  Regardless if you are coming off a 2-14 or a 13-3 season, these basic principles help establish a foundation and a belief that anything is possible during a regular season with the goal of reaching the playoffs and ultimately playing for the Super Bowl.

It’s easy for a job seeker to feel frustrated by what feels like an out-of-control process.  The job search efforts can be a very stressful process if you go at it the wrong way.  Anger, frustration and discouragement can cause a job search to fizzle or even derail.  Keep in mind, there’s no magic formula or short cuts to find a job.  Just like a football athlete has to have the right attitude approaching the game, so to does the job seeker.  Optimism, confidence and a positive mental attitude can take job seekers in the direction needed during a slow and (potentially) long process.  Success in getting your next job (or in achieving anything) begins with the right mindset.

Lesson # 3: NETWORK – Super Bowl Sunday is the day of the biggest football game of the year.  Last year, an estimated 111 million viewers watched the football game.  That’s more than many of the popular reality shows that are on T.V.  Watching the Super Bowl has become an American tradition like watching fireworks on the Fourth of July.  It’s a chance to stay up late, eat lots of chips and watch a football game, funny ads and a big halftime show.  There’s something for everyone.

Research shows that approximately 70 percent of jobs are filled through networking of some type.  These jobs are filled through word of mouth or “somebody knowing somebody.”  What this means to the job seeker is that you have got to build a strong network of contacts that can assist you in finding a job.  The Super Bowl can be a social setting and great opportunity to network if you are out with friends to watch the game at public place among other football fans.  However, don’t just be there to watch the game.  Always be prepared to pass out your business card or exchange your contact information because you never know who you might meet or give a “high-five” after a touchdown score.

The Super Bowl can be a time of craziness and fun.  The ultimate goal for these two football teams is go out and win the Super Bowl.  For job seekers, the ultimate goal is to land your dream job which is equivalent to your very own Super Bowl victory.  When you do, don’t forget to celebrate too.

What are some lessons that job seekers can take away from this year’s Super Bowl Sunday?   We’d love to hear your thoughts, comments or suggestions.  Like us and join the conversation.

Enjoy the game and be safe.