Job Search as Hero's Journey: A Film Buff's Guide
Carol Stanton, CGS Career Counselor

    In my work as a career counselor, I get to help people who are on a journey to find the right job.  Recently, I was thinking about a screenwriting book I read once that described the plot of every film as a hero's journey.  This led me to looking at the similarities between looking for a job and the hero's journey.  Here are ten ways in which looking for a job is similar to the hero's journey in recent films.

The Dream "“ It starts with a dream.  Every film begins with an idea or dream of the director, producer or screenwriter.  Cold Mountain, Finding Nemo, or Mystic River "“ these all began with a dream.  When you're doing a job search, you also start with a dream or idea of what you want to do.  Only in this case you are the writer, director, producer, and main character all rolled into one.  Whether it's looking for work as a pharmaceutical sales representative or a corrections officer, it all begins with your dream.

The Hero "“ Who is the hero (or heroine) of the story?  This is one of the things we learn about in the first part of the film.  It's difficult to relate to a character that we don't know or like in some way.  Before the little Hobbitt starts his journey in Lord of the Rings, we get to know something of his background.  You are the hero/focus of your job search so it helps to know who you are in terms of your values, interests, abilities and goals.  What are your strengths and accomplishments?

Challenges "“ In a film, as in life, the hero usually wants something but has to overcome various obstacles in order to get it. In Something's Gotta Give, the heroine moves confronts several obstacles (including a man who has never made a commitment) before she succeeds. The same thing happens in a job search.  The obstacle might be writing a good resume, or finding out where jobs in your field are.  Or the challenges might be more internal such as fear, lack of self-confidence or not know what you want to do.  The main thing is to identify the obstacles and find ways to overcome them.  Sometimes you need help to do this.  What are the obstacles you will face in your job search?

Allies and Helpers "“ Whether it's a buddy, as in Master and Commander or a devoted mate as in In America, the hero in a film is supported by other people who can help.  In a job search, it's important to identify some allies who can support you and help you along the way.  The allies may be teachers, mentors, friends, counselors or anyone who knows you and can offer either practical or moral support.  These people can also be the links to other important allies as you network with people in your chosen field.  Can you identify the allies in your job search?

Setting "“ Where does the action occur?  In Pittsburgh, as in The Bread, My Sweet or in New York, as in most Woody Allen films?  In a large corporate office, a small non-profit or your own business?   Just as the setting for a movie has a large bearing on the action, so does the location and type of place you choose for your work.  Think about the kind of environment that best suits your values, needs, and goals.

Resources "“ What other resources does the hero use to reach the goal?  Whether it's a magic cape as in Harry Potter or the musical instruments in School of Rock there are things that help the hero along the journey.  For the job seeker, the tools are internet websites, such as PantherTRACS and Monster.com,, career resource libraries such as at the Career Services office in the WPU or the Carnegie Library, the Post-Gazette Sunday Classifieds,  job fairs, etc. Are you taking advantage of all the resources available for your job search?

Script "“ In order to start working on a film, the director has to start with a script.  Director Sophia Coppalla wrote the script before directing Lost in Translation?  The equivalent in a job search is the resume.  You can have all the talent in the world but if you are not able to present your skills and abilities in a succinct, comprehensive resume, employers will not invite you in for an interview.  There are many good books and websites that will give you tips on writing a great resume.  Be sure to have a career counselor or a professional in your field review your resume before you send it out.

Audition "“ The director auditions various actors for the part of the hero before choosing the best one.  Many actors auditioned for the part of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean but Johnny Depp was chosen as the best actor for the job.  The job interview is like an audition.  It is a crucial part of the job search process.  Be sure to prepare for it by doing research on the company, preparing for standard questions ahead of time, doing a mock interview at the Career Services office or rehearsing with a friend.  There are also excellent articles and books on interviewing skills that will help you to prepare.

Setbacks "“ What happens if you don't get the job?  A hero never gives up.  He or she will try to overcome the obstacles and pursue the goal.  A good example is the film
Seabiscuit.  He was a small horse but the people surrounding him never gave up and he ended up taking home all the prizes.  If you're turned down for a job, consult with your allies, review your job search plan, and try again.  If you need more experience, you may want to do another internship or a volunteer job while you job hunt. Be persevering!

Celebration "“ In the end, the hero survives and accomplishes the goal.  Most films have some kind of resolution and usually a happy ending.  So will your job search be a tragedy, a comedy, or an exciting Star Wars kind of adventure?  It's up to you.  Whatever it is, I hope your hard work will be rewarded with your own personal Oscar "“ the job of your dreams!

     If you need help in your job search or have any other career related problems, contact Carol Stanton, your career counselor in CGS, at 412 624-1689 or cstanton@pitt.edu