Career Lessons from TV

Jeffrey Donovan as Michael Westen in "Burn Notice"

Yes, “Burn Notice” is still on mid-season break, but a spy organization who hasn’t taken a break from hiring is the CIA. They’re not just hiring Michael Westens, but for everyday jobs as well.

The Agency Is Looking for You

Michael Westen is more than qualified to work as a spy for the CIA. Military training, strong sense of morals, and an ability to lie at near pathological levels. While the Central Intelligence Agency is always looking for people like Michael Westen, there are other positions the agency is also trying to fill that may be suited for people like you and me. Eve Tahmincioglu writes about the agency’s hiring increase and about life working as  an undercover and non-undercover employee of the CIA in “Top Secret Jobs at the CIA“. If you don’t have a 2 black belts in martial arts, that’s OK. Tahmincioglu writes the agency is looking for college students, former wall street workers and people with language skills to fill a number of administrative and analyst positions.

Not Easy Getting In Or Staying In

Tahmincioglu also writes that it’s a highly competitive hiring process with extensive screening and background checks. Should you make the cut, your family life may suffer depending whether or not you position is undercover. You’re also still subject to background and security checks after you’ve been hired.

Believe in What You’re Doing

From my experience working in government, I think the difference between a rewarding government career and a hellish one with little pay and a lot of bureaucracy is just how much you believe in what you’re doing. If you’re truly committed to serving the country, it really makes it all worth it.

Other Government Opportunities

If the CIA is not your thing, you can find out what other government agencies are hiring on USAJobs.gov.

See yourself in the CIA? Let me know by posting here.

I know I know. The show is on mid-season hiatus now, but the story line holds timely lessons for your job search. Like many, I’ve been looking for new career opportunities for some time. With all the effort  I’m putting in to continue my career, it’s not easy staying focused and motivated.

Jeffrey Donovan as Micahel Westen on "Burn Notice"

As I’ve said before, Michael Westen is a very driven individual. He knows how to balance pursuing his goals with biding his time until he can make his next move. No matter who he’s helping, or how many times he’s geting beat up or nearly killed, he stays motivated in the pursuit of his goals. Like Michael, the only way you’ll get anywhere is to stay motivated in your job hunt.

Eye On Th Prize

John Gordon shares some tips on staying motivated in your job search in “From Fired…to Fired Up“. Aside from losing the anger, having clear goals to pursue, staying humble and staying open minded as Gordon writes, I can also add that it’s really hard looking for a job on your own. If you don’t have friends and family members who can help you network and get referrals, try social networking sites like Linkedin and Twitter to meet people in the same boat, as well contacts that can get you hired. Like Michael Westen says in the series, you won’t live for very long unless you put your trust in somebody.

If you know that you’re not alone and that others are interested in your success, the hunt goes a lot smoother.

Got a tip trick to stay motivated? Post it here.

A genius move by the folks at USA Network highlights a new trend in today’s job search. The “Royal Pains” website now features a real-life doctor blogging about the medical conditions featured on the show and questions from the fans. If you’re in the job hunt, you could use blogging to show off your expertise, as well as your writing and communication skills.

Dr. Irving blogs for "Royal Pains"

I wish they would’ve gotten a real spy to blog for “Burn Notice”, but I guess they’d get into trouble for sharing the recipe for explosives using fertilizer and toothpaste. Anyway, Dr. Irving’s Blog on the “Royal Pains” website is a great way to bring the entertaining aspects of the show into real life for the fans to enjoy and connect with.

Strutting Your Stuff With a Blog

Whether you’re entering the job market for the first time, or back in the market after a long stint of employment, you know something. Sharing that knowledge through a blog can give potential employers a better idea of your knowledge, experience, and personality. It also shows off really important soft skills such as writing and clear communication. Tara Weiss can help you with some starter tips for your blog in “Blogging Your Way Into A Job“.

One thing to remember when writing your posts is to have fun with it. It doesn’t matter if you’re an actuary or a Colorado River guide, let your passion and enthusiasm about what you do come out in your writing (in a natural way, don’t force it).

Already have a blog for your job hunt? Post it here.