Party On, Dudes! Job Searching Lessons from Bill & Ted

What comes first: The triumphant video or Eddie Van Halen?

Bill: Ted, while I agree that, in time, our band will be most triumphant. The truth is, Wyld Stallyns will never be a super band until we have Eddie Van Halen on guitar.

Ted: Yes, Bill. But I do not believe we will get Eddie Van Halen until we have a triumphant video.

Bill: Ted, it's pointless to have a triumphant video before we even have decent instruments.

Ted: Well, how can we have decent instruments when we don't really even know how to play?

Bill: That is why we NEED Eddie Van Halen!

Ted: And THAT is why we need a triumphant video.

Bill & Ted: EXCELLENT!

 -Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) Orion Pictures

Ever feel that way in a job search? I know I have.

When looking for your dream job, sometimes the task feels as daunting as trying to save the universe with the power of rock and roll. Add in that most job seekers don't know how to play the job-hunting game, they might as well try to hire the equivalent of a veritable rock god to help them along.

So, what do you need first? The triumphant video or Eddie Van Halen?

Which comes first, the marketing or the skills?

To be clear for all our non-Gen Xers, the "triumphant video" is not making a bunch of TikToks to gain the attention of potential hiring managers.

The triumphant video represents the marketing materials for your job search, including your resume, LinkedIn profile, cover letters, and networking messages. (Okay, you can add introduction videos as well if you are so inclined.)

By comparison, Eddie Van Halen represents the level of skill or variety of skills that you bring to the new job. Obviously, Van Halen was the epitome of guitar gods in the 80s. While you may not be a master in your field yet, you should still have enough raw talent, experience, or education to meet the requirements of your desired job.

So, what comes first?

• If you already possess more than 75% of the qualifications, get cracking on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
• If you possess less than 75% of the qualifications, consider upskilling your abilities. Depending on the target job, your options may include online courses and certifications for targeted skills to going back to school for a new degree.

Can you actually get Eddie Van Halen?

Well, technically, no. He's dead. Unless you do a séance like they pulled off in "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey"…

However, you CAN network with other righteous people.

After all, Bill and Ted managed to pass their history report AND actually learn about events of the world – and life - based on the contacts they made.

Like a highly advanced time-traveling phone booth, LinkedIn allows us to connect with anyone in the world, including people who were completely untouchable before. From key leaders to possible future colleagues, be brave and reach out to others who could make a significant impact on your career.

HR is being crushed by a deluge of applications that are driven by automated, AI-based apps. Therefore, talent acquisition strategies such as referral programs will certainly grow over the next few years.

Plus, hiring managers (meaning your future boss) are just as frustrated with the HR department as job seekers. This means that they will entertain direct contact from a potential employee, including those who may not have the picture-perfect qualifications that HR favors. After all, they know the right personalities, talents, and passions that will excel in their roles.

Party on, Dudes!

Armed with a most excellent resume and a collection of righteous folks from around the world to vouch for you, your job search will go smoother than you could have originally hoped.

In the words of the great President Abraham Lincoln:

"Fourscore and... seven minutes ago... we, your forefathers, were brought forth upon a most excellent adventure conceived by our new friends, Bill and Ted. These two great gentlemen are dedicated to a proposition which was true in my time, just as it's true today. Be excellent to each other. And... PARTY ON, DUDES!"

-Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989) Orion Pictures

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