American Idol’s Top 7 Lessons for Job Seekers

By Bonnie Lowe

The Fox network’s hit reality show American Idol (AI) is watched by millions of viewers. Whether or not you’re a fan of the show, it has some valuable lessons if you’re in the market for a new job.

After all, an audition is very much like a job interview, and the panel of judges are like hiring managers--some are encouraging, sensitive and polite, while others can be negative, insensitive and downright mean. (Fortunately, most hiring managers are more like AI judges Randy Jackson or Paula Abdul than judge Simon Cowell.)

Here are seven lessons job seekers can learn from AI:

1. Determine whether you’ve chosen the right career path.

Many of us fantasize about being a rich and famous pop star or rock singer. Very few of us actually decide to pursue that as a serious career path.

During the second episode of the 2007 season of AI, Simon said to one contestant, “This is not the career path for you.” That was actually kinder than most of his rejections, but he made a valid point. As with any type of job, just fantasizing about doing it is not enough. Even wanting it more than anything in the world is not enough. You have to be right for the career, and the career has to be right for you.

See related Lesson 3.

2. Research the position and the company.

This season a contestant told the panel he’d seen only one or two episodes of AI and wasn’t a fan. That’s like saying during an interview, “I haven’t bothered to read the job description or research your company. But I think this place sucks.”

Many contestants are shocked at Simon’s scathing comments. Haven’t they ever watched the show? They should not only watch it, they should record every episode and study every comment and decision made by the judges!

Doing research about the position and the company is one of the most important—and most often ignored—steps you can take to boost your chances of success. With the world of information available on the Internet, there’s no excuse for not doing such research.

3. Know your strengths and make sure you have the right skills for the job.

This is probably more difficult for AI contestants than regular job seekers. Some are clearly delusional about their singing talent (or lack thereof). But many are encouraged to compete by their friends, family members, and even singing coaches who rave about their abilities!

One female contestant who had been rejected by all three judges refused to accept their apparent failure to recognize her talent. “I’ve had 10 years of formal singing lessons!” she argued. “My coach says I have great talent!”

Don’t rely on opinions from family or friends -- or paid coaches whose motive is to suck your money by encouraging you to keep trying (and keep paying them).

If doing an accurate self-assessment would be difficult, try to get honest opinions from people who have no reason to spare your feelings, nor incentive to lie.

Discover your true strengths—and your weaknesses. Compare your strengths, talents and skills to those required for the position, and make sure they match.

4. Anticipate likely questions; prepare great answers.

“Why are you here?” and “Do you really think you can win?” are questions often asked of AI contestants. All should expect those questions and be prepared to answer them.

As with many job interview questions, they seem unnecessary because the answers should be obvious, right? But even with such simple, basic questions, the answers will vary quite a bit—and often give the interviewer good insights into the personality of those giving them.

Taking the “Do you really think you can win?” question as an example and compare these actual answers:

Contestant One: “Yes.”
Contestant Two: “Absolutely! I’ve been an AI fan since the beginning. I know what you’re looking for, and I’m going to rock your world!”

While some may think that second answer is a bit much, it made Simon and the other judges visible sit up and pay close attention—quite an accomplishment when you consider the volume of excruciatingly bad auditions those exhausted judges had already endured that day!

What you say is very important; but so is how you say it.

5. Personality matters.

The winner of AI is rarely the best singer. That’s simply not enough. He or she must also have a personality that fits the image of an idol; one that people will love.

Likewise, the winner of a job interview is not necessarily the person with the best skills. Personality matters. An interview is no place to be timid or low-key… or arrogant and loud. People want to hire people they like. Let your likeable (yet professional) personality show.

6. Don’t take it personally if you don’t get the job.

The odds of winning the AI contest are astronomical, even for extraordinarily talented singers. Yet many contestants are heartbroken, shocked, or outraged when they find out they won’t be receiving the “golden ticket” that allows them to advance to the next round. Some swear at the judges and even look ready punch someone (usually Simon) in the face (no wonder beefy security men are lurking just out of sight of the cameras)!

AI fans may remember William Hung. He was virtually laughed off the stage during his audition. But despite being unanimously rejected, he became sought-after and famous (for a while) in his own right. This would never have happened if he’d shown anger, disgust, or arrogance at not “getting the job.”

For every available job, there are likely dozens of highly qualified applicants. Accept that the odds are usually against you.

Disappointment is natural. But becoming angry at the decision maker will do you absolutely no good. Remain professional, receive feedback graciously, and think about how to improve your chances of winning the next job. You never know what other opportunities you may be sabotaging if you show negative behavior!

7. Don’t give up on your dreams.

Can you imagine if former AI contestant (and current successful singer and Academy Award nominee) Jennifer Hudson had given up on her dreams after being voted off the show during the third season?

Persevere! If you truly have the talent, skills, and passion to fulfill your dreams, and you’ve accepted the lessons of this article, don’t let anyone discourage you.

Go forth and live the life you’ve imagined!

Bonnie Lowe is author of the popular Job Interview Success System and free information-packed ezine, "Career-Life Times." Find those and other powerful career-building resources and tips at her website: http://www.Best-Interview-Strategies.com