I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of 
Ok, so I'm married to a football fanatic, and then there's our even more football-fixated, college-age son. Last Saturday, the long-awaited annual rival between The University of Iowa and the Iowa State Cyclones, aka Iowa's Super Bowl, finally happened.
To be sure, I know nothing about football -- don't even pretend to. As I sat watching the Hawks beat the 'Clones, I was struck by the correlation between the sport of football and the activity of job search. They are both fun, great games, intensely competitive, and "it ain't over till it's over." (Oh wait, wrong sport -- sorry, Yogi!)
Anyway, I really do have a point to this post -- so here's my non-scientific, less-than-scholarly take on football's likeness to job search:
- The Coach - a calm, confident, unflappable coach is divine! Find one that leads you to victory! (Gum-chewing is optional.)
- Strategy - even before your career game gets underway, formulate a plan, modify as you proceed, and execute to win.
- Teamwork - produces a definite advantage; different people doing different things for desired outcomes and results.
- Fans - you'll have plenty of them, both supporters and detractors in your quest to win a new job. Decide who you'll listen to and who you'll block.
- Referee - there will be many decision-makers who are going to "call the shots" in your career search. Who's worth heeding and who's advice will you toss?
- Unsportsmanlike conduct - always strive to let others see, hear, and experience the very best of your professional self.
- Intercepted - you will be faced with some setbacks, surprises, and situations where you're totally caught off guard. Get goin' or get benched!
- Downs - no matter what happens or what penalties and obstacles come your way, keep trying to advance to your target goal.
- End Zone - when you are doing the right things, at the right time, with a little luck and a lotta' wind, you just might score a TD and win the game!
The Hawks did! And so can you!
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