Life Lessons from Classic Cinema Part II: The Blues Brothers

Running a joke into the ground is as America as apple pie (or "American Pie," to be exact).  To that end, we continue our look at lessons-to-be-drawn from classic American comedy films by featuring these job search tips from one Joliet Jake and Mr. Elwood Blues, the Bluuueeesssss Brothers!

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Never forget the importance of belief and faith.  You think Jake and Elwood would have made it half as far as they did if they didn't believe (and didn't tell everyone within earshot) that they were on that mission from God?  A little belief can go a long way, so just think what a lot might do.

Have a focused goal.  Granted, you're not likely to be out trying to save some orphanage from going under (and even less likely to be able to do so with five grand nowadays, come to think of it), but having a specific goal keeps you focused and helps you concentrate your efforts and resources. 

Never forget the importance of proper attire.  Dark suits and ties make for good, conservative dress.  The shades and hat? Probably not so much.  But then again, if Carrie Fisher's out there gunning for you, you may just need that special, magical protection when the building comes down.

Follow Aretha's advice and "Think!"  Failure to think and plan ahead all but guarantees you future cramps in your writing hand from filling out more job applications. Plan for your interviews and do a number of dry runs beforehand.  You'll be glad you did.

Have a strong diet.  Sure, you may have butterflies in your stomach the day of a big interview, and yes, they may make it difficult to eat; but astronauts don't lift off without their hearty breakfasts of steak and eggs, and neither should you.  Stress burns calories, so be sure to fuel up.  Four fried chickens and a Coke should do nicely. 

Keep some Jack Daniel's on hand.  Because let's face it:  even with faith, diet, preparation, and good attire, you're only going to get so far most of the time.  While I certainly wouldn't recommend keeping a bottle in the basement fuse box like Cab Calloway did, the fact is that sooner or later you're going to suffer the inevitable soul-crushing setback.  Have a good belt or two and then put the bottle away.  Not only do you not want this to become a habit, but you'll want to save some for the next time you're laid off...

Be like Matt "Guitar" Murphy and always keep your instrument handy.  So what if you can't play a note?  You'll look cool.

Look to leave your critics and detractors in the rear view mirror at all times.  You may not be likely to find yourself chased down the highway by Illinois Nazis and polyester-clad rednecks hell-bent on revenge, but treat your critics and blockers just the same and leave 'em in the dust.

Don't be afraid to be unconventional.  You think Jake and Elwood would have gotten Mr. Fabulous to leave his high-priced maitre'd gig at the four-star restaurant if they'd simply come in and acted like everyone else?  ("Five years?  Didn't you get five years?")  Sometimes you have to think outside the box to achieve your goals, even if your waiter is Paul "Pee Wee Herman" Reubens.

And most important of all -

Never, under any circumstances, EVER underestimate the power of James Brown.  Sure, the man had his share of issues.  Anger management wasn't exactly a strong point for him, and "just say no" wasn't exactly a phrase he carried to heart. But put on "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" or anything else from one of the Godfather of Soul's greatest hits collections and see if you don't start feeling just a little bit better.  (And if you don't, well, seek help.  'Nuff said.)