Let’s admit it - Legally Blonde is one of our many guilty pleasures. Who doesn't love the determined blonde who decided to go to Harvard out of nowhere – and actually did great? What you might not have realized yet is that Elle Woods can teach us valuable lessons about finding a career through personal branding.
Her Resume
When asked by her professor if she had a resume to submit for his internship program, Elle was able to reach down and pull one out of her bag. Lesson #1: Always carry a resume! You never know who you’re going to run into and network with that can lead to a job opportunity.
If you prefer not to carry resumes everywhere, make sure you keep several business cards in your bag with your name, contact information, and link to your digital portfolio. That way, every professional you give your card to can see your resume, references, writing samples, design skills - everything that's in your portfolio!
Elle’s resume was specifically tailored to a law related position, but remained true to her personal brand. When asked, she was ready to pull out her pink, scented resume out of her bag and give it to her professor.
Her Application Video
While most Harvard applicants would send in a written application essay full of their achievements and what they can offer to the Harvard community, Elle sent in a playful video that really showed off her personality and experiences. For example, she demonstrated her leadership skills and ability to run meetings as her sorority’s president. Elle used her personal experiences to show the admissions board why she was qualified to attend Harvard. Lesson #2: Elle stood out from the rest of the applicants with her pink scented resume and her video application.
Her Degree
Elle got her Bachelor’s Degree in Fashion Management from UCLA. She got a degree in what she's passionate about and even got to use her knowledge of hair and fashion to win her first case in the courtroom (wearing pink head to toe, of course!).
Lesson #3: Bring something new to the table. Don't just take the required courses for your chosen major. Instead, really diversify and take classes in areas that you are truly passionate about. You never know when your unique interests will come in handy! Having a minor sets you apart from the competition and allows you to possibly work in different careers.
Remember to stay true to who you are – personally and professionally – but still keep your industry in mind. I sincerely doubt sending a bikini application video to Harvard University will result in your acceptance. Tailor your materials (resume, cover letter, business cards) to reflect both your industry and your personal brand. Not everyone can pull off a pink scented resume!
The trick when job searching is to be unforgettable. Make yourself stand out from the crowd of applicants, whether it’s through your experience, a stellar interview, or creative resume and cover letter. From her pink scented resume to her stylish courtroom clothes, Elle Woods is definitely unforgettable.
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