If a guy wants the perfect girl he needs be in shape, dress stylish, drive a fancy car, know how to cook and own a big house. But that’s not it. He also has to be loving, caring, understanding and witty. Oh, and not to mention, he has to have a full head of hair on his head (if you’re a cue balls, sorry dude). Now if you meet these criteria, and Miss Perfect comes floating into your life, smile proudly because you’re Mr. Perfect and it’s time to begin proper courting.

So where is all this going? Well, to the only obvious place; an awkward high school dance.

I compare getting a job in advertising to courting girl. Keep in mind that I’ve never actually had a job in advertising, but I have began looking for one, and this is how I’ve felt thus far. Like a nervous boy wanting to ask a girl to the dance, I look from afar at all the top agencies I admire, and hope that one day soon I’ll be rocking back and forth with them on the dance floor. I’d be a perfect gentleman. They’d fall in love with me.

First things first though. If I want to get her (the agency) to accept my invitation to dance, it’d help if she (or they) knew who the hell I was. Time to network.

Her best friend knows my best friend. So If I ask my best friend, to ask her best friend to introduce us, then I’m in like flint. It’s not that simple though. Because the girl I like has a lot of best friends, who also know a lot of other guys, who are also interested in meeting her. Wow. To stand out I’m going to have to be ridiculously good looking (i.e. have a killer portfolio), as well as think of other creative ways to get her to remember me. I begin thinking to myself, “Do magic tricks impress girls? ‘Cuz I know that one card trick.”

This is where I’m at in my advertising job search. Wondering if looks (my book) and personality alone will help me get a job. Or, if I should do fancy card tricks, and risk looking like an idiot. I know there isn’t one steadfast way to get the job of my dreams, but I do think there are ways to increase my chances. If you’re reading this sentence right now, that means you may be wondering too, and was hoping I had some amazing insights. Well, I don’t. I have started reading Dave Holloway’s book, Advertising: How To Get The Job You Want And Succeed In It. I’ve heard nothing but great reviews about this book. And from personally meeting Dave Holloway, and experience his passion to help creative youngsters, I would have to assume it’s full of solid advice. Check it out.

Its time for me to get back to my job search. If you have any feedback or advice, post it below. I’ll be sure to pass it on to my peers, as they too are wondering what’s the best way to ask a girl to dance. Thanks.