As the title implies, this film dubs itself as a viewer-friendly occupational guide for the perennial teenaged slacker, but although it aims to be an upbeat and fun intro to job-hunting in the “real world,” Dude, I Need to Find a Job also dumbs down the material a bit too much to fully achieve its goal. Tracing the job-hunting escapades of sad-sack teenager Will as he attempts to land a job with a construction company, the program follows him through his initial perusal of the want ads, hapless attempts at writing a résumé, and dismal first job interview. After each segment, the narrator stops the action and reviews what Will could have done differently and better, admonishing and/or coddling him along the way. All of this is presented with goofy graphics and goofier music that are more annoying than helpful. Ultimately, while it is true that many teens need serious occupational coaching when it comes to writing a résumé, it's also hard to imagine even the most clueless among them actually listing “making sandwiches” as a job skill, or getting an "awesome tan" as an objective. Bundled with a "Job Hunters Guide” booklet--including quick tips for dressing for success, résumé writing, and handling job interviews--that doesn't play down to the audience like the program itself, this is an optional purchase, overall. Aud: H, P. (A. Cantú)
Dude, I Need to Find a Job
(2004) 16 min. VHS: $59.95 (booklet included). Reel Life Films (dist. by TMW Media Group). PPR. Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 6
Dude, I Need to Find a Job
Star Ratings
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