Ms. Streisand’s Job Search Advice

Prelude – Short Piece of Music

Last weeks posts were intense, so I decided to lighten the mood today.  This article applies to anyone who is in transition.

Introduction – The Opening Section of a Piece of Music or a Movement

Do you want to know what it is like job searching in 2011?  Just listen to Ms. Barbara Streisand sing “Putting It Together” (from the musical “Sunday in the Park with George”) on “The Broadway Album.” 

While listening to this song the other day, I had one of those “Ah Ha” moments upon realizing just how well this song describes conducting a job search in today’s market. 

Now for “The Main Event”

The words to the song are in italics and beneath the lyrics are my liner notes.  So, take it away Barbara….

 “Putting It Together” - Words and Music by Stephen Sondheim

“Bit by bit, putting it together
Piece by piece, only way to make a work of art”

These lines refer to your job search as a whole.

  “Every moment makes a contribution”

Absolutely everything you do in life.

 “Every little detail plays a parts”

LinkedIn, Twitter, Blog, Resume, Cover Letter, Elevator Pitch and Personal Brand.  

  “Having just a vision’s no solution”

What job functions and industry you see yourself working in the next 3 years.  There is no job security anymore so plan on being unemployed numerous times before you move to the grave, urn or masoleum.

 “Everything depends on execution”

How you handle yourself in person, online and in interviews.  (No doing your Elvis imitation by swiveling your hips when seated in a swivel chair during an interview.)

 “Putting it together, that’s what counts!
Ounce by ounce, putting in together
Small amounts, adding up to make a work of art”

All the individual items come together to make your job search function beautifully and flawlessly

 “First of all you need a good foundation Otherwise it’s risky from the start”

Having a 100% complete LinkedIn profile.  If you do not have this, kiss your job search goodbye!

 
“Takes a little cocktail conversation”

Networking, Networking, Networking, and did I mention Networking.  After all it is NOT who you know but WHO knows you.

 
“But without the proper preparation”

Looking deep down inside and figuring out who you are, what problems you solve and how you can save or make a company money. 

 
“Having just a vision’s no solution”

What job functions and industry you see yourself working in the next 3 years.

“Everything depends on execution”

Again – How you handle yourself in person, online and in interviews. 

 “The art of making art
Is putting it together, bit by bit”

Coda – Closing Section of a Movement

These are just some of the song’s lyrics applicable to today’s job search scene.  Listen to the entire song and you will put the rest of the pieces together – bit by bit.