If you’ve turned on your TV, radio, Internet or telegraph, or opened a newspaper, magazine or door, you’ve probably heard that Michael Jackson is dead. Yes, the man who will most notably be known for the rest of human history as the creator of the epic Sega Genesis game, Moonwalker, has left the mortal world.
Now, regardless of what you thought of the guy, Mr. Jackson was ingeniously branded. No matter what Michael Jackson did outside of the studio and off the stage, “Michael Jackson” was always seen as an innovator and living legend. While people could sue Michael Jackson, “Michael Jackson” was untouchable.
The quotes, by the way, symbolize the IDEA of the artist, not the man himself. The distance that many could find between the two personalities is enough to have already filled countless prime time specials (and no doubt many more over the next few weeks of the current news cycle). However, he was able to keep the two parts of his life separate enough to gain a mystique and cult of personality about him, that no matter what may have happened to him personally, he retained his iconic status regardless.
So, as we’ve asked rhetorically many times before, what does this have to do with the job search?
Much like Michael Jackson and “Michael Jackson,” it’s a good idea to make a distinct separation between your personal and professional selves. Whether this means controlling your web presence by blocking incriminating Facebook pictures, or by making amends with someone you left on bad terms with but know could be a great reference or networking contact, you need to be able to do it. When looking for work, you need to present an image of being more perfectly suited for the job (and company) than the next person, and you have to show that “you” are exactly what they’re looking for.
Now, I’m not advocating deception, identity theft or any of that; rather, you need to leave a lasting positive impression of yourself, and carry it with you in business situations. No one is perfect, but like “Michael Jackson,” you can at least seem that way.
