Well … thankfully, the elections are over. Now we can get back to something close to a “normal” routine in the USA. But we can also learn something from the recent campaign that will help our customers, clients, and students in their job search and career development activities too.

Do you remember the “talking points”? They all had talking points … the Democrats … the Republicans … the Independents … even the news people on TV. Everyone had talking points.

Talking points are things that we talk about because we think they are important. A “good politician” will find a way to go to the “talking points” no matter what question is asked. And he or she will use the “talking points” as the answer to almost any question imaginable.

Here’s how it works in the job search and career development environment …

1. Review your personal history and identify the most marketable qualities you have (could be specific accomplishments, unusual credentials, or something else).
2. Study the company or business where you will be applying to find out about their work and business environment.  In particular, find out what they are looking for and need in their workforce.
3. Select your top five most marketable points or attributes.
4. Become thoroughly familiar with them and memorize them.
5. Connect them to specific needs in the company or business where you will be applying.  Remember, at this point, you are working from the EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVE.  Address what is important to the prospective employer, not just to you!
6. Create your own agenda from the “talking points” and be prepared to use them throughout the interview as a way of demonstrating your skills and abilities, and how you can actually meet the biggest needs of the company or employer.

Keep in mind that your marketable skills and abilities will generally be the same, no matter whom you are applying to work for.  What will be different is the needs of the employer (which means you will have to do a little research ahead of time) and which of your marketable skills and abilities you choose to highlight for that interview.

Give it a try.  Teach this approach to your customers, clients, or students.  You can do it with confidence because it really works.  All people (including employers) buy because they are trying to get benefits.  When you use “talking points” as part of your strategy, you are actually highlighting the benefits for the employer if they hire you.  It’s a powerful strategy!