How can the Presidential Election Help your Job Search?

No matter who you voted for this week, believe it or not, elections are not unlike your own job search. You are on the campaign trail, getting in front of companies; letting them know where you have been and what you have done.

More importantly, just like our presidential candidates, you also have to let employers know how you will perform in the future. And this is exactly what will get you elected into your next job. I think a lot of job seekers do not spend enough time, before an interview, preparing their "speech" to a particular company; outlining the value he/she will bring to that company if employed.

It is your future value to a company that will get you hired. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for your speech (interview) to potential employers.

1. Really understand how the company that you are interviewing with makes money.Research the company using sites like Hoovers and Marketwatch.com. Then during the interview, talk about how your skill sets will add value to the company if hired. Just like a presidential candidate, be clear about how you would do this by using very specific examples of your past performances.

2. Show documentation of your success. Both presidential candidates produced video tapes, commercials and books to help show who they are and what they've stood for over the years. During the interview, provide your employer with letters of recommendation, awards and any certificates of excellent performance. (A lot of candidates forget how powerful this can be.)

3. Be Positive! Sit up straight in that interview and look your interviewer(s) in the eyes. You must smile, have a firm handshake and dress well. Most of all, you must be positive about who you are, where you have been and where you are going. Both presidential candidates know how to work a room. They were both always positive in delivering their message to the groups they reached out to. You must convey the same energy in the interview!

4. Know your facts. Although the candidates in this election didn't always give accurate facts, you must in the interview. Employers will ask you questions like "why did you leave your last job?" or "what kind of money are you looking for?" Be prepared to answer, "What is one of your weaknesses?" Be direct, honest and enthusiastic when answering.

5. Ask for the job! Just like the presidential candidates asked for your vote, you must ask the employer for the job and let the company know your level of interest. Too many candidates leave interviews without letting the company know that they are very interested in the position and would like to be considered. It is also a good time to ask if you can provide them with any other documentation to help in their decision process.

You are running a career campaign against other candidates. If you use these tips, you will separate yourself from the pack and when the company votes on their next hire; it will be you!