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Job Search Lessons from the Presidential Campaign

Spin Is Everything

The presidential candidates aren’t just politicians. They’re products, packaged deliberately and carefully. Every aspect of their personas, from Clinton’s handshake to Obama’s lapel pin to McCain’s Straight Talk Express, is marketing. This includes how they dress, stand, shake hands, smile, answer and deflect questions, think on their feet, run campaign ads and handle public appearances.

Likewise, see yourself as a product you’re marketing to the hiring manager. Ask family or friends to give you honest feedback on your appearance, posture, verbal and nonverbal communication, resume, cover letters and any other aspect presented to a hiring manager. Make the appropriate changes, including verifying that your resume is effective in spinning your story as a results-oriented problem solver.