Ten Career Tips from the 2008 Presidential Campaigns

Lessons from President-Elect Barack Obama and His Former Opponents

Now that the dust has settled with the US presidential election, the pundits can begin prognosticating on how Barack Obama will do the job. For those in the midst of a job search, however, attention must return to more mundane matters -- like getting a job in the first place.

Yet are there any job search and career-planning lessons that can be learned from the journey to Obama's historic victory? Here are 10 takeaways for your own job search and career:

• Anyone Can Grow Up to Be President: And you can do any job you want as well. Set a goal, make sure you are qualified and apply yourself.
  
  
• The Road to Success Is Long and Hard: Obama didn’t just decide to be president. First, he got an education. Then he worked in the community and was elected to the Senate. Then he ran for the Democratic nomination and then finally for president. While no one knows for sure where a path might lead, working hard each day pretty much guarantees progress.
  
  
• Networking Is Crucial: Obama didn't do it by himself -- by some accounts, he had more than 1 million others helping him reach his goal. How are you using -- and growing -- your network?
  
  
• The Internet Is an Important Tool: Beyond the basics of a Web site, Obama used blogs, videos, social networking, discussion groups, e-commerce and email. You too can use these media as ways to get the message out about what you can offer to employers.
  
  
• A Personal Brand Is Powerful: More than anything else, Obama’s message was singular and on track: Change and hope. This focus defined Obama to others and helped these others amplify his message even further. It also helped that his brand was consistent across the way he looked, acted and sounded, as well as his message and attitude. While this might not be your personal brand, especially during a job search, you can institute the same consistency in how you present yourself and your message.
  
  
• Maximize the Interview: Each time he was in front of the camera, Obama was poised, fluent and answered questions in an authentic manner. Most people don't enjoy interviews, so consider: Obama did five, 10 or more interviews each day. Practice makes perfect no matter what you’re interviewing for.
  
  
• Get Support from Family and Friends: Often, a politician's family is wrongfully seen as a prop, to appear when needed and put away when completed. In reality, a public figure is also a private figure, with relationships, personal responsibilities and interests. Families are often the keystone to this private life, providing the support that allows politicians to work successfully in the public eye. Many of us who work -- or are looking for work -- sometimes forget that our families and friends are there to support us, and that it is our responsibility to reach out and ask.
  
  
• Say Thank You: Obama's acceptance speech was both inspiring and humble. He didn't shirk from acknowledging the people who helped along the way. It isn't hard to say thank you, yet sometimes we easily forget.
  
  
• Take a Rest Before You Start: No doubt Obama will use the time between election and inauguration to pull together his team, but he may also take a few days’ break to recharge from his long campaign. Likewise, if you are changing jobs, take a few days -- or even a week -- before you start your new position. That short break will leave you reenergized.
  
  
• When You Step Up to the Plate, There Are No Losers: While John McCain and Sarah Palin lost the election, they also gained something from it. McCain earned 46 percent of the popular vote. He built a team and has become a greater influence within his party. Meanwhile, Palin put her name on the map, gaining valuable experience on a national stage. While neither won the prize they were seeking, both are further ahead than before, and this will help both McCain and Palin as they consider next steps.
  
  When it comes to your own job search, even if you don't get the job -- or the promotion -- the fact you were considered says something about you. And the interview experience, networking and research have even greater value as you choose your next moves.