Looking for a job can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re trying to explain to someone why you (or your family member) would be a great fit. One thing we’ve found helpful is preparing for conversations with employers like it’s a sales pitch.

That doesn’t mean we’re trying to “sell” something. It means we’re getting ready to clearly and confidently explain what we bring to the table.

Here’s what we do:

We Get Clear on What We’re Asking For

Before reaching out to anyone, we decide what we’re looking for. Is it a paid job? A volunteer opportunity? A short trial? Being clear helps us explain things better and makes it easier for the person we’re speaking with to understand.

We Learn a Little About the Workplace

If we’re approaching a business, we try to find out what they do. That way, we can think about how our skills and interests might be helpful to them. For example, if a business deals with a lot of deliveries, we might mention that we’re organized and good at sorting.

We Talk About Strengths

Instead of focusing on challenges, we talk about what we’re good at — like being dependable, friendly, or good at routines. We give real examples to show how these strengths might help at work.

We Bring Something to Leave Behind

We often bring a short profile or resume. It’s one page that describes who we are, what we enjoy, and what kind of work we’re looking for. It shows we’re serious and gives them something to remember us by.

We Practice What to Say

Before we talk to someone new, we practice. This helps build confidence and makes it easier to speak up when we’re nervous. Sometimes we write out what we want to say, so we can review it ahead of time.

We’re Ready for Questions

We think about what someone might ask and try to prepare answers. If we’ll need support on the job, we explain that clearly and let them know we have a plan — they won’t have to figure it out alone.

We Believe in the Value We Bring

It’s not always easy to hear “no,” but we try not to let that stop us. We know we have something to offer, and we remind ourselves that work is about more than money — it’s about being part of the community, learning, and growing.

We may do things differently, and that’s okay. What matters most is showing up, being proud of our abilities, and helping others see our potential.