During my two decades as a corporate communication trainer, in the mid-1990s, the term “seamless solution” emerged. It spread like wildfire through a drought until practically every client was offering a “seamless solution” for something. It mostly had to do with integrating briskly developing technology which challenged every company.

The “seamless solution” could be stitched into a customer’s core competencies so intricately no one would ever notice the seam. The homegrown concept of sewing, within the analogy, made the complex understood quickly. The alliteration made it even more memorable. Today, you still hear companies touting “solutions” to problems customers pay millions to solve. But “seamless” is mostly gone, tired and overused.

Which brings us to the word “problem.” I often advise against use of this word in favor of “challenge,” which carries the connotation of something that can be solved…a positive. But in English grammar, we have the phenomenon of the double negative theoretically equaling a positive, thus the emergence of the term “no problem” to mean all is well. This term started on the U.S. coasts and gradually migrated to the Midwest almost 10 years ago, where it has remained ubiquitous, like a bad virus.

Here’s the problem with “no problem.” Imagine I walk into a Mobil Mart for a cup of coffee – find the cup, choose the type of coffee, press the levers for cream or flavoring, add sweetener, affix the right size top, slide on the cardboard heat shield and take my fabulous creation to the checkout counter. I offer my two bucks, receive my quarter back and say, “Thank you.” “No problem” is the response. As I turn to leave, what is the last word I heard? “Problem.” So am I to assume that simply because I chose to walk into that establishment and spend my money, which pays the cashier’s salary, he might possibly have thought in advance I might be a problem to him? Wouldn’t the better response to my “Thank you” be “You’re welcome”? Then, what is the last word I heard? Now, as the customer, would I rather be a “problem” or “welcome”? Have no doubt that feeling counts, and the more recent Australian version, “no worries” is no substitute. “You’re welcome” will always be the “seamless solution” to “no problem” by far.

Winter break is a time of new beginnings. College applicants seeking merit scholarships will soon face critical interviews that could mean the difference between no help, or $400,000 – a four-year free ride, including internships – and everything in between. College juniors will seek summer internships, while seniors will write that first critical resume for employment. No pressure here, folks!

For all of these groups, I have one message: Have a message! You need to state clearly who you are, and what you can offer as a citizen of the world. You cannot start an effective resume or prepare for any interview without contemplating this central truth first. It is the engine without which the car doesn’t start. Daunting? Yes. Just ask the 55-year-old suddenly facing downsizing and job hunting again. Writing possibly his first new resume in 30 years, he must answer again, “What do I bring to the table?”

The answer requires you to step out of your own shoes, and look at what’s on that table where you seek a seat. What does this scholarship committee want? Excellence, of course, but in what? Leadership? Community Service? Sports?

And how do the qualities they seek blend in priority? They tell you in what they publish on websites, so doing your research is critical. The same is true with job hunting. According to a recent Accountemps survey of 1,000 senior managers, the most common mistake candidates make during job interviews is that they don’t know enough about the company. If, 10 minutes into the interview, they ask you, “What’s our stock price today?” and you don’t know, the interview may continue, but your chance is essentially over.

I see this repeatedly in my practice. Emerging professionals often do not read the job descriptions in their fields in detail. These descriptions are legal statements worthy of attention, before you attempt a resume, cover letter or seek a “meet and greet” at a college career fair.

So this winter break, reflect on who you are and what you have to offer to a potential decision-maker. Think of solid examples that prove what you can do. Discuss this with family and friends who know you well. Grandparents are especially insightful; they’ve been through it all. Then, we write your resume and prepare for that interview with purpose clear – with a message the world will want to hear.