How to find and land the job of your dreams
Even in times when there are plenty of available jobs there exists stiff competition for the best positions. While you embark on a search for what will both help you pay the rent/mortgage and fulfill your desire to create change you will hear and begin to believe the expression that finding a job is a job. It is not a good job - the pay is poor, there is far too little communication with your, fingers-crossed, future employer, you have trouble seeing the impact of your work, and there is far too little praise.
There are so many aspects to being a stronger candidate for progressive leadership position that it can be hard to make sure that you have a short error-free resume, compelling, personalized cover letter, well researched questions for your interview and a comfortable way to engage people with whom you want to network. At NOI, we want you to be successful in your search for your sake and to ensure that your talent is being used by the progressive organization that could most benefit.
The resources that follow will help you better understand the field and strengthen your candidacy for the job you want.
Understanding Progressive Leadership Work
Five Reasons Why Working on a Campaign is Worse Than…
Risk and Rewards on a Campaign
Researching Progressive Leadership Opportunities
Research the Race BEFORE you Apply
Tools for the Job Search: Researching all the Opportunities in your Chosen Location
Networking
Connecting and Networking - NOI Webinar
How To Network Without Being Creepy
Networking: Is it Really All About Who You Know? Yes
Resume Writing & Cover Letter Creation
Art of Writing Cover Letters - Young People For Webinar (55 minutes)
Perfecting Your Resume - NOI Webinar (57 minutes)
Presenting Yourself on Paper: Resumes and Cover Letters
Professional Writing: Resumes and Cover Letter
Interviewing
Interview Skills - Democratic Gain Webinar (80 minutes)
Presenting Yourself in Person: Interviewing and First Impressions
General Advice
Campaign Jobs - NOI Webinar (67 minutes)
A Career in Community Organizing Becomes an Enviable Option
Land a Job on a Targeted State or Federal Legislative Race
Mastering the Job Search Process
Top Three Reasons You Can't Find a Political Job
Top 5 Mistakes that Campaign Job-Seekers Make
What is Your Boss Looking for in an Intern?
Understanding Progressive Leadership Job Titles and Roles
Can You Cut and Paste. Become a Press Assistant?
I Pity the Fool Who Works a Street Canvass
Read One-on-One Interviews with Campaigns Staff
Alan Lindquist has been working on political campaigns for over a decade and is currently a fundraiser for Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.
Lisa Bianco is the Political Director for House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.
Bill Hyers, Campaign Manager for Tom Berratt for Governor, has 20 years of experience on campaigns at the local, state and federal level.
Brian Weeks, Assistant Director for Political Action Department, AFSCME - Brian has worked in campaigns in over 20 states ranging from County Supervisor to Presidential elections.
Andy Bechhoefer, Targeting Director, Grassroots Solutions - Andy is a voter targeting expert, having worked for NCEC, the DCCC, Bradley for President and now Grassroots Solution.
Marlon Marshall, National Field Director, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee - Marlon started in started in local politics in 2004, attended an early GAIN training in Detroit and has steadily moved up the ranks as a top-notch organizer.
Matt Mansell, Executive Director, Virgina House Democratic Caucus - Matt went from working field in 2000 to the guy in responsible for inching House Democrats in Virginia to a majority.
Jim Carrol, Managing Director, Equality California - In his past life, Jim was a commercial lender at a large bank. He turned his facility with numbers and with people into a successful career in politics and policy.