Are you looking to start a career in Capitol Hill? Working on the Hill can be very rewarding, but it’s important to have a strategy in place to make sure you can land the right job. To help, here are five tips for your job search journey.
Tip 1: Think About Your Geographic Ties
The first step in finding a job on Capitol Hill is to consider your geographic ties. Ask yourself questions such as where have I lived and worked? Where did I go to college? What kind of experience do I have working in different states? Knowing the members of Congress from states you have strong connections to can be beneficial as you search for jobs.
Tip 2: Choose Your Issue
It’s also key to determine what issues you are passionate about and research the committees of jurisdiction that deal with those topics. This includes both the House Energy and Commerce health sub-committee and the Ways and Means committee, as well as Senate Finance, Veterans Affairs, Armed Services, Appropriations, Budget or Judiciary (for criminal justice reform). Once you understand which committees are relevant to the issues you care about, it’s easier to narrow down your search and target members with relevance to your interests.
Tip 3: Identify Your Target Members
Once you have identified which committees are important for the issue(s) you care about, identify the target House and Senate members who sit on those committees. Make sure they represent states in which you have geographic ties. Aim to select no more than 25 House members, five senators and three committees in both chambers.
Tip 4: Prepare Your Materials
Having the right materials ready is essential for success. Start by making sure your LinkedIn photo looks professional and that your profile is up-to-date with relevant experience. Make sure you also have a resume highlighting Hill-related experience and committees in which you have an interest.
Tip 5: Reach Out Strategically
Once your materials are ready, focus on the outreach script. It’s important to not ask people about openings or interviews right away – instead, it’s best to ask if you can get their wisdom and meet with them to learn more about congressional service. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and make a good impression.
By following these tips, you will be on the right path toward starting a career on Capitol Hill. If you need help with developing your resume, LinkedIn profile or outreach script, visit TimeonTheHill.com for more advice and resources to get started. Good luck!