atlas|gain lay of the land & job search
DESCRIPTION
Sample presentation by Democratic GAIN.TRANSCRIPT
Lay of the Land:Progressive Professional Opportunities &
Basics of Job Searching
Ashley Spillane, Executive DirectorCecili Thompson Williams, Training & Outreach Director
Working in Progressive Politics
Before You Start…Evaluate:
What did I enjoy about my last job? What did I hate? What are my skills? What do I need in my next job?
• Financial requirements• Schedule• Location• Benefits
What do I want in my next job? • More money• Additional job responsibilities• A promotion
Where do I want to be in 5 years?
Before You Start…
Research: What is the mission? Who is the leadership? What is the governing structure? Who makes decisions and how? What are the benefits? What does the position entail?
Prepare: Resume & Interview Skills
Some of Your Options
Campaigns & Elections
All of the Above:Internationally
Issue Research & Advocacy
The Administration
The Hill
Campaigns & Elections
Candidate Campaigns
Party Committees
Consulting Firms
Labor Organizations
Progressive Ally Organizations
Candidate
Kitchen Cabinet/Donors Campaign Manager
Finance Director
Finance Assistants
Field Director
Regional Field Directors
Field Organizers
Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers
Administrative Staff/ Scheduler
Administrative Assistants
Communications Director
Press Secretary
Communications Staff
New Media
Research Director
Research Staff
Trackers
Consultants
Consulting Firms
Labor Organizations
The Hill Senator / Representative
Chief of Staff / Admin
Asst.
Legislative Director
Legislative Assistant
Legislative Corresponde
nt
Intern
Press Secretary
SchedulerStaff
Assistant
Intern
District Office(s)
Legislative Assistant
Legislative Corresponde
nt
Intern
The Administration
Career Political Appointment
Issue Research & Advocacy
Think Tanks
Public Advocacy
Issue Advocacy
Think Tanks
Public Advocacy
Issue Specific GroupsHuman Rights
Women Issues
LGBTQ
Development & Education
Environmental
International Work
Preparing Your Resume
Basic Resume Content1. CONTACT INFORMATION
Name, Address, Phone Number, Professional Email Address
Objective (Not necessary, helpful for career switchers)
2. EXPERIENCE Highlights
Professional Experience
Education (Post High School only)
3. SKILLS Additional Qualifications: Computer Skills, Language Skills,
Research/Writing Experiences, Training/Public Speaking Skills
Trainings: GAIN, Wellstone Action!, etc.
You Should….
Tailor your resume to the position/organization Keep it short
1 page (10 years work experience or less) 2 pages (10-20 years work experience) 3 pages (20+ years work experience)
List job title, employer, dates worked & location
Fact check yourself Keep it clean, concise and reflective of your
experience
Best Practices
Highlight accomplishments vs. tasks you performed Use action verbs to describe responsibilities &
experience Wrote, managed, researched, directed, oversaw,
coordinated, produced, increased, implemented Use numbers to quantify experience
“Managed a team of 3 interns and more than 20 volunteers over a three week period.”
“Directed GOTV effort and increased turnout by 15% over previous election year”
Getting it Out There
Send as a PDF
Address to a specific person at the organization, if possible
Include a cover letter
Make sure all of your documents match
Name the files appropriately!
Good Examples:Smith, John Resume.pdf
John Smith Resume.pdf
Bad Examples:My resume.doc
Political resume.pdf Resume12.doc
Writing A Cover Letter
Begin by addressing to someone specific. Find out who will read your letter. If you don’t know, use “To Whom It May Concern.”
Then, three Sections:
1. Express interest, specify the job you’re applying for and describe how you heard about the job.
2. Provide professional highlights that are relevant to the specific job. Don’t repeat your resume!
3. Explain why you’re interested in this specific job and why you’re the best fit.
Application Package
• Be consistent across all your documents.
• Read the requirements before submitting application package. Make sure you follow all instructions carefully.
• Double check your files on more than one system to catch any formatting errors.
Finding a Job
Finding a Job
National membership association providing training & support for progressive professionals & organizations.
Join to GAIN access to all the benefits we offer, including: Job Board & Career Counseling Talent Bank & Hiring Assistance Training & Certifications Networking Opportunities
Join the free JobsThatAreLEFT listserv for daily job updates!
Additional Resources
LISTSERVS: NOI EMILY’s List Tom Manatos Grassroots Solutions
NETWORKS: LinkedIn Facebook Twitter
JOB BOARDS: Idealist.org Unionjobs.com WorkForCongress.com Brad Traverse HillZoo.com The Hill Roll Call Politico DSCC DCCC DLCC
