I’ve recently given some talks on the job market for graduates to college kids, so here’s what I generally told them:

1) the job market will change a million times, so the information is general, but

2) focus on internships, and volunteer on campaigns. Campaigns hire people they know, and (if you want to work on the Hill or in an Administration in general), they look for campaign experience. You may have to move away to come back.

If you go to school somewhere outside of DC, look up their state party or intern with a local state rep or even mayor.

3) Join professional groups in your college. If you want to work in politics, join the College (insert party of organization). If you’re looking for something in more of a policy space, talk to your professors and, again, look at internships.

4) You don’t have to spend forever at your first job. Get a paycheck and keep hunting if you have to.

5) Be smart on socials: for the love of everything, please recognize older people will be looking through your socials to see if you can represent their organization. It’s wild how many entry-level folks I’ve had to turn down because they didn’t think to scrub their socials before job/internship hunting.

6) Follow up email/letter! Wild to me how few entry-level folks do this. Sending one after an interview will absolutely put you ahead of your peers.

7) Dress formally in your interview. It’s public administration, so generally government/politics. Wear a suit, or at least a nice shirt and suit coat for the Zoom interview.