4 Steps to Get a Job in Politics

The world of politics is one that is vast, sensitive and intimidating. Politics can turn any family dinner into a fight or easily turn a friend into a foe; however, the opportunities within the political world are endless if you decide to put your foot in the door. 

From Communications Director to Chief of Staff ; Policy Advisor to Director of Issues Management; or Speechwriter to Campaign Manager; the potential to make a career is endless.

You have the potential to advise some of the world's most powerful people, brand and develop tomorrow's leaders, and design policy that will have a lasting impact for decades to come.

The question is: How do you get a job in politics and get your foot in the door?

1. Discover Your Values and Interests

There is an old saying that 'Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything'. This adage may be even more true while trying to get a job in politics. In order for you to excel in a political job, you need to understand where you lie on the ideological scale and what issues and priorities matter most to you. 

Are you right-of-centre, left-of-centre, identify as a Conservative, Liberal, maybe even a Liberation?

Take an ideological test here to see where you are on the political compass.

Do you care about finances, agriculture, foreign affairs, gender equality, trade policy, or something else? 

These questions are all important before you try to get a job in politics because they will help you better find a job that suits you and connect with the people who can help you get in the door. When you have a job that you love, it no longer becomes a job. You also  will excel much more in a job that interests you than one that doesn't.

2. Diversify Your Skills and Knowledge

One of the common misperceptions while seeking a job in politics is thinking that you need a background in political science or public policy. 

News Flash: You don't need a political science background.

As a matter of fact, by not having a background that is purely political, you are more likely to get a job in politics as you will viewed as more diversified in skills and knowledge.

Many political leaders make their mark by rising the ranks as an average citizen, reflecting the priorities and concerns of the people they want to represent. Look to your government representatives and you will quickly notice the diverse array of backgrounds and experiences. Lawyers, doctors, small business owners, teachers, farmers, and blue-collar workers can most likely be found in your representatives. 

Political staff are no different. The more diversity of skills and knowledge you can bring outside of the political bubble the higher value you become to the job you have. Utilize these while trying to get a job in politics.

3. Improve Your Communication 

Communication is the foundation to everything we do, especially in politics. Whether it is speaking to stakeholders (there is a lot in politics), writing correspondence or developing political messages, and figuring out come to communicate with the people you want to win over, communication is critical.

A good writer can easily prove their effectiveness in communicating to a potential employer by sharing a piece of writing. It's tangible, making it easy for you to display that you have one of the most important skills in the game. Many employment opportunities will pay more attention to the piece of writing they request than the resume.

Formal communication is important; however, everyday informal communication (verbal and non-verbal) is even more important. From building relationships to pursuing your interests. Communication in so much more than speaking and writing. Dale Carnegie's How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the best selling books of all time, and for good reason. Carnegie teaches you the importance of communication and how to use it to your advantage.

Check out a great summary of How to Win Friends and Influence People here to quickly gain an understanding on the lessons of Dale Carnegie that will  help you in your personal and professional life; especially if you want to get a job in politics. 

4. Network

The most important saying in politics is 'It's not what you know, it who you know'. 

Insider Tip: The vast majority of political jobs are not posted to the general public, which is probably why you are reading this.

Almost all political jobs are posted internally, a result of headhunting, or developed from a professional relationship. In order to have access to the hidden job postings, you need to have a network who has access to the jobs and the jobs that are yet to be available.

It is vital that you take the initiative to attend various events where individuals who hold a job within the political world are, so you can build your network and explore opportunities that others are unaware of. You never know how meeting someone will help you get a job is politics.

Next Steps

If you want to get a job in politics; follow these steps. Make a plan for yourself on how you are going to meet these steps and monitor your progress. Reflection is key in any goal. Before you know it, you will find yourself working in the political world and discovering the endless potential it offers. 

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images sourced from: unsplash, university of maine