Job Search Tips for Political Appointees

If you’re a political appointee about to lose your job with the change in presidential administration, I feel you. I was in your shoes 16 years and 4 presidential transitions ago. Perhaps you’ve already sorted your next steps, but if not, here are a few tips for the next 6 weeks and beyond:?

This month:?

• Update your resume with your proudest accomplishments during your time as an appointee.
• Start to formulate your plan. What paths make most sense based on your background? What employers and roles are the best fit? Since the job market is tight right now, you’ll have best success with a traditional move, one where the recruiter who looks at your resume would view you as highly qualified for the role. If you’re looking to make a pivot, see the tips below.?
• Network in an organic fashion. While organizations may slow their hiring efforts during the holiday season, there are countless holiday events where you can network in a low-key way. Whether it’s a work-related holiday party, your kid’s school event, a neighborhood gathering, or an extended family celebration, look for opportunities to dig deeper with acquaintances who could be helpful with your search.?
• Enjoy your time with friends & family. Do things you love that energize you and help you think creatively about your career.

Next month & beyond:

• Get in the right frame of mind. Acknowledge that job searches are a rollercoaster for almost everyone. They require consistent hard work and have a lot of emotional ups and downs. If you don’t have immediate financial pressures, give yourself some grace to conduct the search at a pace that won’t exhaust you.?
• Polish up your LinkedIn profile. Is it updated with your most recent experience, accomplishments, & skills? Does your photo need a refresh? Are there people you’ve worked with who you might want to ask for a recommendation? Turn on your #opentowork tag and be forthright about what you’re seeking.?
• Activate your search. Set goals for your daily or weekly search activities. How many roles do you want to apply to each week? How many conversations do you want to have? Human connection is always the most fruitful search activity, but even more so in a tight job market. If you don’t know anyone at your desired employer, reach out to someone on LinkedIn to let them know you applied. That someone could be the person who appears to be the hiring manager or recruiter for the role, or a fellow alumni of a school you attended or company where you worked. Track all your opportunities & contacts in a spreadsheet and follow up on a regular basis.

Pivot tips:?

• Start with research, both online and in exploratory conversations. What are the career pivots you’re interested in? What’s required of those roles? Who do you know in them? Reach out to people you know (and those you don’t via LinkedIn) to learn more.?
• Evaluate the gaps between your experience and what you want to do. What would you need to do to close the gaps? Are you up for that challenge?
• Grow your network in that space. That will help you gather information about your desired field, and it will also be the most likely path to a successful transition.?

If you need help, reach out to me about my career coaching services. I’d be happy to support you. You can set up a time for a free discovery call with me here:?https://calendly.com/janaegravitz/30-min-discovery-call