Alexandra Acker-Lyons - The Political Ladder: Insider Tips on Getting a Job in Politics

Copyright Alexandra Acker-Lyons 2012
All rights reserved.

ISBN-10: 0615604811
EAN 13: 9780615604817
eBook ISBN: 978-1-62345-654-2

Thank you, first of all, to my husband and fellow (former) hack, Jonathan Lyons. He encouraged me to write this book and provided editorial assistance along the way. Most importantly, he encourages me every day in everything.

How can someone sum up the impact their parents have had on their personal and professional development? I simply could not ask for more from my parents, Sherry Nay Acker and Edward Acker, who instilled liberal values and intellectual curiosity in me from birth. I also thank my sisters, Amanda and Laurel, as well as the Lyons family, for their love and support.

I owe a huge thank you to Gayle Laakmann McDowell, author of The Google Resume and Cracking the Coding Interview , and founder of CareerCup.com . She not only helped inspire this book but walked me through the entire publishing process, providing much needed advice and friendship along the way. I would also like to thank my editor and good friend, Lauren Rubino, for her meticulous eye and perfect grammar, as well as my sister-in-law, Sara Myer, who provided a much needed final read-through.

Thank you to many, many friends and former co-workers who contributed anonymously. And, for their wonderful contributions, I sincerely thank: Christy Agner; Georgie Aguirre-Sacasa; Patrick Baskette; Mike Berkowitz; Jennie Blackton; Heather Booth; Jackie Bray; Eli Bryan Center; Amy K. Dacey; Keya Dannenbaum; Addisu Demissie; Jean Doyle; Nikki Enfield; Rebecca Epstein; Donnie Fowler; Laura Fruge; Mag Gottlieb; Jill Habig; Jasper L. Hendricks, III; Erin Hofteig; Carrie James; Anne Johnson; Eric J. Jones; Amy Keegan; Lisa Kohnke; Justin Krebs; Paul Lhevine; Tom Manatos; Alicia Menendez; Tyler Mounsey; Tracy Nagelbush; Erik Olson; Julie Philp; Jason Cabel Roe; Glen Roth; Emmy Ruiz; Mike Shields; Jamal Simmons; Matt Singer; Jessica Smith; Hailey Snow; Michelle Study; Neera Tanden; Jay Vincent; Simone L. Ward; Nick Warshaw; Adam Weiss; CR Wooters; and Hayley Zachary. Your tips and advice make this book so much more meaningful and your friendship over the years has made my career so much more fun!

A few words about Democratic GAIN

After the 2002 elections, some very smart people got together to try and help the great unemployed masses. Led by the amazing Amy Pritchard, they put on a job fair during a snowstorm. This morphed into a full-fledged organization called Democratic GAIN. GAIN was created as the membership association for progressive political professionals, providing the support network needed to navigate this transient field.

At the height of the 2004 elections, GAIN trained thousands of people at the Democratic National Convention and cities across the country. Since then, GAIN has changed with the times to become the resource for politicos looking for a job and career enhancement. GAIN finds and trains political talent and matches them to the campaigns and organizations that need their expertise.

I would have had a far less successful and fulfilling career without Amy Pritchards mentoring and support. Simone Ward was more than a boss but a friend. I worked with and wish to thank Sasha Bruce, Nikki Enfield, Eric J. Jones, Katie Fowler Monoc, Josh Grossfeld, Staci Haag, Alexander Lewy, Sarah Scanlon, Seth Tanner, and Jennifer Waldman; many others also helped make GAIN the incredible organization it is today. Emily Lamia, my talented, tireless Deputy Director took over as Executive Director in 2011 and GAIN is reaching new heights under her fantastic leadership.

I am so proud to have been part of Democratic GAIN and I owe them a huge debt for aiding me professionally and personally. Learn more at democraticgain.org .

CONTENTS

Introduction:
Who is this book for and how can it help you?

Executive Assistant to Executive Office:
Types of Political Jobs

Getting Noticed: Cover Letters,
Writing Samples, and References

INTRODUCTION: WHO IS THIS BOOK
FOR AND HOW CAN IT HELP YOU?

Working in politics is rewarding and fulfilling, tough and exciting. You work at the epicenter of political and economic power. Decisions you make can change the course of history.

You need to love it; the lifestyle is too tough otherwise. Heather Booth, an incredible political organizer and mentor of many says, Follow your passion. Organizing for change has so many rewards in the change it can bring in society and in you. But the work can be so demanding that if you dont love it, over time, seek out the work you love.

Climbing the political ladder has more than its fair share of ups and downs candidates who make you crazy, losing elections, unemployment, legislative battles that go on for years, long hours for little money, a diet of donuts and pizza. If this is starting to sound exciting, youve found the right career.

How Can I Help?

I wish Id known Friends, co-workers, mentees, people I interviewed, even political veterans all said this to me when I told them the premise of this book. Ive spent much of my career helping others find jobs in politics, whether formally through two stints at Democratic GAIN, or informally as a connector and mentor. Ive seen hundreds of resumes and cover letters. Through these roles and having run two national political organizations, I know what employers are looking for.

If you want to dedicate yourself to public service or work for a cause or candidate you believe in, this book is for you. Anyone who has worked in politics knows how tough it can beboth getting the job and figuring out what comes next. Its a transient field with a lot of turnover. In an industry where its not just what you know but who you know, being a newbie can be tough and intimidating. Its important to understand all of the political opportunities before you, whether you are interested in working on campaigns for an elected official, or an organization involved with an issue you care about. Are you starting off as an entry-level staffer, coming in as an expert, or switching careers entirely? Ill address how to prepare as a college student or career switcher specifically but there are tips in here that will help anyone at any point in their career or job search. Ill walk you through how to find your first job, how to land your dream job, and everything in between.