We find ourselves in the musical chairs period between election cycles when campaigns wind down, official offices staff up, and leadership in key organizations turns over. This uncertainty can cause major anxiety for political professionals, but knowing that this is a normal part of the cycle and following these suggestions will help you navigate your way to your next role.
Don’t Panic
Easier said than done, I know, especially when you’re wondering how to pay the bills. I remember one stressful period in my career where I was anxious to land a campaign job but I held out to find the right fit. It was the right move because that campaign lasted longer than the other opportunities.
Nowadays, project based work or the gig economy makes it easier than ever to bridge gaps in employment. Remember, even Speaker Paul Ryan was a server at a restaurant for a time in his career.
Network With Friends Of Friends
Research shows that “weak connections” – friends of friends – are key for helping job seekers find new employment. So catching up with former colleagues is good, but connecting with the people they know that you don’t is more effective at reaching outside of your network.
Look for people you may know on LinkedIn that have about 10 mutual connections. Your existing contacts can provide warm introductions and your new contact may be aware of opportunities outside of your network.
Prepare To Make A Cycle-long Commitment
Politics is a relationship driven industry and loyalty matters. When you sign on with a campaign or other political organization, you should be prepared to stay until the end. Leaving mid-cycle can put your whole team at a disadvantage as they scramble to replace you.
Be Patient
Your timeline for finding a new job isn’t always the same as a campaign, PAC, or party committee. You can drive yourself crazy wondering why you’re not hearing about a job or getting an interview when the reality is that other matters take priority.
A key part of political leadership is cashflow management and sometimes hiring decisions are delayed as a result.
Conclusion
Unlike other careers where there’s a steady, continuous path to promotion, in politics the journey can be disjointed, but know that everyone you look up to has been in this same situation between cycles. Stay calm, grow your network, and be patient enough to make the right choice.
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