For many college students around the country, working on Capitol Hill is a dream job. Because there are a lot of job seekers who feel the same way, landing a job in Washington D.C. is highly competitive. When you’re up against so many other applicants, having the right mindset gives you the edge. Here are a few ways you can demonstrate a mindset that fits well into Washington D.C.
Be ready for the fast-paced environment. When you work on Capitol Hill, you should prepare to have a quick mindset. Hiring managers are eager to hire someone who already has their footing when it comes to how to get around Washington. Completing an internship before you land your first job is an excellent way to do this because the internship exposes you to how Washington works. You’ll have the most success if you mentally prepare yourself that your days could definitely be hectic.
Be a jack-of-all-trades. Lawmakers have many tasks to accomplish on any given day and need a staff to help them achieve their goals. They need help with researching legislation and tracking its progress, communicating with constituents, the media, and the outside world, composing their speeches, general correspondence, and coordinating meeting with the White House and other federal agencies. When lawmakers are busy, it helps if they have people on their staff who can jump in and help wherever possible. So, having the mindset that you will continually broaden your skillset and pitch in where needed is important for Washington D.C.
Be convincing. A lot of what takes place on Capitol Hill involves convincing someone else of your ideas. The role of a lobbyist is one example of this as their objective is to influence the political decisions for organizations or individuals. A few examples of special interests they may represent include labor unions and big corporations, activist organizations, and trade groups. Even if you’re not a lobbyist, if an employer witnesses you have a negotiator mindset, you’re likely to go far in Washington D.C.
Another mindset that helps you find a job is to always be networking. Washington D.C. is a big place but very connected. Keep an open mind that you could be finding your next job at any point or in anyone you meet. Start volunteering or looking for that internship early on to have the best chance of standing out among the competition. Finally, remain patient if you don’t land a job right away because for many, securing a job on Capitol Hill will take time.
Comments