Starting at the age of seven I have been giving in my community through volunteerism and internships to gain work experience; however now I am seeking employment with the organizations as well as political candidates I am not a hire able candidate. Yet I continue to receive recommendations, community awards, favorable publicity, ect. Since the organizations nor political candidates appear to not want to hire me, What should be my next steps with these organizations including political candidates?

10 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 24,2024 at 9:19PM UTC

   There's not enough info in this post to respond. Are you getting interviews but not getting hired? Do you meet all the requirements like having a degree, previous experience in politics or years of experience?

   While I love all the recommendations, community awards and favorable publicity, if that's not what they're after, you're out of luck.

   What are these organizations and politicians telling you? Are you a Democrat applying for Republican roles, for instance? Are you asking for constructive feedback after interviews, asking if there are any gaps in your application that give the hiring manager pause?

   I work in politics and can give you more actionable advice of you provide additional detail.

2. AnonymousJuly 24,2024 at 10:09PM UTC

   Thank you for your response. Appreciate it. To answer your question I am a Republican who has applied to Republican jobs in the political space. However I am from California.

   While in advocacy space I have been volunteering with organizations such as the American Heart Association. I have applied to jobs with advocacy organizations I have had over a decade of community partnerships with.

   Please excuse my vagueness. To name some my accomplishments I have previously interned for the White House, a movie star Governor , Congress including a U.S. Senate Committee, handful of federal agencies including EEOC. Education wise I graduated from the same college as former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Additionally I happen to be a minority female.

3. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 1:58AM UTC

   To answer your question, These organizations have implied I am not minority enough and the politicians have their hands tied because the politicians owe other interests. Have received some most recent feedback that it would be helpful if I were located in D.C. However at this time because of circumstances beyond my control I must remain in the Sacramento area. I can work remotely and travel as necessary to D.C. and/or other areas as needed.

4. AnonymousJuly 24,2024 at 10:41PM UTC

   Since these organizations don't appear to want to hire you, I would lean on your network to help make introductions and recommendations. That is your leverage. Use it.

5. AnonymousJuly 25,2024 at 12:46AM UTC

   I know it's hard, but not being selected for a job is usually not personal; it can't be if they don't know you. Exception-discrimination.

   Are you getting interviews? If not, get help on re-writing your resume. Practice answers to potential interview questions. You can't rest on what you acheived as a volunteer. This might be the perfect time to apply for jobs or volunteer on a campaign to get some real political experience. It might make them "want to hire you."

6. AnonymousJuly 25,2024 at 1:04PM UTC

   Why are you not hireable? Did you make this determination because you have not yet found a position or did someone tell you this?

   Honestly, I think everyone is hireable... but you may need to rethink your job opportunities... aim lower or just in a different direction.

7. AnonymousJuly 25,2024 at 4:21PM UTC

   "...not a hire able candidate " I'm not clear on what that means. Why not?

8. AnonymousJuly 26,2024 at 2:24PM UTC

   I'm not sure why you're not hire-able. Did someone tell you that or did you assume because you haven't found a job there yet? If someone told you - or if you assumed- find someone influential there (a manager or in charge of hiring) then say you'd like to work for them and ask what would make you a desirable candidate. Take their feedback. --come prepared with reasons why you'd be an asset, but really, listen to what they say they need. If you have it, let them know. If you don't, perhaps you can find a way to learn it--or just know it's not a good fit. Their feedback will either be helpful info (to help you work there, or get training, etc.) or it won't be helpful---and if that happens, please consider how much time you give volunteering. A career coach once told me to be mindful how much time, attention, and energy I give to something/someone that doesn't rejuvenate me (pouring from an empty cup into an empty well).

   Also, if someone told you you're not hire-able and their feedback is not helpful, please know that some organizations just don't see volunteers as potential staff. It's horrible, but it can happen.

   Regardless, that doesn't mean you have to stop volunteering (though understandable if you may want to pull back). Take those awards and recommendations and use them to your advantage. Promote yourself. Add them as references or items on your resume and job seeking profiles [e.g. Linkedin]. Perhaps some of your allies will offer training or tips. You never know. Once people know what you're seeking (e.g. job or more experience to get a job), I bet someone will help you. And, you can move forward in that new direction.

   Best of luck.
   Leah

9. AnonymousJuly 28,2024 at 10:08PM UTC

   Keep applying and broaden your search. Your internships and awards suggest that you are an excellent candidate.

   You state that you are not hireable. Why not? If you lack one or more important credentials, how can you acquire these?

   The most important thing: don’t give up.

10. AnonymousSeptember 19,2024 at 1:53AM UTC

    Please excuse my delayed response. Thank you for your response. Wanted to provide an update I am continuing to look for employment in the legislative/ advocacy space. Have been a member of a couple of Women's Republican groups for over a decade in Sacramento and Placer Counties. Additionally, I was an intern for the California Republican Party and RNC over a decade ago and interned for two State Senators in high school at the California State Capitol.