The 2020 presidential candidates’ policy positions are so different that a one-size-fits-all application for the Presidential Appointee positions will be unsuccessful, according to The Resume Place. Aspirants must customize their resume and cover letter for this elaborate and partisan job application process.
Tips on Biden-Harris Presidential Appointee Hiring Resources (prweb.com), Nov. 25, 2020
Presidential Appointee Tracker ⋅ Partnership for Public Service, Dec. 15, 2020
Review the 2016 Plum Book (latest edition) for your presidential appointee job now!
With the election just weeks away and polls tight, this historic, contentious election between starkly contrasting presidential candidates has grabbed the attention of a nation polarized between Former Vice President Joe Biden and President Donald Trump. The campaign also has piqued the interest of thousands of professionals who aspire to presidential appointee jobs and the policy positions that will be announced in the 2020 Plum Book later this year. Here are valuable tips if you are interested in landing one of these positions.
1. Choose a Presidential Candidate and Work Hard for Their Campaign
NOTE IF PRESIDENT TRUMP WINS: If President Trump wins, there may NOT be any presidential appointees, although some of the current presidential appointees may retire.
NOTE IF JOE BIDEN WINS: All of the 7,000+ presidential appointee jobs will be open!
Aspiring appointees should dedicate 100 percent of their efforts to that campaign. “Research the campaign and reach out – there’s no excuse for not doing this,” says David Eagles, former Director of the Center for Presidential Transition at the nonprofit Partnership for Public Service in Washington, D.C., in an exclusive interview with Resume Place, Inc..
“Going all out for one candidate is a virtual requirement to establish loyalty,” says Eagles, who has been appointed to serve under both Republican and Democratic presidents, an unusual distinction. In the process, would-be appointees can keep an eye out for a sponsor to support their eventual applications for jobs in the next White House administration.
2. If Joe Biden Wins, Target Jobs from the Plum Book
Study the United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions, commonly called the Plum Book, and target relevant cabinet departments, agencies, or other Federal government units, as well as functional roles and subject-matter areas. Do networking and research to determine whether those positions are likely to reappear in the Plum Book’s 2020 edition, which should appear before the year’s end. Just as in the private sector, government reorganizations can move positions or eliminate them. “Expect about 7,000 political appointees in the next presidential administration,” Eagles says.
Read the Partnership for Public Service press release Center for Presidential Transition Gears Up for the 2020 Election. Sign up for the Center for Presidential Transition newsletter. Review the Center for Presidential Transition website managed by the Partnership for Public Service Center.
3. Update Your Social Media Profile to Reflect Candidate Loyalty
It’s important to update one’s online presence with both professional accomplishments and political activities, from working the phones at a campaign office to volunteering for a higher level role in the candidate’s organization.
4. Prepare a Resume and Cover Letter Customized for a Presidential Appointment
Successful candidates for presidential appointments will prepare key application materials well in advance of the general election. “Draft a two- or three-page resume that speaks to your expertise, leadership, loyalty to your candidate, and political savvy,” says Kathryn Troutman, President of Resume Place, Inc., which has been providing resume and cover-letter preparation services to aspiring presidential appointees for more than 40 years. “Your cover letter should address the presidential recruitment committee and build a bridge between your professional experience and the specific appointment you seek.”
5. Show Loyalty by Working for the Candidate Day and Night
Burn the midnight oil campaigning for the candidate every day until election day, November 3. Learn about the structure of the candidate’s organization, and connect with players relevant to the presidential appointment process.
6. Fine-Tune the Presidential Appointment Resume and Cover Letter
As soon as the 2020 Plum Book is published, revise the draft resume and cover letter to precisely target the desired position.
“You’ll probably submit the job application through your congressman or senator,” says Troutman.
If you need help with your presidential appointment resume and cover letter, click here to contact us about our expert services.
Trump Administration Resume / Application Page: Click Here.
NOTE: Resume Place Writers will NOT write a first draft of any presidential appointee application.
You must write the first draft of the resume, objectives, and cover letter.
We will edit and target the content toward a specific Plum Book position.
