Tips and resources

These guides provide advice on crucial topics for pursuing US policy careers, like expanding your professional network, building policy-relevant skills, and getting a security clearance.

Networking in policy

Policy careers are highly network-driven. Networking is a learnable skill and developing a strong network helps you get valuable advice, hear of relevant job openings, be successful when you apply, and have an impact on the job.

Policy skills

Policy work requires a diverse set of skills, depending on the specific role. This article explains which skills and traits are most essential for success in policy careers, and how to develop them.

Security clearances

Government jobs typically require a security clearance, especially in national security. This article provides advice on how to improve your chances and speed up the future clearance process.

Partisan affiliation

Certain activities can tag you as partisan, like volunteering for a campaign, or donating to political candidates. This article advises on the potential impacts of partisan affiliations on your policy career.

Policy resumes

This guide explains how to write a resume for US policy roles (e.g. Congress, think tanks, state legislatures), including advice on resume formatting, content, and writing.

Policy cover letters

Learn how to craft effective cover letters for federal and state policy roles with advice on formatting, content selection, and writing techniques.

Using LinkedIn for policy roles

Learn how to effectively use LinkedIn to build your professional network and identify and pursue policy-focused roles.

Pitching yourself in policy contexts

Learn how to create and adapt your personal “pitch” in policy settings, from happy hours to informational interviews.

Publishing in policy outlets

Learn how to publish short, policy pieces in public outlets—including choosing your topic, article type, and outlet. Publishing articles can help you shape policy debates and build your credentials and reputation.

Career profiles

In these profiles, policy practitioners working in emerging technology policy share details about their career journey, offer advice, and recommend resources.

Policy career resources

This page contains a collection of resources on US policy careers, including articles, books, newsletters, podcasts, and more. It has both career-specific resources and topic-specific resources.