Capitol Talent Blog

Serious, and sometimes humorous, advice from a real-life intern

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 14:30:00 EST

News Article from: Caleb Parke

I have reached the inevitable point of no return at which everyone asks, “Are you ready for school?” and “How was your summer?” Both questions cause a flood of emotions for me.

It has been humbling and crazy – a summer like no other. I traded sleep, exercise, and healthy eating to maximize my time in the nation’s capital, where there is always an event waiting for an RSVP. Was it worth the sacrifice? Without a doubt, it was. So, what have I learned this summer?

Embrace Your Network

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:00:00 EST

News Article from: Emily Miller

We’ve all heard it: "D.C. is built on networking!" But my first few [forced] networking events in D.C. made for painful memories. Thrown into a room full of people I had never met, I would work up the courage to talk to one or two attendees before making a beeline for the refreshments and enjoying a few moments of refuge. When you hear the word "networking," is this the type of experience that comes to mind? Attending events in D.C. and meeting new people is important (and, trust me, it gets easier!), but there’s more to building a network than simply adding new people to it. Your network is already larger than you think.

Networking for Success: Get Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 10:10:00 EST

News Article from: Caleb Parke

Just like a Jillian Michaels workout, networking can be tough. Similar to staying in shape, your network is something that can whittle away if you don't actively work at it. And if you're anything like me, networking does not come naturally. I used to be extremely shy, and I didn't see myself ever changing. But I have changed, and so can you! Here are some tips I've found helpful in maximizing my networking skills.

Get the most out of ConservativeJobs.com

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:50:00 EST

News Article from: Kelly Cassara

ConservativeJobs.com is known for its wide variety of new employment opportunities posted daily. You can peruse hundreds of available jobs and internships in non-profits, communications, broadcast media, public policy, or on Capitol Hill. But are you aware of the other ways ConservativeJobs.com can assist you in your job search? Learn how to take advantage of all the site has to offer by following these five steps.

Seven Ways to Fight the Jobseeker Blues

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

News Article from: Laci Lawrence

Are you one of the thousands of people looking for a job right now?  Have you sent out countless resumes into the seeming black hole of the job market?  Have you felt great about a job interview but never heard back from the employer?  If so, you might find some comforting words and encouraging ideas in this blog entry from my own experience.  Check out these tips to tide you over until you finally do receive those elusive words, “You’ve got the job.”

New Year, New Job Search: Attend a Career Fair

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

News Article from: Kelly Cassara

With the start of 2012, now is the time to finally follow through on your New Year’s resolutions.  And if you are unemployed or wanting to make a change, finding a new career may be your most important goal this year.

In conjunction with your personal job search, your next best bet at landing a position is to look for career fairs within your local community.  The Leadership Institute is hosting the CPAC 2012 Job and Internship Fair this Saturday, February 11, bringing you face-to-face with recruiters from top conservative organizations based in the D.C. area and beyond.

What Recruiters Want: Tackling the Toughest Interview Questions

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST

News Article from: Laci Lawrence

You made it.  Your resume and cover letter were perfect, and now you are sitting in the hot seat at the office of your dreams.  No pressure, but things can all go south in a matter of minutes if you haven’t prepared for difficult interview questions.

What Not to Do: Career Search/Interview Bloopers

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST

News Article from: Laci Lawrence

It’s time for a little tough love to current job seekers.  Some people have excellent resumes, cover letters, and interviewing skills, and some do not.  I have compiled a list of absolute, never ever, do not’s for your job search.  The tips may seem like no-brainers, but pay attention to each of them to make sure your resume doesn’t end up as a paper airplane cruising your dream job’s office.

So You Didn't Get the Job?

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:00:00 EST

News Article from: Laci Lawrence

If you’re reading this, you have probably felt the disappointment and frustration that occurs when you do not get the callback or receive the dreaded “Thank you for applying…blah, blah…but no” letter from the job you really wanted.   Sometimes the interview went okay and sometimes the interview was the best you could imagine.  In either scenario, the answer is the same: No thank you.

Preparing for the Interview

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

News Article from: Laci Lawrence

Congratulations!  You received the call from your dream job company, and they want to interview you in a week.  After the celebratory victory dance, which is merited, since you probably made the cut from a much larger pool of candidates, it’s time to think about the interview. 