Enjoy the 22Q with Jarrett Ray, Director of Online Fundraising at The Prosper Group.The 22Q is an informal interview series (archives here) with young conservatives, connected to LI, who are working in the public policy process. The 22 questions ask them to explain what they do, and how they see politics and the next generation of the conservative movement. Their opinions are their own, and are not endorsed by the Leadership Institute.---Part 1: What I doHow I describe my job in 10 wordsDeveloping and executing online fundraising plans for GOP candidates and organizationsMy day-to-day at work...in three sentencesI spend the majority of my time writing and designing emails, online ads, and websites. A team of designers and developers helps me bring these ideas to life.I oversee an account manager and intern who mock up and execute online campaigns faster than most staffers can say social media.I couldn't do my job withoutA to-do list. My obsession with to-do lists is a running joke in my office. I've literally used a napkin in order to stay organized.Most important moment in my career (so far)Consulting on Mitt Romney's email prospecting effortsUnexpected skill that has helped me the mostA sense of adventure. I've been on the ground with political campaigns in six states and worked on races in dozens of others. Every campaign is an opportunity to learn about local issues and meet new people.The best advice I have receivedRather than ask questions first, always try your best to figure it out. Part 2: PoliticsThe biggest change I've seen already in politicsThe explosive change in public opinion polls on gay marriage is fascinating. I remember in 2006 when Virginia Republicans placed a marriage amendment on the November ballot as a way to help George Allen's reelection campaign. There is a lot to be learned in how gay rights activists pulled it off.The element of working in politics that most surprised meEveryone says time management is really important. They're right.The most important issue many don't see yetState and local Republicans have increasingly published back against the federal government's largesse. I think you will see a push toward more local control as a way to counter Washington overreach.Where I think the movement will be in five yearsThis is more of a trend, but online/mobile advertising will be more important than TV ads.How I formed my political beliefsI'm naturally conservative, but my activism was sparked in college in reaction to a professor who graded me down for taking a conservative stance on an opinion paper. The situation caused me to dive into political philosophy classes and take a leadership role in College Republicans. Part 3: The next generationWhat I'd say to my 18-year-old selfYou don't need to be a political science major to work in politics. You will get all the experience you need volunteering on a campaign or interning for your local state senator.(For the record, I double-majored in college and graduated with degrees in Political Science and Philosophy.)Skill or experience I'd recommend students get nowHone your writing skills now. The ability to effectively communicate opens up a lot of doors.To gain experience, write op-eds for your college paper or volunteer on a campaign and offer to assist with their social media campaign.Three things I'd tell every young political junkie to read1. Set up an email account for political emails and sign up for emails from politicians of all stripes.2. Drudge Report.3. The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good by William Easterly. The focus of the book is on international development, but Easterly's realist conservative approach provides real-life examples of how to apply complex free-market ideas.My most useful class in collegeIntro to Political Philosophy. The class opened up a world of interesting thinkers to me.I met some of my closest friends (from both sides of the aisle) in that class too.Three future leaders from my generationHopefully someone reading this gets the tools they need at the Leadership Institute to start a career and become a future leader. Part 4: Me, personallyThe most fascinating figure in world historyGeorge WashingtonMy heroes in fictionWalter von Ulrich from Fall of Giants.I really love Ken Follet novels. He is a master of historical fiction.The most inspiring art I've read, seen, or heardHike to the top of a mountain and take a picture. You can't find art better than that.I'd star in House of Cards or West Wing (choose one)West Wing. Aaron Sorkin might be a liberal, but he is a great writer.I can't get through my day withoutPandora, Bose headphones, and Stride gumMy connection to the Leadership InstituteAt James Madison University, I brought the Leadership Institute to campus to give its Youth Leadership School.I went on to take the Campaign Manager, Internet Activist, and Grassroots Campaign Workshop -- all excellent. Thank you everyone who participated in the #LIJobFair #VVS13— Leadership Institute (@LeadershipInst) October 12, 2013>

Enjoy the 22Q with Gabriella Hoffman, conservative activist and Regional Field Coordinator at the Leadership Institute.The 22Q is an informal interview series with young conservatives, connected to LI, who are working in the public policy process. The 22 questions ask them to explain what they do, and how they see politics and the next generation of the conservative movement. Their opinions are their own, and are not endorsed by the Leadership Institute.--- Part 1: What I doHow I describe my job in 10 wordsWorking with students to advance conservatism on campus is rewardingMy day-to-day at work...in three sentencesChecking my email; updating our database with student contacts; reaching out to students via phone call, Facebook, or email; eating; talking with co-workers; researching and finding liberal bias.I couldn't do my job withoutSunny optimism. I try to be positive and happy all the time. Challenging the left can be daunting, so I try to make the best of things handed my way.Most important moment in my career (so far)Being mentioned on the Rush Limbaugh Show for an interview I did for FoxNews.com on January 11, 2013. He mentioned my thoughts about payroll tax expiration. I was in disbelief! My dad, a huge Rush fan, called me the moment he heard my name on the air. It was amazing.Unexpected skill that has helped me the mostI would say that multitasking has helped me the most. Juggling many things can be difficult at times, but it has proven to be beneficial in the work IThe best advice I have receivedMy dad once said, "In order to be equal, you have to be three times better than the rest." My parents taught me to work hard, to enjoy the fruits of my labor, and to be the best individual I could possibly be. Part 2: PoliticsThe biggest change I've seen already in politicsThe rise of political correctness and cultural Marxism. Too many people are easily offended and afraid to stand up for their beliefs out of fear of being ostracized. It's time to put bullies in their place.The element of working in politics that most surprised meWhat a small world conservative politics is. You meet people who know your friends or people who have some connection to you. It can be a curse or it can be a blessing.The most important issue many don't see yetThe threat of revisionist history. Whenever historical facts are twisted or misrepresented, people are taught to resent and equally despise this country. We cannot forget our past and allow lies to define our future.Where I think the movement will be in five yearsIf we continue to be conservative and push actual reforms, our movement will be successful. If we continue down this path of caving and moderation, we're doomed to be obsolete. There's already one leftist movement in America. We don't need another one.How I formed my political beliefsMy parents are Lithuanian immigrants who fled the Soviet Union. Therefore conservatism came naturally to me. Embracing collectivist or Marxist viewpoints was strictly forbidden in our house. Conservatism best encourages freedom and opportunity. Part 3: The next generationWhat I'd say to my 18-year-old selfI'd say that it's good that we kept our principles and didn't listen to detractors. Many people wanted me to fail, and I wouldn't let them have it. I tell my students and fellow conservative to never give up on their principles or change their views.Skill or experience I'd recommend students get nowSocial media. It's imperative for students to acquaint themselves with Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and similar media.Three things I'd tell every young political junkie to readGod and Man at Yale by William F. Buckley, the Drudge Report, and Counter CulturedMy most useful class in collegePolitics of the Middle East. My professor was a founder of the Political Science Department at the University of California at San Diego. He was fair and gave an accurate account of the Arab-Israeli conflict.I learned a lot about the Middle East thanks to his class. I learned to help students battle anti-Semitism and anti-Israelism on campus.Three future leaders from my generation1. Katie Pavlich, Townhall.com News Editor2. Ben Shapiro, author of Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans3. Ryan T. Anderson, Heritage Foundation Fellow and co-author of Why Marriage Matters Part 4: Me, personallyThe most fascinating figure in world historyWinston ChurchillMy heroes in fictionEdmund Dantes of Alexander Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo and Jay Gatsby of The Great GatsbyThe most inspiring art I've read, seen, or heard"Waterlilies" by French Impressionist painter Claude Monet. His countless paintings of waterlilies are captivating.I'd star in House of Cards or West Wing (choose one)House of CardsI can't get through my day withoutChatting it up with my coworkers. A healthy work environment is key to one's success at any job. A happy workplace makes for a happy employee!My connection to the Leadership InstituteI'm currently the Northeast Regional Field Coordinator. Prior to working at LI, I went to a Youth Leadership School in February 2010 and completed a TV training in summer 2012.>

If you're doing your job as a candidate or party leader, you're going out speaking with a lot of people you haven't met before. When they don't know much about you, it's human nature to make quick judgments based on what little information they do have.First time candidates, particularly for local office, often send signals that undermine credibility among potential supporters, costing them votes, volunteers, donations, or all three.People make decisions based on cues and signals, and initial impressions can have a lasting impact. Here are eight unforced errors you can easily avoid.Loner = loser. Speaking at the Chamber of Commerce lunch? Showing up by yourself tells everyone you have no supporters in the room. Instead, arrive with a volunteer whose job it is to accompany you while you're chatting with people, helping in taking down notes for follow up, and carrying endorsement cards. When working a crowd and confronted with that weirdo who wants to chew your ear off about privatizing sidewalks, have your body man leading you, setting up the next person to talk to, and politely motioning you to the next person when he sees you're pinned down. Bonus: Let a member of the group you're speaking to know you're coming, and have him meet you at the door when you arrive and walk in together to show other members you have support already.Flag ties. Ronald Reagan was a great American patriot, and he didn't have to prove it by wearing a flag tie — a novelty that you should probably put up on eBay. Want to show your patriotism? Wear a small flag pin on your lapel. Cheap-o pens. “Ok, let me write your number down.” While you're writing, the person standing in front of you is looking straight at your hand. If it's holding a two year old Bic with the end chewed off, you don't look as impressive. Mont Blanc gets $450 for a pen not because it doesn't matter, but because it does. Yours doesn't have to break the bank, but a proper pen sends a subtle signal you have your act together. FREE OFFER! Business cards. Companies like Vista Print have nice offers for “free!” business cards using very generic templates that people like me who meet candidates a thousand times have seen – about a thousand times. While you're at it, have Vista put “I'm not taking this race seriously enough to invest in sending the right message to donors, volunteers, and stakeholders.” Spend a few bucks more on proper business cards that show you mean business.“I lost weight!” shirt collars. So you dropped 20 lbs walking all those precincts – fantastic! But if you don't trade in those collared shirts for ones that fit your new neck size, you're going to look like an anorexic or an addict, and your sloppy appearance will show in all those photos posted to Facebook.Bush or Clinton era shoes. Look down right now. If those shoes weren't purchased during the Obama Administration, take them off, put them in the closet, and wear them for gardening. When you're at events, it's surprising how often people are looking down. High end Hugo Boss isn't required, but they should be new and clean.Dark button-down shirts. If you're wearing a black button-down shirt, a tie and a blazer, congratulations, you look like a bouncer at a bar. Ditch the Sopranos look for now and go with a white or light blue shirt. Still have doubts? Turn on C-SPAN. See any elected officials with your bouncer costume? Exactly.Rookie@gmail.com. That's the message you're sending with your “I'm using this email address until I lose” Gmail or Yahoo account. For $10 at GoDaddy.com you can register your own private domain name, then sign up to have email to that address forwarded to your regular email address.For women candidates: no question about it, you have a tougher job than the boys when it comes to attire. The press pays more attention to what women leaders wear, just ask Hillary Clinton. Yet in most cases, the target audience consists of voters and stakeholders, and not the press, so don't worry about the writeup. Rule of thumb: middle of the road. Too flashy or too mannish and you'll turn people off. Not too much jewelry and definitely not too much perfume. If you hug someone and they can smell of your Chanel an hour later, it was too much. More food for thought in this New York Times story – The Fashion Conservatives.People are careful with where they invest their vote, their time, and their money. Switching from amateur to pro before you hit the field helps you maximize the return on every hour you're putting into your campaign. Ron Nehring is a volunteer faculty member for the Leadership Institute, where he speaks at LI campaign management schools and activists workshops all across the country. Under Ron's leadership as the former chairman of the Republican Party of California, they raised more $73 million, permanently retired over $4 million in debt, and instituted a wide array of management and financial reforms. He currently serves as a consultant and is the chairman emeritus of the California Republican Party. Read his full bio here.This “Expert Insights” article is a part of a regular series which delves into the mechanics of political technology. LI staff, faculty, graduates, and conservative friends are welcome to submit an article by contacting Lauren Day at Lauren@LeadershipInstitute.org>

Your online content is how many people judge you these days.I Google strangers all the time to find information about them. What used to be creepy is now the norm.Make sure your online brand shows others what you want them to see. Here are the bare necessities:- LinkedIn – get a profile, fill it with your expertise, and connect to as many friends and professional contacts as possible. It's not a very active site (read – you only have to do something with it when you change jobs or learn a new skill), but LinkedIn is the best way for people to browse your professional expertise and network.- Twitter – hey, I'm in new media. If you have a twitter account, post about what you're interested in, and also what you claim expertise in – and keep it up to date.- Facebook – it doesn't have to be public, but keep the public part of your profile at least semi-professional looking. Make sure your profile pic, cover photo, about you, and favorite quotes sections are things your boss could see – because she can.- Blog –use Wordpress or Tumblr to make your blog look nice for free. And remember – like everything else online, act like the world is judging you by your content – because it is.And side note – use a first and last name sort of email. The world looks down on supergirl@aol.com sending professional emails.So, go out there and show the world a better you – online.>

Fundraising is not just about asking for money, but about developing relationships with people who share your vision and want to be your partners in bringing change to society. Your donors are not just a source of money -- like a bank machine -- but partners, so keep them informed about the progress you are making and let them know how their contributions are helping. These were a few of the main concepts in Morton Blackwell's opening speech at the sixth annual International School of Fundraising held at the beautiful Wellington College in Berkshire, England.Over four days, 108 people from 30 countries and four continents, met at Wellington College from March 26 to 30. Seventeen renowned experts in fundraising, from the US, Europe, and Latin America, delivered 35 lectures teaching vital skills necessary to succeed financially as a political leader or as an organizational entrepreneur. Social entrepreneurs learned how to:Build strong donor relationsDevelop fundraising strategiesPlan effective fundraising eventsUnderstand online fundraisingAdapt fundraising methods to their home countriesSpeakers included major players in the field such as Morton Blackwell, Bruce Eberle, Stephen Clouse, Rick Hendrix, Kevin Gentry, Justin Murff, Brian Davis, Katherine Eberle, Ron Nehring, and Alejandro Chafuen, and Silvio Dalla Valle from Italy, Mathias von Gersdorff from Germany, Tim Evans and Matthew Elliot from England, and Jose Antonio Ureta from France.While the day was packed with a lot of learning, after dinner, students congregated at the on-campus pub for networking and sharing stories. Students from Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Venezuela, Guatemala, United States, Mexico, Canada, United Kingdom, Romania, France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia, Germany, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, Austria, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, South Korea and Mongolia met at the pub.As we spoke to one another they learned how similar the social problems are around the world and how we all face the same obstacles in solving those problems. Students found it motivating to learn that they were not alone. Networks for knowledge-sharing and support developed.On the night of Friday, March 29, the International School of Fundraising concluded with a gala dinner lit by candlelight. At the dinner, Morton Blackwell and Miguel Moreno of the Leadership Institute and Benjamin Harris-Quinney of the Bow group presented the Global Leadership Award, which recognizes exceptional work done by individuals around the world. This award is granted jointly by the Leadership Institute, the Bow Group, the World Congress of Families/ Howard Center for Family, Religion, and Society, and The Institut de Formation Politique. The Global Leadership Award embodies a non-partisan network of leaders who aim to bring ideas to power and to give power to ideas by stimulating dialogue and discussion about critical international conservative issues.During his speech, Morton Blackwell said, “We recognize and honor the unfaltering dedication of some remarkable individuals, who through their consistent faith, solid professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the conservative cause are making an international impact” and that “this joint award seeks to encourage the best forms of international engagement to meet the global challenges of the 21st century.“Recipients of the Global Leadership Award are: Nic Conner, Donna Edmunds, Samuel Kasumu, Karolina Vidovic Kristo, Pauline Fynn, Jack Chubb, Mark Eastham, Adryana Boyne, Marie-Noël Julienne, Eric Martin, Simon Cossiez, Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Sylva Ashimole, Juan Carlos Lazarte, Alexander Mooney, Lorenzo Montanari, Zeljko Zidaric, Amanda Sanchez, Luz Elena Delgado Flores, Ron Nehring, Oliver Cooper, Onyebuchi Monica Madiebo, Marco Respinti, Vanesa Anez, and Marcel Lazar.LI appreciates their contributions of time and talent to increase the number and effectiveness of conservative activists and leaders worldwide. It takes a special kind of person to be an activist. While most people might get angry and complain – these people decided to act. Not only did they see the problem, they found a solution. They acted.They are activists.Saturday, for those that left on later flights, was a day of sightseeing in London. From Big Ben to the London Eye, from Parliament to Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, thousands of pictures were taken with new friends. The overall goal of the training was not to feed delegates with a fish, but to teach them how to become extraordinary fishermen. The training that was provided is just the start. Betterment of the world comes from the work that activists do with the training. The world now has 108 newly empowered social entrepreneurs returning to their home countries, empowered, energized, and ready to make a difference! We wish each and every one of those activists the best of luck.>

The Leadership Institute hosted the first Civil Service Opportunity School in more than two years this past Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The 24 students that attended learned a variety of things about the civil service including its history, how it works today, and what it takes to get a job in the government.The first lecture titled, “Why the Federal Government?” was taught by Mark Johnson, a supervisory IT specialist with the Department of Commerce. Mark discussed the hiring process, the roles of networking and tips to navigate your way through federal job searches.“The federal government has tremendous flexibility that allows you to move from one job to the next,” he said.The U.S. government is the largest employer in the nation which includes many career options and locations for potential employees to choose from.LI's 2006 Civil Service Opportunity School helped Mark get his current position. He said, “The Leadership Institute helped me move from Denver to DC, and then from the private sector to the civil service in 2008.” One of the Leadership Institute's interns this spring, Leah Courtney remarked on Mark's experience: “I really appreciated hearing his experience in the civil service and all the tricks of the trade he provided.”Terry Campo, who served as special assistant and chief of staff for the General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Energy during the Reagan Administration discussed the origins and purpose of the civil service.Terry explained the structures of executive agencies and the relationship between political appointees versus career employees. Terry commented on how political appointees and the employees under them are chosen.“It's supposed to be politically fair, but in reality it's not,” Terry said. One of the best resources is job directories where jobseekers can find the best person to contact regarding employment. Laura Turner, a current intern for Judicial Watch, thought his resources were helpful to her job search.“He was very helpful explaining how to tailor resumes. I will definitely be using his tips for future job searches,” Laura said.George Nesterchzuk, who served as a senior official in the Reagan Administration, talked about the political management and environment of the civil service. His best advice came on Wednesday night.“The civil service is protected by a very thick book of rules and regulations. My best advice is to get your application in to every opening there is in the federal government,” George advised.Eldon Girdner, who has more than a decade of service in the federal government, discussed the application process and navigating through it. He also talked about where and how to find jobs in the civil service.Eldon talked about how best to tailor resumes for federal jobs, and their differences from resumes for the private sector.“When searching for federal jobs, the more information you have on your resume the better because computers search through resumes and match up key words before they actually reach a person,” he explained.The students attending left the civil Service school with knowledge from faculty with years of service in the public sector. These students now know how to maneuver their way into a federal job and start tearing down the wall of bureaucracy.The Leadership Institute offers several career related workshops throughout the year. Go here to register for one. >

Last week 80 conservative activists gathered at the Leadership Institute headquarters for an intense four day Campaign Management School (CMS).Tea party leader from Charleston, South Carolina Dean Allen said, “I have been involved in politics since I was the Galveston County youth chairman for Barry Goldwater in the 1964 presidential race. I ran Ronald Reagan's GOTV operation in Galveston County. I consider myself an expert in politics who is well trained and knows the ropes very well. I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality of instruction, the broad scope of activities covered, and all the things I either did not know as in depth as I had thought; or, at the technology and newer methods that are more efficient. I learned a huge amount every day! I strongly recommend the educational programs of the Leadership Institute to any conservative activist who cares about the future of our republic and plans to be involved in the process of saving America.”Twenty-two of the nation's top political operatives served as volunteer faculty to these 80 aspiring campaigners. On day one Mike Rothfeld, president of SABER Communications, taught LI students the “Real Nature of Politics” and how to organize a campaign.Leah Holloway, a grassroots activist from Norfolk, Virginia said, “What a breath of fresh air! Rothfeld's delivery was awesome. His lecture was informative and truthful. I just can't get enough of this man! His insights make me question what I thought I already knew.” “ABCs of Polling,” lecture was taught by Tyler Harber, a partner with Harcom Strategies, where he described the purpose of polling and emphasized the importance of polling strategy.With 22 seasoned faculty, the lineup included: Mark Kelly, deputy chief of staff for Congressman Tim Huelskamp, who lectured about the importance of precinct organization; John Tate, president for Campaign for Liberty, who taught students the ins and outs about fundraising via direct mail; Terry Campo of The Campo Group who taught about opposition research; Edward King, director of programs & operations at Young Americans for Liberty, who spoke on different strategies for getting out the vote; Jordan Lieberman, president of CampaignGrid, who gave a great lecture on the newest campaign technology; Steve Sutton, former chief of staff to three freshmen Members of Congress and presently, LI's vice president of development, who spoke on message development; and many others.Elisabeth Jessop, currently a campaign manager, said, “I loved the lecture on developing your message by Steve Sutton. The four boxes was a great illustration of how to approach political opponents and how to create a positive message to your supporter!”The training saved the very best for last when Leadership Institute President Morton Blackwell lectured on the handling of negative information. Amazingly, students were still eager to learn more after four days of intensive training.Personhood Florida state coordinator Brenda Macmenamin said, “My favorite was Morton Blackwell just talking to us. To realize how much impact this one man has had was very encouraging!”To see photos of the week-long training, check out the pictures on Facebook here.LI's next Campaign Management School is the week of June 3. Go here to learn more and sign up. To see what other trainings LI offers, go here to see the upcoming schedule. >

Watch this video to learn about The Leadership Institute's Career Services. LI's Career Services offers:-ConservativeJobs.com, an interactive online job bank-Six specialized career trainings-Job fairs-Resume reviews-Candidate referrals The right jobs - The right staff – The right training –All right hereFollow us on Facebook, Twitter, and sign up on ConservativeJobs.com today! >

We were talking about New Year's resolutions in the office today, and aside from the regular ‘get in shape' resolutions, I heard a couple of great ideas. To help you think up a good list of resolutions, and then make it easy to keep them, I'll share a few ideas with you.* Become a great public speaker – For public speaking skills, practice is key. But, practice doesn't make perfect. You can just end up cementing bad habits and embarrassing yourself. So, start by learning from public speaking experts at the Leadership Institute's Public Speaking Workshop.*Change your community – Do you want to make a difference in your community, but don't know where to start or how to be effective? Go to the Leadership Institute's Youth Leadership School and Political Activism Trainings in your area to learn techniques from seasoned activists. *Be more tech savvy – The internet and smart phones are taking over our everyday lives. Learn to harness technology to make your voice heard online at LI's Online Activism and Strategy Trainings.*Run for local office – Sounds scary, huh? See if running for office is for you and learn how to be an effective candidate at the Leadership Institute's Future Candidate School. Learn from the experts – former candidates and consultants.*Pay the rent – You can't save the world if you can't pay the rent. Excel at raising funds in your current position, or get a job raising money for conservative orgs or campaigns. Learn how to effectively raise money at LI's Comprehensive Fundraising Training.Hope you enjoyed the holidays, and good luck with your 2013 New Year's resolutions! >

This summer, the Institute for Humane Studies will offer nine college-level seminars on the foundations and future of freedom.Participants from around the world will explore market-based solutions to widespread problems, challenge status-quo academic thinking, and learn about ways to stand for freedom through a variety of career paths.Students and recent graduates are eligible.Learn more: www.TheIHS.org/summer-seminars.Students who apply by March 1 are eligible to receive a free book! >

Know what you want to say. Say it in a simple manner. Look and sound the part.These were basic principles of the last Friday's Introduction to Television Techniques Workshop taught by Beverly Hallberg at the Leadership Institute.The 16 students learned to effectively communicate via broadcast media: what to wear, how to present themselves, and the type of language to use. Many students came away with the same observation: it's the little things that make a difference.Nicole Hudgens, an intern with the Young Leaders Program at The Heritage Foundation, remarked, “I've had a lot of communication classes since it's what I got my degree in, but this covered some things I had not heard before and I really enjoyed it! Beverly gave great practical advice and I'd love to go to another workshop.”In general, keep it snappy. TV and radio are made for soundbites, not lectures. Viewers listening to a dialogue will stay far more engaged than those listening to a monologue. Plus, you're more likely to be invited back when the host feels like they control the conversation.Live interviews are the easiest to control. Whatever is said airs—not the case with recorded interviews. When recorded, your comments are at the mercy of the segment's producer: important statements might get cut because you gave them too much material. For a pre-recorded interview, make sure comments are prepared in advanced. The rules change entirely; you have no control over what is aired, but you are in complete control of your answers. Questions are not typically broadcast, so answering the question is non-essential.Regardless of the type of interview, Beverly cautioned, “Anticipate what you will be asked. Prepare your ammo correctly.”It's essential to practice and prepare statements; even the most knowledgeable person can forget their main points when asked an unexpected question.After receiving these tips (and many more—register for LI's TV training here for all of them), attendees practiced their skills on the camera.Beverly went through and critiqued each person's performance. Everyone stepped in front of the camera for a second time, and each person's improvement was dramatic.Those who were long-winded initially became succinct. The quiet people became more assertive and appeared confident. Everyone was empowered to be an effective communicator for their chosen topic. Megan Moore, an intern at the Leadership Institute's ConservativeJobs.com, observed, “It was incredible to see how quickly everyone improved. Most of us were not engaging the first time. In ‘take two,' we were all persuasive and followed Beverly's rules.”If you want to learn and practice what it takes to be an effective on-camera spokesperson, register for our next Television Workshops on December 14. Or, register for one of LI's other upcoming trainings here. >

As Morton Blackwell wrote, now is the time for you to work hard for the candidates of your choice. Roll up your sleeves and get to work.But if you're new to activism or brand new to political volunteering, where do you go and what do you do? How do you get in touch with a campaign and find out how to help?Follow this simple, easy, and quick five-step process -- and you'll be well on your way to helping the candidate of your choice win and spending Election Day 2012 knowing you did your part for your principles.1. Find the campaign HQ or offices online. Call the number listed, introduce yourself, and say you'd like to help.Every campaign website should have a page called "Volunteer," "Take Action," or "Get Involved" that will provide information. Alternatively, you can click on a page labeled "Contact" to get a phone number. If you'd like to volunteer for a presidential or statewide race (e.g. a campaign for governor or Senate), try to find the contact information for the campaign office closest to you.Then punch in the numbers and give the office a call. Here's a simple script: "Hi, my name is [Name]. I would like to get involved with your campaign. Is there someone I can speak with?"Your call likely will be forwarded to the volunteer coordinator, who directs the activities of volunteers like you. He or she can explain the best times to stop by and answer any questions you have.2. Walk into the office, smile (of course!), and say you want to volunteer. You'll be directed to the right person.Campaign headquarters are always in motion. Don't be intimidated, especially if this your first time walking into a campaign office.Smile and say hello to the first staff member you see. If you explain you're there and you're happy to help, you'll be welcomed with open arms.3. If possible, bring a friend or two. It's more fun for you and more help for the campaign -- win-win!Most events in life are more fun with a friend. Volunteering for a campaign is no exception.Children in middle school and high school may also enjoy volunteering with you. Check with the campaign office when you call and see if there will be age-appropriate activities. It's a free family night out -- and a great way to model civic engagement.But if you don't have friends or family to bring with you, don't worry. Volunteering for a campaign is a great way to meet like-minded, engaged people like you. Plus, spending the coming days and weeks hard at work for a common campaign will help you forge new friendships.4. Be flexible and ready for anything. The work may not be glamorous, but it's important (and you'll learn a lot).You may be asked to stuff envelopes, walk door-to-door, call voters, set up for or clean up from an event, or much more. Campaign work is as unceasing as it is varied. It will help you to be ready for anything and walk into the office with an open mind.Always give a good try at whatever you're asked to do. But if -- for example -- you've spent 45 minutes calling voters and you know it's just not for you, kindly ask the volunteer coordinator how else you can help the campaign. There's always another job that needs to be done.5. Ask questions about your tasks, especially if you're new. There's no such thing as a stupid question.No one is born a campaign pro; the knowledge and skills are built over time through political training and first-hand experience.So don't be afraid to repeat the instructions to make sure you understand. It's much better to ask questions beforehand than to apologize for a mix-up or misunderstanding later.Pass on your new knowledge with this handy graphic. Download the image, and email, tweet, share, or pin it across the web. >

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.I am excited to go back to school, but I'm sad to leave this summer behind.From the sunny day in May when I packed my dorm room into my grandma's convertible, bought a suit at Brooks Brothers, and headed to DC, to living with 11 other interns in one house (think Real World: DC, minus the drama), I have had so many amazing experiences and opportunities.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. There is no such thing as a free lunch, unless you're a DC intern. Just make sure you dress the part.Was it worth the sacrifice? Without a doubt, it was.So, what have I learned this summer?1. Someone is always watching you. So be good for goodness sake! The golden rule should be your guiding principle. Write it on your hand as a constant reminder...or, at least, keep it at the forefront of your mind.2. Step out of your comfort zone. Just like Bristol Palin on Dancing with the Stars, try something new in spite of any criticism you might receive. Haters gonna hate. To keep yourself grounded, you should have some consistencies in your life like breakfast, church, and calls to mom and dad, just to name a few. But you need to challenge yourself, too.3. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Be an active learner. I have learned a lot by just listening to my fellow interns and leaders within the conservative movement. Some of my views have changed, while others are now stronger.4. Be professional. Always carry business cards with you, and keep your resume updated to the gold standard – second only to the Bible and the Constitution. Also, keep in mind that you have an online resume. Use Facebook and Twitter appropriately.5. Dress for success. Get a fashion mentor. This could be a friend, your mom, or even GQ. It doesn't have to be expensive, either. Take your wardrobe in strides. Start with at least one nice suit and then piece the rest together through various consignment shops and occasional steals (and by that I mean really good buys).6. Stay connected and follow up. Keep in contact with friends and leaders you've met during your internship. You never know where they might end up! Possibly the most important question you can ask is, “How can I help you?” Conversely, Benjamin Franklin said, “If you want to make a friend, ask them for a favor.” Helping others and asking them to help you establishes strong connections.7. Surround yourself with people you admire. This includes the influences of the books you read, shows you watch, and music you listen to. Show me your friends, and I'll show you your future.Finally, in all of it, have fun, and don't be afraid to fail. You're an intern, so now is the time to make mistakes. But remember you're not just an intern. You're more than that! Act like it!Shameless plug: The Leadership Institute offers the best internship in Washington, D.C. I am now a walking example. I received free housing, established an instant network of conservatives, attended free LI trainings, got free books, and attended several conferences. I also met great conservative rockstars like Star Parker, James O'Keefe, Lila Rose, Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Rebecca Kleefisch, and many more! If you want to have an unforgettable experience, I highly recommend you apply for the LI intern program.>

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.I was once asked to write down the names of 100 people whom I consider to be part of my network. Daunting! But after struggling for a while, I was given categories to consider: family, friends, classmates, teachers, co-workers, teammates, Happy Hour crew … and the list went on. Thinking of 100 people was suddenly quite easy. When looking for a job in D.C., it's common to only think of the "big fish," the people with clout who you assume will help you get where you want to go. I meet with many jobseekers who want to work on specific Capitol Hill committees, but they aren't sure how to get there due to their lack of Hill experience and connections. They do have valid concerns, but many of them also make the common mistake of underestimating their networks. Think about your ideal position and work backward. To continue with the Congressional committee example, learn who serves on the committee and figure out their connections. Then follow the chain backward until you find a personal connection of your own. Approach that person about making an introduction for you to the next person up the chain. It's true that D.C. is built on networking, but you may already have a stronger network than you realize. Don't let it go to waste. >

Earlier this week, more than 30 students attended the Leadership Institute's Public Relations School where they learned branding, mass communications, media relations, one-on-one communication, and pitching.Advantage, Inc. Vice President of Operations Jim Eltringham kicked off the training by teaching message development and hammered home the importance of emotion in crafting messages. “There has to be emotion,” Jim said. “It has to tug on your heart strings. You don't win elections on ideas and politics alone.”He emphasized the need for politicians to identify with the voters: “People don't want labels. They want leaders. They want solutions. The audience wants to know what you are going to do to solve their problems.”Leadership Institute Director of Digital Communications Abby Alger spoke about how to promote messages through social media. “We expect people to be relatable and real,” she said.Scott Hogenson, senior vice president for Dezenhall Resources, began the second night of training with a lecture on public relation strategies.“The world of journalism is changing, and it is changing fast,” Scott told attendees.He emphasized the importance of learning how to handle negative information correctly. If you can't get around releasing the negative information, then you need to make sure you have a plan ready and in place.Lindsey Mask, founder of Ladies America & Ladies International, closed the second night off by telling attendees her personal experience with branding an organization.Lindsey expressed that being passionate about your job and the work you do is the key to success. In addition, there is also a strong need for focus. She encouraged the students to write down their biographies and reflect on their goals.“Know thyself,” Lindsey encouraged attendees. “Accept your strengths and weaknesses.”Leading the final night of the school, Mark Pfeifle, communication and outreach strategist with S4 Inc., spoke on crisis management.Mark taught how to deal with crises in a live-action role play where students were divided into two groups, Democratic leaders versus Republican leaders, and had to craft messages for their side assuming Obamacare was ruled unconstitutional.David Daum, who portrayed Speaker of the House John Boehner, found this activity very insightful.“By competing and acting out the crisis strategy of President Obama and Mitt Romney, I felt like I had privileged insight into the minds of their respective public relations teams,” He explained.Garrett Kamp, acting as President Obama, also found value in the activity. “By role-playing as the president, I learned not only how to manage a crisis, but I learned how to predict and respond to my opponent's behavior.”The final speaker, Ian Ivey, senior management advisor at the General Services Administration, taught about one-on-one communication styles.After having the class figure out their own personality style, he had the students partner up and analyze each other's personality style. He then compared the different communication methods used within each group, and taught attendees how to relate to people who are completely opposite.Many students enjoyed this activity and felt their future interactions would greatly benefit from learning these communication techniques. Summer intern for Susan B. Anthony List Santina Scarcella said, “Now I realize there are ways to approach people and I feel more comfortable doing so.”LI's next Public Relations School will be held September 24-26. Go here to register.>

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.1. Practice "let's pretend."Ask yourself, "What would the ideal networker do in this situation?" Pretend that you are that person, and do it. As you consciously emulate good networkers, you can reinvent yourself. You'll never be perfect, but you can make steps that take you closer and closer to becoming a networking guru.2. Adopt a role model.Best case scenario, your role model is also your mentor, helping you, advising you, guiding you, even lending you his network as you build your own. If you can, ask her how she got to where she is now. Attend events with him and take mental notes.3. Take lessons.You're taking one now as you read this blog, but there are other educational opportunitites that are helpful for overcoming shyness and inexperience. Attend lectures and trainings, such as the Conservative Intern Workshop and the Conservative Career Workshop run by the Leadership Institute, to learn tips for feeling more comfortable in networking situations.4. Join up.Just about any group or organization offers opportunities to make contacts and grow personally and professionally, which you can tailor to your career and your personal hobbies. Join political groups, teach Sunday school, and, of course, take a fitness class at your local gym. Surround yourself with people you aspire to be more like. Networking doesn't just happen at stuffy cocktail parties. Look for fun opportunities to meet other people.5. Have a little faith......in yourself. Dale Carnegie summed it up well: "You can make more friends in two months by becoming really interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you. Which is another way of saying that the way to make a friend is to be one." Remember that networking is a two-way street. Your motivations do not have to be selfish. Focus on establishing relationships.I send you off with a maxim from networking expert Harvey Mackay: "The more you exercise your networking muscles, the stronger they get - and the easier networking becomes." Give yourself opportunities to practice, and have patience while learning.>

Are you looking for a fulfilling career within the conservative movement? Then you have come to the right place! Whether you are a recent college graduate or an experienced professional seeking a career change, let us help you find a job. 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 can assist you in your job search? Learn how to take advantage of all the site has to offer by following these five steps:1. Create a Jobseeker profile. Your jobseeker profile is the gateway to communication with potential employers. It contains your contact information, uploaded resume, and the opportunity to provide statements on your future career goals – information that is crucial for recruiters seeking qualified candidates to hire. There is also a Public Policy Questionnaire for you to express your views on specific policy issues, which is used to match jobseekers with employers who share a similar outlook. Upon completion of your profile, you are set to begin browsing the site for the latest job listings, and you have made yourself available to employers who are on the lookout for applicants.2. Benefit from our free resume consultations. Your resume is one of the most important components to your job application, as it provides an overview of who you are and what you can bring to the table for an employer. Not feeling 100% confident in your resume? Check out our tips to revise your resume and then get a second opinion from the ConservativeJobs team. We are happy to look it over and provide you with detailed feedback that will give you more confidence in applying for a job.3. Interact with ConservativeJobs outside the site! Have you “liked” us on Facebook? Or followed @TheRightJobs on Twitter yet? We update our social networks with the most exciting job opportunities throughout the day, giving you the highlights of what's listed on CJ.com. We also promote interesting articles and blog posts with useful advice to help jobseekers in their search for employment. Be sure to check it out!4. Learn about networking opportunities through the Jobseeker Calendar. From career fairs to happy hours, there are many ways to learn about opportunities in the DC area and beyond. Stay up to date on job fairs, training workshops for jobseekers, and other happenings by using our Jobseeker Calendar. Remember, networking and utilizing the connections you make are invaluable steps in the job search.5. Consult the Capitol Talent Blog and Resources page for helpful career advice. Are you frustrated by the job hunting process and need encouragement? Are you looking for last-minute guidance and reassurance before a big interview? Did you get the job and need a place to live in DC? Browse ConservativeJobs.com for an abundance of information. We offer more than just great job listings!With these tips, you can be sure that you'll be ahead of the game in your job search. Let us know how we can serve you better.>

Last week the Leadership Institute's Future Candidate School (FCS) welcomed a bright, new class of aspiring candidates and entrepreneurs.Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Committee and LI volunteer faculty member, shared how he got involved in the public policy process.He credits LI with his start. While a college student, a conservative campus group member approached him and invited Mark to their meeting. He showed up, and was forever hooked.“I took LI's Youth Leadership School, and now I'm here 20 years later trying to impart this knowledge to you all.”Jessica Myers is a young conservative with big dreams. As a student at Thomas Nelson Community College she has participated in campaigns and events in her community, but she is frustrated with the lack of conservative clubs in her area. After attending the Future Candidate School, she plans to start a local chapter of the Young Republican club.“If I hadn't known about LI, I wouldn't have been here trying to fulfill my dreams,” Jessica said. “The fact that the training is such good quality and low cost is very beneficial and invaluable to young people passionate about the cause.”On Monday, LI President Morton Blackwell shared tips on how to create and grow an organization. “Young conservatives should consider the option of some day becoming organizational entrepreneurs themselves,” Morton said. “There are possibilities now and there will be possibilities in the years to come for creating successful public policy groups.”Other lectures focused on candidate development and explored topics such as assessing readiness to run for office, potential past or present problems that might hinder success, attributes of effective candidates, making a good impression and viewing yourself as others see you.“If people don't like you, they won't trust you,” said Stephen Clouse, founder and president of Stephen Clouse & Associates. “If they don't trust you, they won't believe you; if they don't believe you, they'll never comply with what you're saying.”Attendees made their way back to LI on Tuesday for more training, which focused heavily on coalition building and organization development. For Michael Kicinski, who is running for United States Congress to represent New York District 22 (formerly NY-24), coalition building will be an important factor in his campaign to rally opposition against the incumbent. “We need proper representation above all and the right votes in Congress,” Michael said. “Since this is new to me, I saw the advantage of getting training. This was extra helpful and necessary, and I'll be passing this information on to others in my team.”Faculty also discussed how to develop your campaign message using a Leesburg Grid for you and your opponent, the pros and cons of joining existing organizations, working with your local party and identifying key groups in your community, recruiting and working with volunteers, and using coalitions to benefit your campaign.On Wednesday, attendees learned the ins-and-outs of fundraising. Topics included maximizing fundraising potential with events, funding your cause with direct mail, the rules of campaign donations and ensuring your campaign financing and organization structure is legal, creating your “kitchen cabinet” for campaigns, strategies you need to know to succeed online, and personal solicitation for a campaign.“Give every potential donor – no matter how big or small – the opportunity to ‘invest' in your campaign,” said Nancy Bocskor, president of the Nancy Bocskor Company. “The little old lady who sends you $1 in a direct mail piece will be the first to vote for you on Election Day.”On Thursday, the final day of the FCS, faculty tackled message development. Topics included fine-tuning your campaign strategy, understanding and reviewing polling data, getting on the ballot with petitions, preparing for attacks from the left, and using the media to your advantage.“We are surrounded by media 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” said Dan Gainor, vice president of Business and Culture at the Media Research Center. “Knowing how to navigate the media is key for survival in today's world.”Jill Upson, who is running as a West Virginia delegate for Jefferson County's 65th district, found the lecture particularly helpful.“The information is just so valuable,” Jill said. “It really teaches you how to combat the opposition. It prepares you for the bad things they'll say, but also gives you good responses.”Hoping to improve jobs and the economy in her area, Jill came to LI to get the training she needed to run a successful campaign. “There are so many speakers from so many backgrounds. . There's no way you could go to one class and learn all this,” she said.To wrap up the evening, Mark Vargas, a consultant in government affairs and international business development, gave his success story of lessons he's learned from the campaign trail.“I thought I knew a lot – till I got here,” said Thomas Spencer, who is running for city council in Claremont, FL. “There wasn't a class that didn't add to or help me perfect something. I filled up my entire notepad and needed extra sheets of paper. I was texting friends throughout the lectures about some of the things I was learning. The information was priceless!”“I loved the trainings! I already signed up to be a donor to the school,” Thomas said. “I want to sponsor a student's training fee and travel once a quarter so they can attend these trainings.”If you would like to learn more about LI's Future Candidate School or enroll in an upcoming training, click here.>

Twitter, Facebook and YouTube; blogs and email lists; online advertising and fundraising are just a few topics that were covered earlier this week at the Leadership Institute's Comprehensive Online Activist School (COAS).On Monday and Tuesday legislative aides, interns, and Tea Party activists gathered at LI's F.M. Kirby National Training Center to learn how target large audiences through online marketing and social media.Gabriel “Scooter” Schaefer, marketing communications coordinator for Media Research Center (MRC), taught attendees how to set up a Facebook fan page and strategically increase membership.Scooter was a graduate of LI's Comprehensive Online Activist School in 2010, where he was armed with practical tools to increase an organization's social media presence. "When I took the COAS, I heard about bit.ly and it was absolutely awesome and useful to me and what I'm doing now,” Scooter said. “Now, I will share the knowledge I've acquired with you so you can strengthen the movement.”LI's Director of Digital Communications Abigail Alger kicked off the training Monday with a complete introduction to online activism.“In blogging, it's not about getting noticed,” Abigail said. “It's about adding value. What topics can you uniquely cover?”For Bruce Majors, a realtor for Chatel Real Estate in Washington, D.C., the Blogging 101 lecture was particularly helpful. Bruce runs a political blog called, Tea Party – One Lump or Two? He plans to use the training to better market his blog and explore the possibility of working in new media.“This is current, cutting-edge information for targeting the groups you need to target,” said Julie Malone Garofalo, who also plans to use the training to start a blog and search for a position in communications.Other lectures covered how to create effective online videos and disseminate them over the Internet via YouTube as well as social media activism through the popular networking sites, Twitter and Facebook.Gail Peirson, a retired pediatric nurse practitioner who is part of the Tea Party movement in New Jersey, was initially resistant to social media. After the training, she now sees it as a necessary tool for mass outreach.“Being able to hear ‘the case' for different types of online marketing and getting my ideas confirmed was specifically beneficial,” Gail said.Tuesday lectures focused primarily on online fundraising and advertising. Attendees learned how to find vendors and integrate traditional and online fundraising plans, promote a campaign or organization through online marketing, build and manage email lists, use data visualization tools and location technology, and finally, how to use Google Analytics to gather crucial information about visitors to a website.Freddie Klein, a legislative aide for Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio, found the lectures on Twitter and Google Analytics particularly helpful. He now knows how to analyze website traffic and use that data to effectively target ads.“The training here was worthwhile and I plan to use it to teach my employer too,” he said.“The variety of information – specifically learning how to target people using social media and track analytics – was particularly beneficial,” agreed Ryan McNulty, strategic communications intern at The Heritage Foundation. “The training was extremely informative and beneficial – a must-attend for somebody serious about politics.”If you would like to learn more about LI's Comprehensive Online Activist School or other online activism and strategy training programs, click here.>

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.”1. Stay positive. Searching for a job is a frustrating process no matter what industry you pursue or your level of education. Some companies simply are not hiring or are hiring significantly fewer employees than in previous years. The current economy is not working in your favor, and this makes the search tedious and, at times, depressing. You've probably heard friends or family members say “You'll get the right job at the right time.” These are trite words, but they do hold some truth. Stay motivated and keep a smile on your face while you search for jobs and during interviews. If you feel depressed at times, never fear – you are not alone.2. Learn from your mistakes. This particular suggestion makes me laugh because I must be the reigning champion of awkwardness during interviews. During my second interview for an important job, I started to respond to the director of the agency that “with great power comes great responsibility.” Luckily I stopped myself in time to hastily change my answer, but I had to hold back my laughter throughout the remaining part of the interview for making Spiderman references. The bottom line is that as jobseekers we will make mistakes, whether it's a word misspelled on our resume or an awkward moment in the interview. If and when you make a mistake, laugh about it, fix it, and make sure your next experience is a success. 3. Keep an open mind. Many of us graduated from school with a dream job in mind. Perhaps you specialized in a particular area of study and participated in all sorts of extracurricular activities that were related to that topic. With the current job market, you may not be able to obtain that dream job until several years have passed. I am not suggesting you give up on your dream; rather, I encourage you to find jobs that relate to your education and experience that may help you eventually reach your goal. Don't ever feel like you are too good for a particular job. Employers want to see that you are motivated. This suggestion has personally been the hardest to accept after all of my years in school, but it is a reality that many new graduates are facing. 4. Develop a routine and adopt new strategies. How are you conducting your job search? Are you searching online databases, contacting people in your network, and attending job fairs? There is no sure-fire way to land a job, but establish a routine for your job search if you haven't already. Develop a list of job sites to check daily or several times a week. One of the best pieces of advice a friend gave me is to let people know that you are looking for a job. You might be amazed how many friends, alumni from your university, and family members are out there willing to help you find a job. When you speak with those people, just drop a line about your job search and see if they have any advice or suggestions. Remember – your network can't work for you if you don't ask for help. 5. Say yes to other opportunities. Are there volunteer opportunities in your community that relate to your preferred job sector? Is there a part-time job that could expand your network and perhaps even result in full-time employment? As you begin to utilize your network, some people might suggest working somewhere on a volunteer basis. If you're interested in working in politics, this is a great year to volunteer on a campaign. You will have gained valuable experience and made contact with people who might help you find a job. Keep a watchful eye on your finances, but remember that a rejected opportunity could result in a missed employment offer. Volunteer work can improve your resume and demonstrate your character to potential employers. 6. Keep track of your progress. This has helped me maintain my sanity throughout the job search. I keep an Excel spreadsheet of all jobs that I have applied for, the date of application, contact information for the job, and status of the application. Every person that I have emailed asking for advice or suggestions also goes on the list. With so many applications and emails, keeping a progress log has been the only solution to my prior sporadic and disjointed job search efforts. This method can help you determine which jobs merit a follow-up letter, and it also preserves information that might be deleted from a website once the interview process begins. Most importantly, the spreadsheet will indicate when a certain avenue of inquisition has been exhausted. For instance, if all of your applications to a specific job have failed, you may need to broaden your search to include other types of work. And for those days when you feel discouraged or depressed, open that spreadsheet and feast your eyes on all you have accomplished.7. Don't forget your struggle. If you finally found a job, remember how hard you worked to obtain it, and thank those people who may have helped you along the way. Use your new job status to help others who remain frustratingly unemployed. For every person who could not give a minute of their time, I have found an equal number who can't wait to offer some help or advice. Please make sure you fall into the helpful category for future jobseekers as they enter the job market. Who knows? Your one piece of advice may make the difference for a jobseeker who has been looking for a job longer than you ever contemplated.If you have been suffering from the jobseeker blues in this tough job market, try some of these tips. I hope you will find them helpful and encouraging. Most importantly, I hope we will all be kicking back our heels in a year's time as we enjoy the life of the newly employed.>