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Jobs on Capitol Hill
Dec 07, 2024

Published and maintained by the PSJD Resource Development Work Group of NALP's Public Service Section.

Nearly 17,000 people work on Capitol Hill, and that's just the Congressional members and staffers. If you're interested in beginning your career on the Hill, some universal themes apply.

  • Interning is best. Most hiring managers, especially on the House side, prefer current or former interns for entry-level positions. They like to go with the known rather than the unknown. Additionally, most entry-level hires are being groomed for more senior positions, so supervisors don't want to take the time to train individuals on what it means to work on the Hill. The exception is if the position requires specific expertise or years of experience.

  • Beware of job postings. Networking is still the best way to find out about openings on the Hill. The relationship building required will take time and effort, but in an environment where most positions are filled through word-of-mouth and recommendations, it is essential. If the job is posted, there is most likely an internal candidate, and the office just wants to make sure it's getting the best person for the job by seeing what's out in the market. The exception is when the junior-level staffers are not ready for a more senior position, especially when staffing a new office. While managers will post the position, they will most often rely on recommendations from colleagues, and those folks will get the first interview.

  • Representative's districts and states still matter. If you want to get on the Hill, you must make connections at the local level, especially for junior-level positions. Members want staffers who are familiar with their constituents. The exception is when members switch committee assignments. There, someone with experience pertinent to the particular committee will often be more attractive than a candidate with a local connection.

Below, you will find additional resources to help you with your Capitol Hill job search. More than any other area, this job search requires creative thinking and personal communications. You might find our networking and informational meeting resources helpful as well.