Leave the Politics at Home
Thursday August 28, 2008
It's hard not to have a political opinion, especially when the Democratic and Republican Conventions are all over the news, and we're getting closer to the US Presidential Election.Coming from a family that's a mix of Democrats, Republicans, Conservatives, and a lone Independent, I know full well that political discussions can be tough enough when you know the people involved well. We've had more than a few heated discussions at the dinner table. There's no need to go there with strangers unless your political opinions are going to be part of your job description.
Be discreet when you job search and keep politics out of the process. Stay away, of course, from the obvious (like wearing a pin advertising your party affiliation) and also be careful about what you mention on your resume, in your blog and on Facebook and MySpace, and in interviews.
Photo © Andy Adams
Comments
I understand it’s best to leave politics at home, but there are occasions this is not possible. For example, I did communications work some years ago on behalf of a political entity, and this experience is relevant to my current career path. To omit this work would leave a gap in my resume and undersell my qualifications, but there is no way to mention the employer without mentioning the party name. Or should this work be listed only under a generic title such as “statewide campaign office of a major political party”?
Scott,
As a professional resume writer/career counselor AND a person active in politics, I recommend a generic statement similar to the one you wrote about a statewide campaign for a major political party. “Active in politics” appears on MY resume.
I agree that it is best to avoid speaking about politics and unofficial things in gatherings and dinning. Being discreet regarding job search and being careful while mentioning them in the resume takes us in the trouble free path.