What is the Appointments Platform?
- The Presidential Appointments Platform identifies, recruits, and supports diverse professionals, executives and thought leaders interested in serving in a political appointment in the Administration.
Who is eligible to apply?
- We welcome interest from all races and cultures seeking application, especially those which are underrepresented in the federal government. Professionals, executives and innovative leaders from various industries and with a wide range of backgrounds and interests, ranging from junior, mid-level, and senior management professionals. Women, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and individuals with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
What should I prepare before starting the application?
- The most important thing you need to begin the application is your resume in Microsoft Word (.doc) format and have sample letters of recommendations ready.
- We encourage you to submit your resume as soon as possible so as positions become available, we can contact you if your experience is a good fit.
- In addition, it is helpful to have an idea of which agency or agencies at which you would like to work, as well as, what kinds of functional role (communications/press/marketing, financial operations, scheduler/assistant) you may be interested in.
- If you are unsure which agencies or opportunities might be right for you, please complete your application and resume regardless. Opportunities may come up on short notice and the process may move quickly.
- Please also ensure enough time is set aside to complete the application in one sitting – not doing so will result in multiple application submissions that will delay the processing of your application.
- You will be asked to answer questions about your party affiliation, citizenship status, ethnicity, areas of expertise, and level of experience.
Why should I consider a Presidential appointment?
- Presidential appointments offer an unique opportunity to answer ‘the call to public service’ and serve the President of the United States. Many political appointees find these jobs rewarding and that they contribute to their overall professional growth and long term career path.
What kinds of appointed positions are available?
- The President appoints more than five thousand executive branch employees across federal agencies, boards and commissions. Full-time appointments range from entry-level positions to senior executives, agency secretaries and ambassadors that require confirmation by the U.S. Senate. For a complete list of appointed positions in the Executive Branch as of 2012, see “United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions,” commonly known as the Plum Book: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-PLUMBOOK-2020/pdf/GPO-PLUMBOOK-2020.pdf
- In addition, we welcome interest in volunteer boards and commissions to which members are appointed by the President or a Cabinet Secretary. Some of these positions require more significant time investments than others. In addition, a select set also may be compensated. Travel is typically arranged and paid for by the government.
Who will review applicants and how?
- The Leaders Forum Pipeline Committee and some members of the Advisory Board will review applications, engage candidates, and transmit recommendations to the incoming transition team.
When will applicants know whether or not they are being recommended to an administration?
- The Platform will make its best effort to contact applicants before recommending them for a particular position. Due to the sheer volume of applicants and the urgency of some appointments, this is not always possible.
When will applicants know whether or not they are being considered for appointment by an administration?
- Any applicant under consideration for employment will be contacted directly by the Administration and not by the Platform. That said, we’d love to hear if they reach out so we can provide additional support.
Does submitting a resume to the Platform boost an individual’s chances of getting hired by the administration?
- The Leaders Forum has no authority or official role whatsoever with respect to hiring any personnel. Ultimately, the White House Presidential Personnel Office, White House liaisons within the federal agencies, and supervisors within hiring offices will determine who to interview and hire. While there is no guarantee any individual will be hired, we hope the support of this Platform and our network will be helpful to identifying, cultivating and promoting candidates for consideration in the Administration's process and provide them with a unique professional development experience.
Should I apply directly to the Administration?
- Yes. In addition to applying through this Platform, applicants should apply directly to the Administration via apply.whitehouse.gov. If you feel you do not have a strong understanding of the appointments process or a clear direction for the type of position you would be interested in, you are encouraged to apply to the Platform for guidance.
What can I expect for the vetting process?
- Most applicants under serious consideration for an appointment will go through a full FBI background check in which their employment, professional, personal, travel, medical, financial, legal, military and educational histories will be reviewed and scrutinized. The financial holdings and sources of income for most applicants under serious consideration must be disclosed for review to ascertain if there are any possible conflicts of interest. After an appointment is made, there may be public scrutiny, especially for senior-level appointments.
Other helpful links
Appointment Confirmation Process