These notes were inspired by our webinar discussion with Thomas Zimmerman on the political appointment process. Since this session was off-the-record these notes do not reflect what Mr. Zimmerman said during the session. These notes are a product of LCWINS and reflect advice based upon inputs from many sources including the White House Office of Presidential Personnel.
The administration will never finalize filling positions. In the beginning there was a concerted effort to fill many positions. Even as the administration works to fill the positions, there will be a need to fill positions that develop from reorganizations and refill previously occupied positions.
The White House Presidential Personnel Office (WHPPO) works with each department and agency to determine qualifications for positions and potential candidates to consider. The WHPPO also utilizes their database to pull qualified candidates. Once a slate is created, candidates are interviewed. After interviews, departments and WHPPO regroup to narrow the list of candidates for final recommendations. WHPPO may sometimes consider candidates for multiple roles.
Candidates are circulated through the White House for approval and vetting. After vetting candidates are offered conditional offers and determine if they want to continue through the process. Once a candidate agrees they need to complete the security clearance process and financial disclosures for ethics purposes. Once these processes are completed, the candidate can receive a formal offer.
For more information about this process, please check out our webinar series and associated notes and the Partnership for Public Service Ready to Serve website.
The clearance process timing can vary depending on the individual. The process includes completing the SF-86 Form, associated interviews and a background investigation. While the security clearance process appears daunting, do not let it deter you from following through on the political appointment process. If you ever have concerns, WHPPO is open to having conversations. LCWINS is also happy to serve as a sounding board if you have concerns about the vetting and clearances processes and can find pro bono counsel if necessary through Help@LCWINS.
To begin the application process for a presidentially appointed position go to: https://www.whitehouse.gov/get-involved/. Through this portal, you will become a part of the database that WHPPO will query as opportunities arise.
There are two approaches to completing the form and it is based on your interest. If you know you want a single job, then only select what you are interested in. If you are open to multiple opportunities, then use your selections to provide guardrails. Use the form to signal roles of interests. Use the free text box at the bottom of the form to include any keywords or additional information the White House should know about your interest. Text you enter into this field can help you come up as a search result as they query their database.
If you submitted your information through the website, you should NOT consider yourself to have “applied” as you would for any other job. Being in the database is an important first step. It allows your name to come up if they search for you, but you may need to do more work to ensure they are going to search for you to begin with.
The normal process typically includes significant outreach from PPO to the departments and agencies, relevant offices, groups and individuals regarding who might be a good candidate before they start to whittle down their list. Who do you know? If you know people currently serving in the Biden Administration, that would be a great place to start. They can help convey your interest to the right people, or share ideas about who might be better positioned to do so. Do some relationship-mapping and figure out whether the liaison, WHPPO or people in positions that supervise or work with your target position(s) might be in your network, then find a way to convey sincere and genuine interest in those roles.
You can resubmit with your updated information through the same process as when you originally applied. Be sure to use the same email address and the database will merge your original inputs with your updated resume. Additionally, when applying be sure to complete as many of the fields as possible to provide information on yourself. It is extremely useful when WHPPO is searching through their database. While it is your discretion on whether you want to provide diversity identifiers such as disability status, you are not discouraged, and it is a welcome addition. Providing a full profile of yourself is valuable as the administration seeks to increase diversity.
This process can take several months. If you have gone through the interview process and have not heard anything in 6-8 weeks, then you should feel free to reach out to the last person that you were in contact with or someone from WHPPO. Do not text - their phones do not have texting capability. Calling is okay but sending an email is best.
Reach out to the last person you engaged with (WHPPO or a liaison). The personnel process is run through the liaisons and White House. If you have conversations with people outside of the process and they are able to advocate on your behalf, their recommendation should go to the WHPPO or White House liaison.
If you have experience or connections with a specific department, you can signal to an office that you are interested. Be sure that whomever you speak with shares your interest with WHPPO or the liaison when they reach out for recommendations. You can engage with groups that advocate for candidates. You can reach out to WHPPO. Finally, you can speak with an individual that is willing to advocate on your behalf. There are multiple methods to signal your interest and there is no one direct full proof way, remember it is quality over quantity.
If you previously declined a position, you should be very clear about your interest and why you are now interested in a political appointment. In general, flexibility and desire to serve in any role that capitalizes upon your experience, expertise and interest is favored in the process. Nevertheless, people’s circumstances change and conveying your circumstances honestly will be the most helpful to you and WHPPO.
There is no limit to how often you can be considered. Some excellent candidates have been passed over for certain roles and then get reconsidered again and again to determine a good fit. Do not be discouraged. Conveying genuine interest to stick with the process and to serve will help your chances.
Work policies are determined by the individual departments and agencies. Most are back in-person and vaccinations are required for all federal employees. Political appointees are expected to follow the same policies and standards as career employees. Due to classified work requirements, very few political appointees are able to perform their roles 100% remotely, but many are currently operating at less-than-100% in person.
Outside organizations that have the ability to elevate diverse and quality candidates are a good resource for the WHPPO. The WHPPO is investing in talent now so they can go on to lead in a few years or in future Administrations as well.
Technically maybe. But, for national security positions a security clearance will be required, and only citizens may obtain the levels of security clearance required for these positions.
Most ambassadors are sourced from the foreign service. The small minority of ambassadors who are appointed politically (i.e. outside of the career foreign service) tend to be well-connected to the President’s inner circle. Political appointments for ambassadors are extremely competitive and require significant self-advocacy.
While WHPPO manages the presidentially appointed boards and commissions all others are led by the agencies. If you signal your interest, WHPPO will flag your name with the relevant agencies. Expressing interest is a great way to get your foot in the door. You are not taking yourself out the running for full time appointments if you express interest in a part time position.
You can view the apply page or search specific agencies for a list of boards and commissions. LCWINS previously hosted a webinar on boards and commissions and you can view our notes for more information here: https://www.lcwins.org/pages/notes-from-boards-and-commissions-webinar