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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

am i being unreasonable to apply lest actually get job in Westminster?

29 replies

knittedbreast · 16/12/2011 11:37

There is a job, my dream job perhaps as a parlimentary assistant for a certain party i may or may not supporty

I currently do some low level unpaid Pa typed work for a low ranking political person (local not national).

Should i even bother to apply? or is it so far fetched i should dream.

OP posts:

MrsTwinks · 16/12/2011 11:40

Take the politics out of it, its what you think of now as your dream job, should you apply. Urm... yes !

Original poster

knittedbreast · 16/12/2011 11:41

cant really take the politics out of it- im not sure what you mean.

but im not going to get it, why dissapoint myself

OP posts:

blueballoon79 · 16/12/2011 11:45

Just apply! If you don't get it you don't get it! If you don't apply you will never know!

squeakytoy · 16/12/2011 11:54

I think Mrs Twinks means, if you do not support the party that you would be working for, do you really want the job.

Original poster

knittedbreast · 16/12/2011 11:57

yes i do support them, just wanted to keep it as blanket as i could.

i suppose what i mean is, what are they looking for? what are other candidates likely to have? how can you even prrpare of that kind of job?

different worlds i suppose

OP posts:

OhTheConfusion · 16/12/2011 11:58

DH was a parlimentary assistant post uni - pre current job as are quite a few of our friends. DH was not as comitted to the party itself as others were but it was a job.

The pay is never great but if you would like to go into local government, policy making etc it is a great spring board.

You never regret applying...

Good luck!

hazchem · 16/12/2011 11:59

apply and if you don't get it ask them what you can do so that next time you have a better chance the when something similar comes up.
Good Luck

Original poster

knittedbreast · 16/12/2011 12:02

ohtheconfusion, its such an odd job. they must get really really over qualified well connected people.

The pays good (25k is good to me, i earn 7 per hour and have no cotract 2 years in)

Im just not sure what I have to offer other than dreams!

hazchem i would definatly do that

OP posts:

lizziebennet · 16/12/2011 12:02

You should go for it.

I had a similar job in the past and loved it - I wouldn't want to do it now because I'm at a different stage in my life, but am very glad to have had the experience.

What are the other candidates likely to have? Experience of activism within the particular party, understanding of political sensitivites, knowledge of the system and generally a commitment to the cause. I would suggest that you try and get yourself a couple of good referees. The voluntary work you've been doing should go down a treat.

Why should it stay just a dream? Someone has to get the job.

OhTheConfusion · 16/12/2011 12:03

Sorry just seen last post by you OP.

They like a political/sociological background as you will deal with most of the constituency queries. Wide knowledge of current political climate as well as historical knowledge is beneficial as people support parties based on both the current and previous party line.

Top notch organisational skills, a willingness to work out of hours (mainly unpaid) when needed to canvas, attend confrences and meetings.

You have to be approachable and depandable.

Trills · 16/12/2011 12:04

I don't understand.

Why would it be unreasonable for you to apply for a job that you want to get?

OhTheConfusion · 16/12/2011 12:06

OP, some are over qualified (PHD, MSc etc), others not really.

Sadly it's often who you know! If you are a party member consider who you ask for a reference... the same party does not mean everyone gets along so enquire first.

Original poster

knittedbreast · 16/12/2011 12:07

well part of me thinks whats the point? just seems a bit out of my league, fucks sake im only 25 and already wishing i could start life over!!!

grrr at hindsight

OP posts:

OhTheConfusion · 16/12/2011 12:10

APPLY!

What is your background - Qualifications? Time with party?
Does the low level person you work for have a role in local government (that can make a big difference). PM if you need any help. x

Sloobreeus · 16/12/2011 12:12

I work for an elected politician. I happen to espouse her beliefs. However, there are a lot of people working for a lot of politicians who aren't necessarily card-carrying members. You need a certain skill set. Some politicians won't employ anyone who can't act as a political advocate or advisor while others just want a first-rate PA to organise their lives or a constituency worker (social work or local authority type experience a real advantage). Politicians do sometimes need to be brought down to earth and not get lost in the realms of ideology etc. You will lose nothing by applying. Just take a good look at the job spec and make sure your skills will fit. If you apply, good luck!

bubby64 · 16/12/2011 12:15

If you don't try, you'll never know - go for it, it's your dream job!

Original poster

knittedbreast · 16/12/2011 12:15

yes he is a councillor, they are important where i live but not in power.

i studied psychotherapy at uni, have run as a paper candidate 3 times in 2 parts of the country twice while at uni and once here.

I do help him out, emails letter etc.. but it hasnt been for very long.

i helped run a bf clinic as a supporter but stopped.

I have been a paid up supporter on and off but in total probebly 7 years

oh and im the best customer service you are EVER likely to receive ;)

well maybe not but still

OP posts:

lizziebennet · 16/12/2011 12:25

I agree with Sloobreeus - there are different 'types' of parliamentary assistants - so you need to find out what they are really looking for.

Do you know the person who would be employing you personally? Or if not, do you know someone who does? The personal word in the ear approach certainly does no harm.

I would also find out as much as you can about their interests - what committees are they on, what campaigns have they been involved in - and what any links to these in your application. Also, think about the language you use in your application depending on where they are positioned in the party.

lizziebennet · 16/12/2011 12:25

Sorry make any links you have

mollymole · 16/12/2011 12:26

Just go for it

Original poster

knittedbreast · 16/12/2011 12:27

i dont know them personally, but they are party leader.

OP posts:

emsyj · 16/12/2011 12:30

Have you ever heard that maxim, 'whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right'?

Don't sabotage your success in life by telling yourself that you can't do X or Y and by making excuses. Someone has to get this job, so why not you?

I'm not saying you should be unrealistic and apply for a job that you don't have the basic qualifications for, but it sounds like you are more than adequately qualified for this job, plus you really really want to do it (and many of the applicants won't really want that particular job, they just want any job).

You need to convey your interest and enthusiasm in your application, and make sure that you show that you meet the minimum requirements, then see what happens. But spending a lot of time telling yourself that it's a waste of time, you won't get it anyway etc is really destructive. Please stop doing that.

Trills · 16/12/2011 12:30

How could it be unreasonable to apply for a job if you want the job?

What's the worst that could happen?

You waste a few hours of your life filling in forms/ doing your CV? Having your CV done nicely is a good thing, so that's not a waste.

You waste the time of the people recruiting? If you're completely unsuitable then they'll be able to see that easily, so hardly any time wasted at all. If you are suitable then you've not wasted their time at all.

If you want to do the job just give it a go.

Ghoulwithadragontattoo · 16/12/2011 12:32

You have to be in it to win it! Apply, what's the worst that can happen :)

lizziebennet · 16/12/2011 12:33

Ok, well in that case I would say that you need to find:-

(a) A way to make personal contact - so knowing someone who knows them or, more usefully perhaps, their Chief of Staff
(b) A way to make your application stand out - what's your USP?

I would also say, certainly the party I am in has a CV pool of people interested in working for MPs which the Party tries to match up with people who are looking. Yours may have something similar.

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