Here's how you can articulate your advocacy and policy change experience in an interview.

1 Know Your Story

Understanding and conveying your personal connection to the causes you've championed is crucial. Begin by reflecting on the reasons you became involved in advocacy or policy change. What ignited your passion? How did your involvement evolve? By weaving a narrative that highlights your motivations, challenges faced, and the impact of your work, you create a compelling story that interviewers will remember. It's not just about listing achievements; it's about sharing a journey that illustrates your dedication and the tangible changes you've helped bring about.

2 Speak Their Language

To effectively communicate with interviewers, you must translate your advocacy experience into the language of the industry you're aiming to join. Familiarize yourself with the jargon and key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to the sector. Instead of saying "I raised awareness," quantify your success by explaining how you "engaged over 10,000 people through targeted social media campaigns." This demonstrates not only your achievements but also your ability to measure success in terms that resonate with your potential employer.

3 Highlight Skills

Your advocacy and policy change experience has likely equipped you with a host of transferable skills. When discussing your background, highlight how these skills—such as strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, or public speaking—can benefit the organization. For example, if you've led a campaign, emphasize your leadership and project management abilities. Tailor these skills to the job description, making it clear how your unique background makes you an ideal candidate for the role.

5 Challenges Faced

Interviews are an opportunity to showcase how you've overcome obstacles and turned challenges into learning experiences. Share specific instances where you encountered resistance or setbacks in your advocacy efforts and how you addressed them. This can highlight your problem-solving skills, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that are highly valued in any role. Be honest but also strategic; focus on the lessons learned and how these experiences have enhanced your capacity for impact.

6 Future Vision

Finally, connect your past experiences with your future aspirations. Discuss how the skills and insights gained from your advocacy and policy change work can contribute to the organization's goals and mission. Express your eagerness to apply your expertise in a new context and your desire to continue making a social impact within their framework. This not only shows that you're forward-thinking but also that you're committed to contributing positively to any team you join.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?