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A junior policy analyst works as a support for their superiors and departments. They may be tasked with organizing and conducting research, collecting interviews or appointments, providing summaries of collected data, presenting research-based solutions, and whatever other task they are assigned.
As this position can be multifaceted, this resume succeeds in highlighting the variety of tasks this applicant had successfully completed. It also highlights the policy successes that the applicant has been, at least, partially responsible for, which is impressive for someone in a junior position, and would be attractive to a recruiter.
Because you will be asked to complete a variety of tasks in this position, be sure to list all of the skills you have to complete these tasks. E.g. List the various areas of research you are skilled in, as well as any subject areas you are particularly knowledgeable about.
Because you most likely do not have a lot of real-world experience as an analyst, feel free to include any relevant experience you acquired in university. It will help bolster your potentially scarce resume and will show an early and sustained interest and passion in the policy analyst field.
As a hiring manager who has recruited policy analysts at organizations like the Brookings Institution, the Center for American Progress, and the Urban Institute, I've reviewed hundreds of resumes for junior policy analyst positions. Based on my experience, I've compiled a list of tips that will help your resume stand out from the competition and land you an interview.
Employers want to see that you have the research and analytical skills necessary to succeed as a policy analyst. Use specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate these skills:
While a summary section is optional on a resume, it can be a valuable addition for junior policy analysts. It allows you to provide context and highlight key qualifications that may not be immediately apparent from the rest of your resume. However, it's crucial to avoid using an objective statement, as these are outdated and ineffective.
When crafting your summary, focus on showcasing your most relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Tailor it specifically to the junior policy analyst role you're targeting, and avoid repeating information that's already covered in other sections of your resume. Keep it concise, ideally no more than a few sentences or a short paragraph.
The work experience section is the most crucial part of your resume as a junior policy analyst. It's where you show hiring managers that you have the skills and experience to excel in the role. In this section, you'll want to highlight your relevant experience, accomplishments, and the impact you've made in previous positions.
When describing your work experience, use strong action verbs that demonstrate your policy analysis skills. This helps hiring managers quickly understand your capabilities and the impact you've made.
Avoid using weak or passive language that doesn't effectively convey your contributions:
Your education section is a critical part of your junior policy analyst resume. It shows recruiters that you have the necessary academic background and knowledge to excel in the role. In this section, we'll cover what to include and how to format your education for maximum impact.
The skills section of your resume is where you highlight your top abilities that are relevant to the Junior Policy Analyst role. It's a chance to show hiring managers, at a glance, that you have the right mix of knowledge and experience for the job.
When writing your skills section, focus on showcasing a balance of technical skills, such as data analysis and research, along with transferable skills like project management and problem-solving. Aim to match the key skills listed in the job description to increase your chances of getting noticed.
Here are examples of popular skills from Junior Policy Analyst job descriptions that you can include on your resume.
This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Junior Policy Analyst job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more likely you should include it in your resume.
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