I'm interested in working for the new administration. Administrations receive thousands of unsolicited job applications and resumes. If you are personally familiar with a member of Congress or some other influential person, their recommendation may be helpful in securing careful consideration of your application. This is a very political process, of course, and it is obviously helpful to be able to demonstrate some contribution to the President's election or some set of skills that will be very useful in advancing the goals of his administration. This can vary widely, depending on the position under consideration and the complexity of carrying out investigations of a nominee's background.
Political controversy can also slow a nomination considerably.
Presidents do not typically hold personal meetings with or interview candidates for appointment, except those being considered for Cabinet and other very high-level positions. The Office plays a central role in identifying vacancies, recruiting candidates, and assisting the president in choosing a nominee. In most recent administrations, presidents have normally agreed to the recommendations provided by their personnel staffs. Candidates for presidential appointments have to complete a wide array of forms and questionnaires. These are described in detail in the Survivor's Guide for Presidential Nominees and are now available for examination in the Forms section of this web site.