Resources for Being an Effective Hill Staffer
- Stennis Center for Public Service, Tips for Surviving and Thriving on Capitol Hill (2013) (PDF)
This information sheet gives advice on collaboration, work-life balance, advancement, attire, decorum, and other basic information one would need before working on the Hill. - National Conference of State Legislatures, 6 Tips for Being a Successful Legislative Staffer (2021)
Explains how to be a successful state legislative staffer through the lens of six main themes: knowing your ‘why,’ building relationships, listening, curiosity, self-care, and respecting the institution. - Partnership for Public Service, Important Lessons from One Hill Intern to the Next (2021)
This blog post by a former Senate intern features advice for future interns. - Congressional Institute, Resources for New Members of Congress and Congressional Staff (2020)
This resource guide for new Members of Congress and congressional staff includes publications and organizations to support those new to Capitol Hill. - American Enterprise Institute, How Can a New Staffer Survive Congress? (2021)
This transcript of a podcast features Mark Strand, the coauthor of the book “Surviving Inside Congress” and President of the Congressional Institute. - University of Virginia Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy, How Experienced Congressional Staff Contribute to Effective Lawmaking (2020)
This video features Mike Henry, the chief of staff for Senator Tim Kaine, and Craig Volden, the co-director at the Center for Effective Lawmaking. - American Library Association, Advice from Former Congressional Staffers: How to Conduct a Successful Capitol Hill Meeting (2018)
This video includes advice from former Hill staffers on how to conduct a successful Capitol Hill meeting. - Yale Law School, Strategies for Success in Your First Job (2022)
This post provides strategies for success for law students starting a first job.
* Updated September 2026. Resources are for reference purposes and not necessarily endorsed by the Congressional Studies Program or its staff.