Deciding how politically “out” to be on your application materials? I encourage my clients (most of the time) to put it all out there. Yes, it risks alienating some employers, but generally those are the employers who aren’t a good fit for you.
There are, of course, some exceptions. If you are applying for a government job or something dealing with sensitive information, you might opt to play your cards a bit closer to the chest. Or if you have changed your stance on an issue and don’t want the old info floating around. In cases like that, I recommend listing anything you have done in vague terms: “Volunteer, political fundraising organization.” That way you can still list your accomplishments without tipping your hand too much.
But in most cases, you can go ahead and show who you are on your resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile. That doesn’t just include things like advocacy work, either. Feel free to add your sense of humor or your interest in fostering puppies or whatever else gives a sense of what makes you unique. This will mean that employers who respond to you have a much greater likelihood of being places you will find a good fit!
