#JobSearch : How To Transition From The Federal Government To The Private Sector. Great Read for ALL Remote Workers!
The fork in the road is official. On January 28, President Donald Trump issued a return to office mandate to over two million federal government employees. Those federal employees who choose not to continue in their current role will be allowed to retain full pay and benefits through the end of September. While several million government employees received the offer, an estimated 20,000 have already accepted. That represents thousands of individuals who may contemplate moving over to the private sector.
There are many reasons someone might want to transition from a federal government role to the corporate sector. Some factors include wanting to try a new challenge, enjoying a more flexible work schedule or achieving a higher salary. In some cases, people who switch from government jobs to private sector positions can collect retirement benefits from a government pension as well as a retirement plan through a private employer. The Trump administration even encourages the move, stating, “The way to greater American prosperity is encouraging people to move from lower productivity jobs in the public sector to higher productivity jobs in the private sector.”
While making a major career change is challenging, it may provide a valuable opportunity for those who want to explore a new path. If that sounds like you, here are some steps you can take to transition from a government role to the private sector.
Clarify your goals
Career change starts from within. You need to know your strengths, weaknesses, passions and skills. Think about the experiences you most enjoyed throughout your public sector career and why. Then, choose a target industry for your search based on your skill set and interests. Consider industries that benefit from your federal government experience, like those that are heavily regulated. Also, decide if you want to join a large or small company. Larger organizations are more structured and offer narrow roles, while small to mid-sized companies are generally less formal and allow you to wear many hats. Finally, determine how much flexibility you need regarding whether you want to work from home or in an office. In some cases, you can negotiate a hybrid arrangement as a compromise.
Revamp your resume
If you’ve been in the public sector for years, it will be necessary to update your resume. The most obvious difference between your current resume and one designed for the private sector is length. While a federal government resume is generally longer, it’s recommended that you limit it to no more than two pages for the private sector. As a result, your new resume will need to be succinct and include only your most notable achievements. Trim any details that aren’t directly relevant to the role you are applying for, and be sure to use corporate terminology. Corporate recruiters and hiring managers generally take seconds to scan a resume. By taking a strategic approach and focusing on measurable results, you’ll set yourself apart from the competition.
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Rebrand yourself
Personal branding isn’t just for celebrities and social media influencers. It provides a competitive edge when you’re making a career change. Once you identify your target industry, follow thought leaders and comment on their social media posts. Consider upskilling to keep up with trends and updated technology. Also, don’t forget to update your online image. Spend time crafting your messaging so it aligns with your new goals and what you hope to achieve. Once you’ve updated your resume and social media profiles, get your name out there through networking. With time, you’ll be able to establish a positive reputation within your new industry.
Grow your network
To successfully transition from the federal government to the private sector, do your homework. An important part of that is growing your network. To start, make a list of companies you want to work for. Then meet as many people as possible within those organizations to understand their career trajectories and daily activities. Don’t hesitate to lean on current contacts to make introductions. Also, research the technologies, vocabulary and anything else specific to that company or industry. When you enter into an interview situation, your goal is to speak their language fluently.
Leverage transferable skills
Transferable skills are the competencies you take with you regardless of which sector you work in. They can refer to hard skills like accounting and computer programming or soft skills like leadership and problem-solving. Highlighting these strengths to future employers shows you can immediately impact almost any industry or organization. One way to identify them is to research your ideal role by scanning job descriptions and speaking to people in that field. Then, pinpoint the most relevant transferable skills and emphasize them throughout your job search process. In an ever-evolving job market, these skills will make you a more attractive candidate and help you hit the ground running.
If you’re a federal government worker impacted by return-to-office mandates, this may be the perfect time to chart a new professional path. A career change takes patience and planning. So, keep your expectations realistic. By staying positive, growing your network and leveraging your transferable skills, you’ll find a renewed sense of purpose and meaning.
