Making the transition from public service to the private sector can be exciting, but it often requires a shift in how you present your skills and experience. Your resume, a key tool in your job search, needs to effectively communicate your value to potential employers in a language they understand. This means translating your government experience into terms that resonate with private sector recruiters.
This guide provides practical tips to help you optimize your resume for a successful career transition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Resume is too long and wordy: Keep your resume concise and to the point, 2 pages maximum. A good rule of thumb is a maximum of 5-6 brief bullet points for each experience.
Jargon hinders impact: To increase its impact, your resume needs to be adapted to the private sector audience by replacing government-specific terms with more common business language.
No metrics: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. Use numbers and data to demonstrate the impact of your work.
Redundancies: Each job title and bullet point should showcase different skills and experiences. Avoid repetition.
Translate Government Lingo
Instead of listing specific government titles or names, use more general business terms like "stakeholders" or "executive leadership."
Avoid use of most acronyms. If you must use them, spell them out the first time (except for commonly known acronyms, like FBI, CIA, DoD, etc.).
Translate government-specific actions into language that highlights transferable skills.
Use Metrics & Measurable Results
Quantify your achievements using the formula: "Accomplished [X] as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]."
The majority of your resume bullets should include some type of metric.
Use real numbers instead of spelling them out to catch a recruiter's eye (i.e. use "8" instead of "eight").
Effective Formatting
Use the same professional font, size, and spacing throughout your resume.
Ensure your headings are consistent in wording, date format, and size.
Start each bullet point with a dynamic verb (e.g., led, managed, created, improved, etc.).
Start with a base resume, then create a copy for each job application. Tailor your resume to align with the specific requirements and keywords of each job description.
Additional Tips
Include a link to your LinkedIn profile.
Write a concise summary focusing on your key skills and impact.
Place education after work experience and remove irrelevant training.
Consider adding an interests section to showcase your personality and hobbies.
Only include a skills section if you have relevant technical skills or certifications.
Use AI to give you ideas on grammar, skill ideas, or rephrasing bullet points for maximum impact.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience to potential employers in the private sector. Remember to translate your government lingo, quantify your achievements, and tailor your resume to each job application. With a strong and well-crafted resume, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in the private sector.
Please reach out to Lacey Flickinger via LinkedIn or email with questions regarding this guide.
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