The federal government is chaotic right now… and uncertainty abounds.

And because of those facts, many employees are weighing their options—especially with the recent offer of eight months of severance.

If you’re considering taking the package, it might sound like a nice vacation. However, now is the time to start planning your transition to the private sector.

The job market moves fast, and a well-crafted resume can be the key to making a smooth and successful shift.

Unlike federal resumes, which tend to be long, detailed, and formatted according to government standards, private-sector resumes need to be concise, results-driven, and tailored to hiring managers who may not be familiar with federal job titles or terminology. Here’s how to make sure your resume helps you stand out—and land a great role outside of government.

(And let me offer a quick disclaimer… before saying “yes” to the OPM, federal employees should consult with HR, agency benefits personnel, legal counsel, and their financial advisors first.)

Shift from a Federal Resume to a Private-Sector Format

Federal resumes often span multiple pages and focus heavily on duties and compliance. The private sector, however, prioritizes efficiency and impact. Aim for a two-page resume at most that highlights achievements, quantifiable results, and transferable skills rather than listing every task you’ve performed.

What to Do:

  • Use a professional summary instead of an “Objective” statement.
  • Convert government-specific job titles into industry-recognized equivalents.
  • Focus on results—how you saved money, improved efficiency, or led successful projects.

What to Avoid:

  • Overloading your resume with acronyms and federal jargon unfamiliar to corporate hiring managers.
  • Listing every detail of your federal job descriptions instead of emphasizing key takeaways.

Translate Your Federal Experience into Private-Sector Language

Government agencies use unique job classifications, but corporate recruiters may not understand the impact of a GS-15 role or the intricacies of your responsibilities. Your job titles and descriptions should be rewritten to align with private-sector equivalents.

Example:

  • Federal Title: Management and Program Analyst, GS-13
  • Private-Sector Equivalent: Operations Manager | Business Analyst | Project Manager

Make sure to highlight skills like strategic planning, budgeting, policy implementation, and team leadership in ways that resonate with non-government hiring managers.

Highlight Transferable Skills That Private Employers Value

Many federal employees have strong skills that translate well into the private sector, but they often need to be framed correctly. Some of the most sought-after skills include:

  • Project Management: Running complex programs, managing budgets, and coordinating across departments.
  • Leadership & Team Management: Supervising teams, improving workflows, and leading change initiatives.
  • Regulatory & Compliance Expertise: Navigating policies and ensuring operational compliance.
  • Data Analysis & Reporting: Using metrics to drive decision-making and improve efficiency.

When writing your resume, make sure to demonstrate how these skills contributed to tangible business outcomes rather than simply listing them.

Quantify Your Achievements

Hiring managers in the private sector want to see results. Instead of listing responsibilities, showcase how your work made a measurable impact.

Example:

  • Before (Federal Style): “Managed a team responsible for reviewing policy updates.”
  • After (Private-Sector Style): “Led a team of 12 to streamline policy review processes, reducing approval times by 30% and increasing compliance rates by 15%.”

Whenever possible, use numbers and data to back up your claims.

Tailor Your Resume for the Private-Sector Job You Want

Federal employees often take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to resumes. However, in the private sector, customization is key. Every job application should be tailored to match the specific role and company.

How to Tailor Your Resume:

  • Use keywords from the job description to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
  • Align your experience and achievements with the company’s goals.
  • Emphasize soft skills like adaptability, communication, and leadership.

A targeted resume will always outperform a generic one.

Address Any Security Clearance or Government-Specific Experience Thoughtfully

If you have a security clearance, it can be an asset in some industries (e.g., defense, cybersecurity, and government contracting). However, in other fields, it’s not always relevant and could even seem intimidating to hiring managers unfamiliar with government work.

How to Handle It:

  • If relevant to the job, include it in your resume (e.g., “Active TS/SCI Clearance”).
  • If not relevant, focus on skills and experiences outside of government-specific roles.
  • Avoid excessive details about classified projects—instead, highlight your leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

Get Started Now—Before the Job Market Gets More Crowded Than It Already Is

With many federal employees considering severance, competition in the private job market may increase quickly. The earlier you start preparing, the better your chances of securing the role you want before hiring slows down.

If you’re unsure how to translate your federal experience into a compelling private-sector resume, working with a professional resume writer can help you avoid common pitfalls and position yourself for success.

At Grammar Chic, we specialize in helping professionals craft strategic, results-driven resumes that resonate with hiring managers. We’ve helped many transition into the federal government—and we can certainly assist those who are looking to get out.

Need help making the transition? Let’s chat. Contact Grammar Chic today for expert resume writing services.