How to Translate Your Government Experience for a Private Sector Resume

Whether the recent cutbacks have you anticipating a career switch or you’ve already accepted a severance package, transitioning from the federal government to the private sector requires rethinking your professional identity—starting with your resume.

It’s not just a matter of translating your government experience into more understandable language, noted Michelle Dumas, nationally certified resume writer and founder of Distinctive Career Services, LLC: “Creating a resume that will resonate with recruiters and hiring managers in the private sector requires a mindset shift.”

The following steps will help you actively change your way of thinking and adapt your resume’s format, length, contents and narrative for a private sector audience.