Your Trusted Resource for Career Transitions
SHRM isn’t just the voice of work, workers, and the workplace — we’re also your partner in navigating change. With 76 years of expertise and unmatched resources, we understand exactly what government employees offer and what private-sector employers are looking for.
From tailored resume tips to networking guidance, SHRM is by your side to empower you to confidently step into your next role. Together, we’ll refine your professional story and help you stand out and step forward.
6-Step Career Transition Checklist
1. Pause and Reflect
Transitioning from federal to private sector work is a major step, and it’s okay to take a moment to understand your goals and priorities. Use this time to think about the type of role you want and how your current skills align with opportunities in the private sector.
Here are curated resources to help get you started:
2. Refresh and Reframe Your Resume
Your resume should highlight your transferable skills, achievements, and experiences. Tailor your federal experience and focus on results that can resonate with private-sector recruiters who may not be familiar with government roles.
Helpful tools and resources:
Reminder: With many popular applicant tracking systems (ATS) using AI to screen job applicants, hiring managers often end up seeing only a fraction of the resumes submitted. So here is what you can do to maximize exposure: Craft Your Resume with AI in Mind and optimize your resume by targeting keywords with tools like Jobscan.
3. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
Your LinkedIn profile is your professional handshake in today’s job market. Ensure it tells a compelling story of who you are and reflects your skills, accomplishments, and leadership traits. Connect with professional networks and let recruiters find you.
Get noticed with these resources:
4. Tap Into the Power of Your Network
Networking is the most effective way to uncover hidden opportunities. Reach out to your professional connections and ask them to introduce you to industry insiders. Whether it’s former colleagues, mentors, or SHRM members, someone you know could open the door to your next big role.
While networking can sometimes feel overwhelming, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with step-by-step guidance:
5. Search Smart: Explore the Right Job Portals and Career Sites
Visit trusted job sites specialized for transitioning federal employees and explore roles suited to your expertise. These platforms offer curated opportunities and resources to support your career objectives.
By leveraging these resources, you can identify opportunities aligned with your skills and career goals while accessing valuable insights about potential employers and industries.
Consider the following sites to kick-start your search:
6. Prepare for Interviews with Confidence
Interviews are your chance to shine. Build your personal brand and practice your career elevator pitch, explaining how your government work translates to impact in the private sector.
Leverage AI-powered platforms to practice common interview questions and receive instant feedback on your responses. These cutting-edge tools analyze your tone, word choice, and delivery, helping you refine your approach and build confidence. By combining these advanced resources with traditional preparation techniques, you’ll be ready to make a lasting impression on any hiring manager.
Master the art of interviewing with these tools:
Additional Resources to Support Your Career Transition
SHRM is committed to equipping you with tailored resources for a smooth career transition. These platforms and guides are specifically designed for federal employees making their next big career move:
U.S. Office of Personnel Management's Federal Employees Transition Toolkit (OPM.gov): Expert guidance for federal-to-private career shifts.
CareerOneStop: Job listings and personalized skill assessments.
Go Government (Partnership for Public Service): Translate your federal expertise into private-sector language.
GovLoop: Networking support and practical job resources.
Hire Heroes USA: Special support for federal veterans.
Move Forward with Confidence
Your next opportunity is waiting, and SHRM is here to ensure you’re prepared every step of the way. Use this 6-step career transition checklist as your roadmap and tap into the resources above to confidently take your career to new heights.
If you need personalized guidance or have a resource we should add to our library, please don’t hesitate to reach out at shrm@shrm.org or give us a call at 800.283.SHRM (7476). Together, we can help you turn this transition into triumph.
Turn to SHRM for trusted career advice and solutions.