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Your government experience has value: 5 tips for charting a confident career transition

Long job searches can feel discouraging, and, in today’s challenging federal environment, many public servants are sharing stories of applying to numerous jobs without receiving a single interview.

Current and former federal employees, you are not alone. 

If you’re in an extended period of transition, don’t limit yourself based on a narrative you’ve built about who you are or where you “should” be. Think broadly about what energizes you and the kind of work that feels meaningful, and let that guide your next chapter. 

Below are five tips to help current or former federal employees navigate a career transition:

1. Prioritize bullet points on your resume

One trend Partnership career coaches have seen recently among federal professionals transitioning to other sectors is the use of a short summary under each professional experience, followed by bullets. 

Remember, your resume is precious real estate, and most hiring managers spend about 60 seconds reviewing it. Bullets are far more readable than paragraphs. We recommend keeping one professional summary at the top of your resume and avoiding summaries under each role. Instead, use three to eight concise, action- and outcomes-oriented bullets that highlight impact and include quantifiable results.  

2. Perfect your elevator pitch and establish a personal brand

One of the biggest confidence boosters during a career transition is reframing identity: You may no longer be a federal employee, but you are still a public servant. Working on your elevator pitch and personal brand will help you articulate this continuity and clearly communicate who you are and the value you bring. 

It’s surprisingly difficult to describe our skills and strengths, especially during a transition, so taking time to reflect on the work you enjoy and the impact you’ve had can make a huge difference. You never know when an opportunity will arise, and being ready to answer “tell me about yourself” in a way that resonates with any audience is incredibly empowering. Bonus: A strong pitch also informs your LinkedIn “About” section, helping you communicate your value both verbally and online.

3. Complete a skills assessment

Tools like the Partnership’s Federal Employee Skills Assessment worksheet or other online resources can help you catalogue both technical and soft skills developed through federal service. Once you catalogue your skills, look for key themes like data analysis, project management, procurement, stakeholder engagement or people management. Then, research how those strengths show up in roles within the sectors you’re most interested in. 

Generative AI can be a helpful resource. Paste your top skills into a tool and ask how they might translate into private or nonprofit roles, including alternate job titles or how those skills are typically described. This process not only clarifies transferable strengths but also builds language that resonates with new audiences during networking and job searches.

4. Consider the type of environment that feels most energizing

Think about whether you are most interested in working in large, medium or small organizations, and whether your desired scale of impact is local, regional, national or international. Reflect on the kind of work that feels most meaningful. Do you want to be on the ground interfacing with clients and communities, or do you want to work behind the scenes to shape strategy and support teams? 

It can also be helpful to ask what you want your life and career to look like right now. Are you seeking the stability and benefits of a traditional full-time role, or does a part-time position with more flexibility and work-life balance feel like a better fit? For some, side gigs or freelance work while exploring full-time opportunities can provide independence. Ultimately, the goal is to identify what makes the most sense based on your current life stage, financial needs and broader career goals.

5. Remember that networking is simply talking to people

LinkedIn has normalized reaching out, and many professionals genuinely enjoy sharing their career journeys and offering advice. Think of networking like a “coffee chat” or an informal informational interview—low pressure, conversational and focused on learning. 

Start with familiar contacts such as family, friends, neighbors and former coworkers who know your work and can provide gentle feedback as you build confidence, then move to second-degree connections before reaching out to cold contacts. Preparation is key: Research who you’re meeting with, identify shared interests or experiences and prepare thoughtful questions to guide the conversation. Finally, and most importantly, be kind to yourself throughout the process and remember that your experience and skills have value.

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Want more advice? Sign up for the Partnership for Public Service’s FedSupport newsletter for resources, guidance and tools designed to help federal employees navigate career transitions and thrive either inside or outside government.

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