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Top tips for transitioning from government into the private sector

Looking for some concrete advice as you transition out of federal service?

We recently caught up with career coach and co-founder of Your Next Jump, Timothy Lo, who has worked extensively with the State Department’s Job Search Transition Program, to learn the best practices he shares with his clients.  

Here are Tim’s top eight tips for transitioning out of the federal government and into the private sector. 

1. Don’t wait for perfect clarity before taking action 

Many federal professionals hesitate to take the first step because they are unsure what path to pursue next. But you will not truly know if a role, company or sector is the “right fit” until you move forward.

The key is to time-box your exploration—give yourself a defined window to research, network and test the waters. Do not aim for a perfect match. Instead, focus on finding a good learning opportunity where you can grow and gain new skills. Your first role outside government does not have to be—and likely will not be—your forever job. 

2. Do not go it alone—find others who have made the jump

You are not the first person to leave the State Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development or other federal agencies. Use LinkedIn’s advanced search to find professionals who previously held similar roles and have successfully transitioned to the private sector.

Reach out to those who are three to 10 years ahead of you—they will often be the most helpful in reflecting on their experience and offering actionable advice. Ask what helped them most, what they wish they had done differently and what challenges caught them by surprise. 

3. Do not bury your federal experience—reframe it

Federal resumes are often dense and filled with acronyms and official language that do not translate well to the private sector. But your experience is highly valuable—it just needs to be reframed in terms of results and relevance.

Private employers care less about titles and more about what you have accomplished. Emphasize leadership, strategic communication, cross-functional collaboration and global impact. Translate “interagency coordination” into “stakeholder management,” and “policy development” into “strategic planning.” 

4. Your resume should not read like a USAJOBS resume

Resist the urge to copy and paste from your SF-50 or federal resume. In the private sector, hiring managers want to quickly understand what you do and the results you deliver.

Use concise bullet points that focus on outcomes and skills. Quantify where possible—show impact in numbers, time saved, budgets managed or people led. Lead with the value you bring, not just the list of duties you performed. 

5. Tailor your resume for each opportunity

Generic does not work. Customize your resume and LinkedIn headline to align with the role you are applying for. Highlight transferable skills like diplomacy, problem-solving, negotiation and international experience.

Avoid government jargon and use language that resonates with the private sector.

Remember: The goal is not just to showcase your experience, but to also make it relevant to the role you are targeting. That does not mean you need a new resume every time you apply for a position. Typically, some small but strategic adjustments will do.  

6. Prepare before entering the market

Do not “test the waters” without the right materials. An unpolished resume or LinkedIn profile can make a poor first impression.

Before applying to roles, make sure your branding—resume, LinkedIn and even your “elevator pitch”—is cohesive and compelling. You should be able to clearly answer: Why are you leaving federal service, and what do you bring to the table? 

7. Network strategically—that’s the shortcut

Most job seekers spend 80–90% of their time applying online. Flip that. Spend 70% of your time building relationships and asking for conversations, and only 30% applying to jobs.

Talk to people who work in your target companies or industries. Ask for informational interviews, insights into company culture or advice on how to position your background. You are not asking for a job—you are asking to learn. And that is what opens doors. 

8. Manage your expectations—and your energy

The private sector moves faster than government—and often more chaotically. You may experience less structure, quicker deadlines and a stronger emphasis on results.

Be patient with yourself, set daily goals and track your progress. Focus on what you can control, such as your outreach, follow-ups and preparation—not the job market, competition or company timelines.

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