You’ve probably heard the phrase “pretty good for government work” used in a derogatory fashion. You’ve probably also heard many jokes told about lazy or inept government workers. Often, politicians claim that we are part of the problem, rather than part of the solution.
The impression that federal employees are “bureaucrats” or “drones” may be irritating while you are a federal employee. It can be disastrous if you are a federal employee or former federal employee looking for a job in the private sector.
How can you overcome this impression if you are looking for work in the private sector?
When preparing a resume or interviewing for a position, focus on recent measurable accomplishments. Choose items that produce results that are valued in both the public and private sectors. For example; time saved, productivity increased, dollars saved or subordinates promoted would be valuable anywhere.
Don’t use federal government specific language or too many acronyms. Study want ads and position descriptions for jobs in which you have an interest and replace government language with that found in the ads or descriptions.
Consider using a functional resume, rather than the more traditional chronological resume. The functional resume allows you to focus on results on the first page of your resume, leaving employment history to the second page.
Keep your resume to two pages. Much of the information that you would include in a federal resume or federal job application is not appropriate for a private sector resume.
In some areas or occupations, government work might give you an advantage. Holding a top-secret clearance is an example of such an advantage. In addition, employees of regulatory agencies often find employment in the areas they regulated, though they must be aware of conflict of interest rules.
** John Grobe, President of Federal Career Experts, is the contributing editor of FEDweek’s The Federal Employees Career Transition Handbook and an expert in employment and job search issues. He provides career advising services to individual employees. John can be reached at (630) 208-0087 or johnfgrobe@comcast.net. **
