Navigating Career Transitions | Part 1: A Guide for Federal Employees and Contractors Affected by Recent Policy Changes
What’s Next? Career Planning and Job Search Tips for Federal Employees and Contractors Impacted by Recent Changes in the Federal Government
Intended Audience: Federal employees and contractors impacted by recent policy changes, particularly those who may be seeking private-sector employment for the first time in years.
A Challenging Transition—But You’re Not Alone
If you are a federal employee or contractor affected by recent policy changes, you may be facing an uncertain future. Many of you have dedicated years or even decades to public service, providing stability, expertise, and a deep commitment to your mission. Now you are navigating an unfamiliar job market, updating your resume, and adjusting to private sector hiring processes that may be completely different from what you are used to.
I understand how overwhelming this transition can feel. Having worked as a government employee, as a federal contractor, in the private sector, and as an executive hiring manager, I have hired and promoted hundreds of professionals throughout my career. During my time at Gartner, I worked closely with senior military leaders transitioning to the private sector. Many had never written a resume or experienced a corporate interview. Through these experiences, I have seen firsthand how the right strategies, preparation, and guidance can make all the difference. I also know what hiring managers are looking for and what makes a candidate stand out.
The goal of this series is to provide practical advice and resources to help you move forward with confidence, whether you are actively searching for a new role or preparing for what comes next.
Assess Your Situation and Define Your Goals
Before diving into job applications, take a step back and assess where you are and where you want to go. Ask yourself:
What industries align with my skills and experience?
Am I open to remote work or relocation?
Do I need to upskill or gain certifications to improve my marketability?
What are my salary requirements?
What benefits are most important to me?
What companies would I like to work for?
Are there people in my network that can help me achieve my goals?
And possibly, Do I want to stay in my current career path, or is this an opportunity to make a change?
Looking for a Job Can Feel Like a Full-Time Job
Job searching takes time, effort, and organization. It is easy to lose track of where you have applied, which roles are still open, and where you stand in the hiring process. Treat this like managing a project—set clear goals, track your progress, and stay organized.
I have put together a job application tracker that I share with my career coaching clients, and I am making it available here to help you keep track of your job search. Using a structured tracker will allow you to:
Record job postings, deadlines, and application dates
Track your progress through each stage of the hiring process
Note key contacts, interview dates, and follow-ups
Stay on top of next steps, so nothing falls through the cracks
Rank the jobs you are most interested in
Sort by salary range, relocation requirements, and other items
Keeping detailed records is especially important because the hiring process can take weeks or even months. When a recruiter follows up, you want to be able to quickly recall details about the job, the company, and any conversations you have already had. This will help you stay prepared and professional throughout the process.
By approaching your job search with the same structure and organization you would bring to a major project at work, you can reduce stress, stay proactive, and improve your chances of landing the right opportunity.
Build and Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a critical tool in the private-sector job search process. Many hiring managers and recruiters search for candidates directly on LinkedIn, so having a strong presence can increase your chances of being discovered.
Essential LinkedIn Updates:
Use a professional photo – A clear, professional headshot improves visibility.
Write a compelling headline – Instead of just listing your title, highlight your expertise (e.g., “Cybersecurity Leader | Risk Management | Incident Response”).
Update your summary – Keep it concise and focus on your skills, experience, and career goals.
List relevant skills – Many recruiters search for candidates by skill keywords—make sure yours are listed.
Engage with content – Commenting on posts and sharing industry news helps establish credibility.
If you’re unfamiliar with LinkedIn, spend time browsing profiles of professionals in your target industry to see how others put together their profiles.
Leveraging LinkedIn to Open Doors
Before applying for a role, take a few extra steps to maximize your chances of getting noticed:
Look for Connections at Your Target Companies – Use LinkedIn to search for first- and second-degree connections who work at the organization you are applying to. If you have a mutual connection, ask for an introduction. A simple, professional message can go a long way in starting a conversation.
Find Recruiters and Hiring Managers – Many companies have dedicated recruiters for different job functions. If you find one hiring for a role you are interested in, send them a brief, polite message expressing interest in the position. Let them know you applied and that you would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your qualifications.
Ask for a Referral from a Current Employee – Many organizations offer employee referral programs, where employees can earn bonuses for referring candidates who get hired. Employees are often willing to refer qualified applicants because it benefits them, but it also increases your visibility in the hiring process. Referred candidates are often reviewed before external applicants and may bypass some of the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters that screen resumes before a human sees them.
Even if they are unable to refer you, making connections inside a company can help you learn more about its culture, hiring process, and potential future opportunities.
Taking these extra steps can set you apart from the competition and help you cut through the noise of hundreds (or even thousands) of applications that recruiters receive for each role. By using LinkedIn strategically, you can turn your job search into a targeted, relationship-driven approach rather than simply submitting applications and hoping for a response.
Bottom Line
Transitioning from federal service to the private sector comes with challenges, but with the right strategies and tools, you can navigate this change successfully. Staying organized, leveraging LinkedIn, and building meaningful connections will significantly increase your chances of landing your next opportunity. By treating your job search like a structured project and taking proactive steps, you can set yourself apart from other applicants and take control of your career transition.
Stay Tuned
In the next post, I will dive into how to create a compelling resume that highlights your skills and experience.
Join the Conversation and Stay Connected
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If this information has resonated with you and you’re interested in personalized career coaching, including resume reviews, job search strategies, and interview preparation, click here to book a session with me.
💬 Have questions or insights to share? Drop a comment below! Whether you have a question or comment, I’d love to hear from you.
I really appreciate you taking the time to put together this 5-part series. Navigating career transitions can be overwhelming, and your insights are incredibly valuable for those going through it. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and offering practical guidance!