Preparing for a private sector job search can be bewildering for Federal government employees used to lengthy federal resumes. We can help.
As a former Federal employee until taking the Deferred Resignation Program earlier this year, I understand the challenges facing civil servants in today's environment. Over my 25 -year career, I was privileged to work with extremely talented individuals in countless occupational specialties and at grade levels ranging from GS-5 to agency heads.
I started my part-time resume writing service in 2013 to help talented individuals join and advance in federal service. As a full-time resume writer, my mission is to help transitioning federal employees. As a former public affairs specialist and journalist, I know how to translate government jargon into a clear, concise, and readable content for a variety of stakeholders.
Key Differences Between Public and Private Sector Resumes
Private sector resumes are very different from their federal counterparts. They are short and accomplishment focused, unlike Federal resumes, which require detailed information about employers, key duties and support responses to questionnaires.
| Differences | Federal Resumes | Private Sector Resumes |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 5-10 pages | 1–2 pages |
| Detail Level | Highly detailed; duties and accomplishments tied to a questionnaire. | Concise: focuses on achievements and impact |
| Formatting | Paragraphe-style descriptions, minimal design | Bullet points, modern formatting |
| Keywords | Related to vacancy announcement and questionnaire, | Used strategically, but less rigid |
| Required Info | Citizenship, GS level, veterans’ preference, full addresses, salary, | Basic contact information, job titles, dates |
| Application Process |
Submitted via USAJOBS with questionnaires and supporting docs | Sent directly or via job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed |
| Evaluation Criteria |
Reviewed by HR specialists | Reviewed by automated tracking systems |
How we Translate Federal Resumes into Private Sector Career Documents
