{"id":49994,"date":"2025-05-19T19:42:11","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T02:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/?p=49384"},"modified":"2025-08-07T18:41:34","modified_gmt":"2025-08-08T01:41:34","slug":"career-advice-to-pivot-with-purpose-following-federal-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/gov-talk\/about-gov\/education\/career-advice-to-pivot-with-purpose-following-federal-service\/","title":{"rendered":"Career Advice to Pivot with Purpose Following Federal Service"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Career Advice to Pivot with Purpose Following Federal Service<\/strong><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”-77px|||||” custom_padding=”27.2344px|0px|0|0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”50px|0|50px|0″ custom_padding_phone=”” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_padding=”20px||0px|” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Valerie-Martinelli.jpg” title_text=”Valerie Martinelli” show_bottom_space=”off” align=”center” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ animation=”off” sticky=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#02b875″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.2em” header_text_color=”#000000″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||0px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]VALERIE MARTINELLI<\/a><\/span>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”on|on|” _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||on||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”16″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” max_width=”140px” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”10px||60px|” global_colors_info=”{}”]Valerie is currently the CEO and owner of Valerie Martinelli Consulting, LLC. in which she offers Life, Leadership, and Career coaching for women as well as various Management and Human Resource consulting services such as program development, management, and evaluation, human resource audits, and employee handbook and other policy developments.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.5em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”720px” min_height=”929px” custom_margin=”0px||0px|” custom_padding=”||0px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve recently lost your federal job, let me say this first: You are not alone, and you are not without options.<\/p>\n

For many mid and senior-level federal professionals, job loss can feel like a career derailment. After years of public service, the next step might not be obvious. You\u2019ve built deep expertise, led complex initiatives, and managed through bureaucracy, budget shifts, and political transitions. And now, you\u2019re left wondering: What\u2019s next?<\/p>\n

One smart, strategic answer? State and local government.<\/p>\n

Municipalities and state agencies across the country are hungry for experienced leadership, operational acumen, and cross-functional collaboration \u2014 all hallmarks of federal talent. But the path to landing these roles requires more than just applying with your federal resume and waiting. It takes intentional positioning, targeted networking, and a clear narrative that bridges where you\u2019ve been with where you\u2019re going.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to position yourself as a top-tier candidate for state and local government roles:<\/p>\n

Shift Your Mindset: Your Experience Translates \u2014 But You Need to Tell the Story<\/em><\/h4>\n

The biggest mistake I see federal professionals make? Assuming your experience speaks for itself.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t. At least, not outside federal circles.<\/p>\n

State and local agencies may not be familiar with GS levels, federal acronyms, or the scale of national programs. You need to translate your impact. Don\u2019t just say you led a \u201cgovernment-wide data initiative.\u201d Say: \u201cLed a multi-agency data governance project that improved service delivery to over 10 million Americans and reduced duplication by 30%.\u201d<\/p>\n

Think about the outcomes. What did your work change<\/em>, fix<\/em>, or improve<\/em>? How did it impact people, processes, or policy? That\u2019s what hiring managers want to see.<\/p>\n

Adapt Your Resume \u2014 Yes, Even If You Hate It<\/em><\/h4>\n

That 8-page federal resume? Time to retire it.<\/p>\n

Your new resume needs to be focused, modern, and tailored. Keep it to 2\u20133 pages max. Use bullet points, plain language, and measurable accomplishments. Replace government-speak with universal leadership and management language: \u201cdirected,\u201d \u201cstreamlined,\u201d \u201cpartnered,\u201d \u201creduced,\u201d \u201cgrew,\u201d \u201cmodernized.<\/p>\n

Also, state and local governments are increasingly moving to skills-based hiring models. If you led digital transformation, oversaw multimillion-dollar programs, or facilitated interagency collaboration, highlight those core capabilities front and center.<\/p>\n

Pro tip: Many state HR systems use keyword scanners. Pull language from the job description and weave it naturally into your resume. This isn\u2019t gaming the system \u2014 it\u2019s speaking the language of your next employer.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#f7f7f4″ custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” column_padding_mobile=”on” module_class=” et_pb_row_fullwidth” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”100%” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” max_width=”100%” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”” max_width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||0px|” make_fullwidth=”on” custom_width_px=”680px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/2-4-scaled-1.jpg” alt=”Two women in a government office look at a laptop together; one is seated and focused on the screen, while the other stands beside her, pointing at the laptop and explaining something. Large windows let in natural light.” title_text=”Two women in a government office look at a laptop together; one is seated and focused on the screen, while the other stands beside her, pointing at the laptop and explaining something. Large windows let in natural light.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ custom_margin=”1px|||||” animation_direction=”off” animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”#efefe9″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.careersingovernment.com\/tools\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/3-5-scaled-1.jpg” alt=”A woman holding a red notebook points at a computer screen labeled with government resources while sitting next to a young girl in an office or classroom setting. Both appear focused on the computer.” title_text=”A woman holding a red notebook points at a computer screen labeled with government resources while sitting next to a young girl in an office or classroom setting. Both appear focused on the computer.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ custom_margin=”1px|||||” animation_direction=”off” animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#818178″ text_font_size=”24″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”16.3%|10%||10%||” custom_margin_tablet=”|10%||10%” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Municipalities and state agencies across the country are hungry for experienced leadership, operational acumen, and cross-functional collaboration.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Sans|on|||” text_text_color=”#888888″ text_font_size=”12″ text_letter_spacing=”2px” text_line_height=”1.2em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”20px||20%|” custom_margin_tablet=”20px|||” custom_margin_phone=”20px||3.7%|||” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]VALERIE MARTINELLI[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”4″ column_padding_mobile=”on” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”1200px” custom_margin=”|auto||auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0||0px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px||10px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”1200px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.1″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”20″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”37px||2px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”40px||0px|” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Understand the Local Context \u2014 and Build Bridges<\/em><\/h4>\n

State and local governments are not \u201cmini feds.\u201d Their budgets, timelines, and priorities can look quite different. They often operate leaner, with more direct accountability to the public.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re applying to a state transportation agency or a city health department, understand what challenges they\u2019re facing. Read local news. Look at their most recent strategic plans or annual reports.<\/p>\n

What are their top issues? What\u2019s changing? Then tailor your pitch accordingly.<\/p>\n

Example: \u201cI\u2019ve led multi-jurisdictional transportation programs on the federal level, and I\u2019m excited to bring that systems thinking and stakeholder management to support [State DOT\u2019s] infrastructure goals, especially as you expand rural broadband access.\u201d<\/p>\n

Use Your Network \u2014 Even If It\u2019s Been a While<\/em><\/h4>\n

Networking doesn\u2019t have to feel transactional. It\u2019s about conversations, not asking.<\/p>\n

Start with people you know from past roles \u2014 former colleagues who\u2019ve moved into state or city roles. Let them know you\u2019re exploring a pivot. Ask what they\u2019ve seen work (and not work). Be curious, not needy.<\/p>\n

You can also tap into communities like LinkedIn groups for public service professionals, alumni networks from training programs (e.g., PMF, Senior Executive Service), or sector-specific associations (like NASCIO for IT leaders or NACCHO for public health pros).<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t underestimate informational interviews. One 20-minute conversation could lead to a referral that gets your resume pulled from the stack.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Lead with Purpose, Not Panic<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Losing your federal job wasn\u2019t part of your plan. But this transition can still be one of the most powerful moves in your career \u2014 if you\u2019re intentional.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

State and local governments need leaders who understand systems, can navigate change, and know how to serve with integrity. That\u2019s you. So instead of framing your next step as \u201cleaving the federal government,\u201d reframe it as \u201cbringing federal insight to drive local impact.\u201d Be clear on your value. Be bold in your positioning. And be patient. The right opportunity may not show up tomorrow, but when it does, you\u2019ll be ready \u2014 with a compelling story, a strategic resume, and a clear vision for what you bring to the table. Please remember that your next chapter in public service is just beginning \u2014 and it starts with how you show up today.<\/p>\n

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