ERIN KENNEDY<\/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=”{}”]Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer\/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes \u201cTop 100 Career Websites\u201d.[\/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=”4.27.4″ 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” custom_margin=”-30px||0px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nSeptember is not just a back-to-school month. For those of you who are federal employees considering your next career step, it also means back-to-hiring month. The summer slowdown on new hires disappears, budget year planning takes hold, and public and private sector organizations begin their plans for Q4 and beyond, and start making decisions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis is especially a prime time for federal workers to break out of the GS scale and explore opportunities in civilian, corporate, nonprofit, or consultancy sectors. Whether threatened with an involuntary transfer or expecting one as the result of agency downsizings, lay-offs, or burnouts, an informed and well-executed job search in September can provide you with an advantage over the competition before the end-of-year rush.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis is what you need to understand\u2014and how to position your materials and strategy at their best.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhy September Matters for Federal Candidates\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nBudget Cycles Encourage Hiring\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
In the corporate world, organizations with unspent budgets will often hasten to fill positions at year-end to secure approval for headcount and funds for the upcoming fiscal year. For federal employees transitioning into civilian work, this translates to swifter interview processes and more available positions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLess Competition Than January\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
While January has earned itself the title of \u201cprime\u201d job hunting season, it\u2019s also the least competitive. By job hunting as of September, you’re reaching recruiters before their inboxes are clogged with new year job hunters.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nStrategic Momentum\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
September is a transition month: managers are back from their summer holidays, annual plans are gearing up, and leadership begins considering strategies for the year 2026.\u00a0 You need to be on their minds before those plans become solidified.<\/span><\/p>\nAdditional Challenges of Federal Employees in the Private Sector\u00a0 Workforce\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nLeaving federal service for the private sector isn’t just swapping one desk for another. There\u00a0 are real differences between how your talents, achievements, and job descriptions\u00a0 translate:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nJob Titles Don\u2019t Always Match <\/b>\u2013 \u201cProgram Analyst\u201d or \u201cManagement and Program\u00a0 Specialist\u201d may mean nothing to a corporate recruiter without context. – <\/span>Language Barrier <\/b>\u2013 Federal resumes are typically filled with jargon, rules, and internal lingo that are meaningless outside of government.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOverly Long Resumes <\/b>\u2013 The 5\u201310 page USAJOBS style is the very opposite of the brief, accomplishment-focused resumes corporate recruiters are expecting. – <\/span>Security and Clearance Experience <\/b>\u2013 Experienced, but must be framed so that it translates to the requirements of the target employer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThis is where the assistance of a professional resume writer\u2014especially one experienced in federal-to-private sector resume writing\u2014can make all the difference.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhy Investing in Professional Resume Services Makes Sense\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTranslation of Influence and Skills\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
An expert resume author can translate government experience into business-speak,\u00a0 highlight demonstrable influence, and position you as an outcomes-focused professional\u2014but not just as a protector of policy and procedure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nATS Optimization\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Corporation employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to sift through resumes. A\u00a0 certified professional resume writer will tailor your material so it will pass ATS filters\u00a0 without losing its appeal to humans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nStrategic Positioning\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
They help you maintain focus on the right skills\u2014leadership, strategic planning, change\u00a0 management, risk assessment, and compliance\u2014instead of your technical or procedural\u00a0 work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTime Savings<\/b><\/p>\n
While it will potentially take weeks for you to \u201ccorporatize\u201d your federal resume, a\u00a0 professional will get it done much faster, leaving more time for networking and interviewing.\u00a0<\/span><\/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=”0px||0px|” 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\/09\/2-4-scaled.jpg” alt=”A group of people at a federal protest. One person in the center holds a sign that reads \u201cWe \u2665 Our Federal Employees.\u201d Others stand nearby with signs, all appearing focused and attentive.” title_text=”A group of people at a federal protest. One person in the center holds a sign that reads \u201cWe \u2665 Our Federal Employees.\u201d Others stand nearby with signs, all appearing focused and attentive.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_direction=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/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\/09\/2-4-scaled.jpg” alt=”A group of people at a federal protest. One person in the center holds a sign that reads \u201cWe \u2665 Our Federal Employees.\u201d Others stand nearby with signs, all appearing focused and attentive.” title_text=”A group of people at a federal protest. One person in the center holds a sign that reads \u201cWe \u2665 Our Federal Employees.\u201d Others stand nearby with signs, all appearing focused and attentive.” show_bottom_space=”off” force_fullwidth=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ animation_direction=”off” hover_enabled=”0″ animation=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ 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=”9%|10%||10%||” custom_margin_tablet=”|10%||10%” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Many people delay their job search, waiting for the holidays or the start of the new fiscal year.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|” _builder_version=”4.16″ 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=”2.8%|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
ERIN KENNEDY<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|” 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=”-1px|auto||auto||” 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=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ 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=”-7px||0px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”40px||0px|” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_padding=”0px|||||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Key Resume Changes for Career-Transitioning Federal Employees\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nKeep these tips in mind if preparing your own resume:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– <\/span>Trim the Length: <\/b>Keep it at 2\u20133 pages maximum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– <\/span>Lead with Value: <\/b>Start with an executive summary that discusses the needs of the employer and not just your work experience.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– <\/span>Highlight Accomplishments, Not Duties: <\/b>Use numbers\u2014”Reduced project turnaround time by 35%, saving the department $12mm overall.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– <\/span>Drop the Governmentese: <\/b>Change \u201cGS-13 supervising OMB approval\u201d to \u201cSenior\u00a0 Project Manager, managing federal budget approval.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– <\/span>Tailor Your Resume for Each Job: <\/b>There are no generic resumes\u2014make sure it is tweaked to meet the needs of the role you\u2019re applying to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSeptember Job Search Strategy for Federal Employees\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Reach Out to Your Network Now\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Summer has ended, and everyone has gone back to work. Reach out to former coworkers,\u00a0 LinkedIn contacts, and professional associations. Don\u2019t say that you are \u201clooking\u201d\u2014 mention the type of job and industry that appeals to you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nResearch and Targeting\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Identify companies that value your federal experience\u2014contracting, defense,\u00a0 cybersecurity, policy, compliance, human resources, and nonprofit are strong correlations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLeveraging LinkedIn as a Lead Generator\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Too many federal workers don\u2019t use LinkedIn efficiently. Make your profile stand out with a\u00a0 strong headline, short bio, and job-specific keywords for desired roles. Then, engage with content related to your sector so your profile gets seen.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nResearch Contract and Consulting Work\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
In case you are not entirely set on going full-time with the move, short contracts will bridge\u00a0 the gap and provide more civilian experience. There are agencies and companies interested in recruiting contractors with federal experience for complex projects.<\/span><\/p>\nPrepare for Private-Sector Interviews\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Private-sector hiring managers will want concise, results-driven answers. Practice your use of the STAR method of responses, which demonstrate leadership, flexibility, and results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAvoid the following:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n– <\/span>Federal-Resum\u00e9 Format Application for Corporate Jobs<\/b>: That’s reason #1 why capable applicants are dismissed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– <\/span>Too Broad Concerning Career Goals: <\/b>\u201cI’ll do anything\u201d isn’t a strategy. Recruiting managers are seeking individuals for specific requisitions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– <\/span>Not Negotiating Salary: <\/b>There are no GS pay scales beyond the Defense\u00a0 Department\u2014research the job, company, and others in that role.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– <\/span>Solely Depending on Job Boards: <\/b>Vacancies are usually filled through networking much earlier than they are posted.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nSeptember Job Search Plan\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nHere is a simple plan you can follow to keep your job search productive. I. Introduction\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a brief schedule which you can use:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWeek 1: Audit & Update\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
– List your recent work, quantitative achievements, and your skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– Seek a professional resume firm for the writing of a corporate-prepared resume. – Keep LinkedIn current for civilian exposure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWeek 2: Target & Connect\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
– Tip: Determine the top 20 organizations or companies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– Networking with contacts inside those companies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– Connect with associated industry groups on LinkedIn.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWeek 3: Apply & Engage\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
– Send tailored application materials for your top targets.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– Share posts, news from the industry, and write a short LinkedIn article on your particular area of experience.<\/span><\/p>\nWeek 4: Follow Up & Adjust\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
– Weeks 2\u20133: Week Follow-up on up\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– Adjust your strategy based on responses\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n– Practice interview responses with results-oriented, concise answers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nFinal Advice: Don\u2019t Wait for \u201cPerfect\u201d Timing\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nMany people delay their job search, waiting for the holidays or the start of the new fiscal year. In doing so, however, they miss the September-only momentum for hiring. By\u00a0 preparing your strategy and resume now\u2014preferably with the help of a professional\u2014you\u00a0 position yourself at the front of the line when the deciders are on the verge of acting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAs it is, no one regrets being better-than-prepared for opportunity. The autumnal wave of hires will materialize.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe question now is: Are you prepared for it?<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”520.5px” custom_margin=”-17px||20px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|24.625px|0px||” global_module=”37900″ collapsed=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_padding_mobile=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” max_width=”780px” custom_padding=”0px|0px|73.90625px|0px” use_custom_width=”on” custom_width_px=”780px” 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=”4.16″ text_font=”PT Serif||||” text_text_color=”#363636″ text_font_size=”36″ text_line_height=”1.4em” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” text_orientation=”center” module_alignment=”center” custom_margin=”||70px|” text_font_size_tablet=”26″ text_font_size_phone=”” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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