To successfully transition from a public to a private sector job, you need to rethink how you present your experience on your resume, as well as who’s in your professional network. Start with these five strategies if you’re making the leap from a government career to a corporate one.

Understand the differences in work. Many public sector roles don’t have direct private sector equivalents. Focus on transferable skills and accomplishments, and position them in ways private sector organizations will value.

Learn the industry language and nuances. Analyze job descriptions in your target industry to identify commonly used terms and tailor your resume accordingly. AI tools can help you translate your current work into language that will resonate with private sector employers.

Position your transferable skills. You want to demonstrate how both your emotional intelligence and your inside knowledge of specific areas (such as policy and regulation development) could give you a competitive edge.

Show you can handle fast-paced work environments.Government processes can be slow due to regulations, while private companies prioritize speed. To stand out,  highlight your ability to work under tight deadlines and deliver results quickly.

Expand your network beyond government. Private sector hiring relies on referrals. Connect with people outside government, attend industry events, and engage with professionals in your target field.

This tip is adapted from “A Guide to Updating Your Resume When Moving from Public to Private Sector,” by Marlo Lyons.

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