You’re a teacher looking to transition to government work. What’s the best way to get started?

1 Identify your strengths

As a teacher, you have developed many valuable skills that can transfer to government work, such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. Think about how you can showcase these skills in your resume, cover letter, and interview. Use specific examples from your teaching experience that demonstrate your achievements and impact. For instance, you can highlight how you designed and implemented effective curricula, managed diverse and inclusive classrooms, or led professional development initiatives.

2 Explore your options

Government work is a broad category that includes various levels, sectors, and roles. You can work at the federal, state, or local level, depending on your interests and qualifications. You can also choose from different sectors, such as education, health, social services, justice, environment, or defense. And you can find roles that match your skills and goals, such as policy analyst, program manager, researcher, evaluator, or trainer. To explore your options, you can use online resources such as USAJOBS, GovLoop, or Idealist, or network with people who work in the government.

3 Tailor your application

Once you have identified your target positions and organizations, you need to tailor your application to fit their requirements and expectations. Government jobs often have specific and detailed criteria that you need to address in your resume and cover letter. You may also need to complete additional forms or tests, depending on the job. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully and use keywords and phrases from the job description. Also, emphasize how your teaching background can benefit the government and the public.

4 Prepare for the interview

If you get invited for an interview, you need to prepare well to impress the hiring panel. Government interviews are usually structured and formal, and they may involve behavioral or situational questions. You should research the organization and the role, and review your resume and application materials. You should also practice answering common and specific questions, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide clear and concise examples. And you should dress professionally and show enthusiasm and confidence.

5 Keep learning and growing

Transitioning to government work may take some time and effort, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling career move. As you pursue your new path, you should keep learning and growing as a professional. You can seek feedback, mentorship, and coaching from your colleagues and supervisors. You can also take advantage of training and development opportunities offered by the government or other organizations. And you can join professional associations and networks that can help you connect with others in your field.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?