Transitioning from Government to Private Sector: Navigating the Interview Process
The government-to-private sector transition affects thousands of professionals annually, with recent initiatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) causing significant workforce shifts across federal agencies. These transitions occur through efficiency audits, budget reallocations, department restructuring, or personal career decisions—often wholly unrelated to job performance. Private sector interviewers often harbor misconceptions about government employees—viewing them as bureaucratic, inefficient, or less competitive than their private sector counterparts. Successfully navigating these perceptions can mean the difference between landing your ideal position or continuing a frustrating job search.