Let’s be frank. The market for GovCon jobs today is brutal, especially if you’re exploring new avenues after a recent layoff. This means that standing out is critical.
Have you ever wondered why some candidates get a call and others get crickets? Well, the ones who got the call probably did a few key things you didn’t. In our experience, after reviewing countless resumes, we see some prevalent patterns. Let’s dive in, shall we?
You’ve Gotta Leverage Your Transferable GovCon Skills!
Though you might not realize it just yet, if you’re a GovCon professional, you’ve got a whole toolbox of skills that are extremely valuable in multiple industries—you just have to highlight and market them.
Budget and Project Management Skills
Have you managed a few projects in your day? If you did, it was likely under strict federal guidelines (not to mention budget constraints), and this kind of skill makes you extremely valuable in the private sector. Remember when you got a surprise budget cut and had to redo a whole project plan to make it work? That is adaptability gold to potential employers, my friend.
Knowledge of Compliance and Regulations
A deep understanding of complex regulatory environments is a huge asset for many companies. No matter the sector, businesses need pros who can help them navigate the complex waters of compliance. This is especially necessary in tech, finance, and healthcare.
Protocol Experience? Security Clearance?
Trust us, this is more hiring gold for you if you’ve worked with sensitive info in the past, and/or maintained your security clearances. Emphasize the heck out of these credentials! Many companies in the private sectors—especially those with government contracts—covet pros with security protocol experience.
Submitting Your Resume is an Art
You’d think this part would be super simple—yet it’s exactly the hurdle many candidates fail to clear. Below are tips to bump your resume to the top of the stack.
Name Your File the Right Way
This is such a small detail, but it can make or break your shot at getting seen. Always, always, include your full name in the filename of your resume (e.g., “JAKE-SMITH-Resume.pdf” NOT “Resume2025” or “JS-Resume”).
If you fail to include your full name, your resume will get lost in whatever database it landed in. This makes the chances of recruiters finding it later about as successful as a needle in a haystack. Can you imagine the frustration of sifting through piles of resumes named “Resume”?
Save as a PDF (Unless Otherwise Instructed)
Another super simple tactic, but one people fail at constantly. Unless they’ve requested a specific format, always submit your resume as a PDF. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) tend to prefer them, plus PDFs maintain your formatting across devices, so nothing is wonked when a recruiter reviews it.
Speaking of ATS…
It’s also an excellent idea to make sure your resume uses standard headings and important keywords from the job description and skip any kind of unusual fonts, graphics, or tables that could potentially confuse the system. The goal is to make your resume ATS-friendly. Seriously, this is a reality now—your fancy template might look amazing, but if the machine can’t read ‘em, no human will, either.
Effective Connection with Recruiters
This part is crucial for the final piece of the puzzle. Follow both steps listed below.
Connect with Recruiters on LinkedIn
You can search and connect with hiring managers and recruiters for the position you’re interested in and send them a personalized message mentioning the role. Not only does this make you visible, but it also shows you’ve got some chutzpah and initiative.
Also, don’t be this person: “Hi, I’m interested in jobs at your company.”
AND Apply Through Official Channels
Repeat after us: A LinkedIn message is NOT an application! Most companies will have some kind of official channel to submit your resume (website, job portal, etc.). If you want to be in their system, make sure your resume is submitted properly.
Final Tip: Be Strategic in Your Follow-up
Once you’ve officially applied, send another brief follow-up to your recruiter connection. Keep it professional, mention something specific about the company or role, and show you’ve done your homework. This small act can keep you top of mind.
If you’re a GovCon seeking new opportunities, don’t give up. Your experience and you are valuable, and you have to show it.
Job seekers who succeed understand they have to comply with a company’s formal process as well as show some personal drive. And by doing all the other stuff too, you are creating many ways to be seen and found by those that hire. It may not be rocket science, but as they say, the devil’s in the details.
