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[quote=Anonymous]OP, I made this jump a few years ago, those some of my details were different, so I'll share them for your benefit.

Me at the time of the jump:
- 20 year career in tech, mostly in cyber
- 10 years in the private sector with good pedigree before going fed
- Good experience as a fed with some high profile roles - or at least roles that resonated on my resume and in discussions
- Was tired of being a fed for many reasons, and wanted to go back to the private sector

My network was absolutely key.  Despite a strong resume/experience, I received few interviews outside of where I knew people.  Where I did have connections, the interviews were easy to get.  I was focused on VP-level positions, though, and landing one without equivalent private sector experience is a tall order.  I eventually took a Sr Dir role with an onramp for a VP-level.  That promotion happened about 6 months after landing.

A couple key take aways for you, IMO:

The network that served me well wasn't people I met at professional seminars or networking events.  They were people I had worked with previously and who knew me reasonably well - either through my main job or through industry orgs in which I held a position.  IMO, the breadth of the network matters less than the quality of the connections.

You should be open to roles that aren't the dream job, but that give you the opportunity to grow.  As a lifelong senior fed, you're missing a lot of private sector experience - activities, culture, etc - and whoever hires your is going to be taking a gamble.  That risk they're accepting may need to be reflected in a less senior position than you expect.

As others have said, the trifecta of title, responsibilities and comp often don't align across employers, and you'll want be aware of this as you hunt for your new role.  If comp is the most important factor, a director role at a F500 is likely to pay more than a VP role at a small consulting firm.  Get your priorities clear in your head before you go hunting.

Finally, I'll add that recruiters can absolutely help, but that most private sector recruiters don't know what to do with Fed experience.  You'll need to really work hard to translate how your experience is relevant to the private sector.  It won't all be, so be humble and know that you're starting from a deficit compared to peers in the private sector with the equivalent years of experience.

Good luck.  Hope this helps![/quote]

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