Topic 6:

Government Retiree Seeking Career Change to Training/HRD

Question: I recently retired from the federal government after 21 years. I am interested in a new career in organization development and change management. I just completed my Master's in OD. Employers seemed to be interested in only seasoned OD people with 5-10 years experience at a minimum. I have volunteer experience in OD, but nothing on the order of 5-10 years. How can I shape my resume to at least get an invitation to an interview? I am clueless.

-- Cheryl Johnson, Northern VA

Answer: It may be easier for you to get your foot in the door in nonprofit organizations or professional associations where the competition is less severe than in the corporate world. Coming from the government arena, these types of organizations may feel that you will more readily understand their culture and setting. As you are probably aware, the headquarters of many nonprofits and professional/trade associations are located in the metropolitan Washington, D.C. area.

If are not already a member of the local ASTD chapter, I would strongly recommend you do so as it has a position referral, resume review, and other career services for their members. Also, it has an OD special interest group that can provide you with some good networking contacts. Visit the DC Metro Website for contact and membership information.

You did not indicate your position with the government or identify the agency. Is it possible that your work background and experience can be the jumping off point for launching your OD career? For example, if you worked for an environmental or law enforcement agency, your technical knowledge can serve as the basis for creating your professional niche and focus on related organizations. As a marketing tool, your resume should be formatted more like a professional profile. In your situation, a traditional chronological resume type is not appropriate. It should be more like a functional one, stressing in the first half your skills and selected background information that is focused towards OD - your future professional identity and image.

As a second career, HRD/OD is an exciting and challenging field to be entering at this point. If you can, attend the ASTD International Conference in New Orleans, June 2 - 6, as a wonderful intense introduction to the profession and its opportunities.

--AR