Public Service Skills in the Private Sector Job Application Process

Regardless of where you are in your career journey, your dedication to public service has provided you with a strong foundation of knowledge, skills, and abilities. This workshop will explore how to effectively present your qualifications to the private sector. We'll guide you through understanding the key differences between federal and private sector hiring practices, empowering you to clearly articulate your skills and impact. You will learn how to identify relevant job openings, craft a compelling resume that highlights your transferable abilities, and write effective cover letters. Take control of your career transition with practical strategies and increased confidence.

SPA is offering this workshop free of charge to support our community through challenging times. Space is limited to 30 participants to allow for personal attention and guidance from the facilitators. Every seat is valuable and helps fellow public servant colleagues. Carefully consider your commitment before registering. Reserving a spot and not attending prevents someone else facing job displacement from accessing this critical support at a time of need. If you register, please attend.

Dr. Trace Lasley is a Professor of Practice in the Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy Program at the School of Public Affairs at American University. As the creator and leader of SPA's Professional Development Workshop Series, he has extensive experience in workforce development, designing and delivering workshops focused on critical career skills for public service professionals. These workshops cover areas such as career planning, resume writing, interviewing techniques, and professional networking.

Dr. Lasley’s expertise is rooted in practical application, emphasized through hands-on learning in his courses and extracurricular programs, which include risk analysis, strategic planning, and project management. He leverages this experience to equip individuals with actionable strategies for career advancement and transition.

Tim Yendall is the Director of Talent Acquisition at Cydecor, Inc., a veteran-owned federal solutions provider working across the intelligence, defense, and national security sectors. He brings years of experience in recruiting and workforce planning, with a focus on helping organizations navigate complex hiring needs in highly specialized and security-cleared environments.

Tim has led recruiting teams supporting large-scale hiring efforts both in the U.S. and overseas, and he’s worked across the full spectrum of the talent lifecycle—from sourcing and proposal staffing to compensation analysis and compliance. Prior to Cydecor, he held talent leadership roles at LMI and ManTech, where he partnered with business leaders to align hiring strategies with broader organizational goals.

In addition to his professional work, Tim has contributed to career development efforts through panels and workshops focused on supporting military spouses, transitioning service members, and others making career changes. These experiences have shaped his perspective on the challenges people face when moving between industries or into government contracting—and the value of clear, practical guidance.

He’s committed to building thoughtful hiring practices, supporting workforce development, and helping others navigate their careers with confidence.