Explore how your federal experience as a Editorial Assistance (GS-1087) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 to GS-4 | Junior Editorial Assistant, Entry-Level Content Coordinator, Social Media Assistant | Support editorial staff by managing scheduling for content creation, assisting in research, proofreading documents, and providing general administrative support as needed. | $35,000 - $45,000 |
| GS-5 to GS-7 | Editorial Assistant, Content Editor, Marketing Assistant | Coordinate editorial projects, draft and edit content, manage calendars for editorial teams, conduct research, and perform quality checks on written materials to ensure compliance with style guidelines. | $45,000 - $60,000 |
| GS-8 to GS-9 | Senior Editorial Assistant, Content Manager, Associate Editor | Lead editorial projects, collaborate with authors and stakeholders to shape content direction, monitor project timelines, mentor junior staff, and ensure consistency in voice and style across publications. | $60,000 - $75,000 |
| GS-10 to GS-11 | Editorial Supervisor, Content Strategist, Senior Editor | Oversee editorial workflows, develop content strategies that align with corporate goals, coordinate with marketing and design teams, and maintain high editorial standards during the content lifecycle. | $75,000 - $90,000 |
| GS-12 to GS-13 | Editorial Manager, Head of Content, Lead Editor | Manage editorial departments, establish and enforce content guidelines and standards, formulate long-term editorial strategies, and liaise with senior management to align editorial direction with company vision. | $90,000 - $110,000 |
| GS-14 to GS-15 | Director of Editorial Services, Vice President of Content, Content Operations Director | Set the overall content strategy for the organization, oversee multiple editorial teams, influence brand messaging through editorial initiatives, and lead cross-functional collaborations to enhance content effectiveness. | $110,000 - $140,000 |
| SES | Chief Content Officer, Senior Vice President of Editorial, Executive Director of Content Strategy | Drive the content vision at an organizational level, oversee all editorial processes, partner with executive leadership to develop content strategies that promote business objectives, and leverage analytics to optimize performance across all content channels. | $140,000 - $200,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
The CAP certification demonstrates proficiency in administrative skills, including managing office tasks efficiently, which is crucial in editorial assistance roles. Gaining this credential can make a candidate more attractive to employers by confirming their expertise in supporting editorial workflows and managing communications.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Earning a PMP certification showcases skills in planning, executing, and leading projects, which are essential in ensuring timely publication and content management in editorial positions. This credential can set candidates apart by highlighting their capability to handle complex editorial projects under tight deadlines.
Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)
The PCM certification indicates a strong understanding of marketing and communications strategies, beneficial for editorial professionals looking to enhance the reach and impact of published content. This knowledge is valuable for civilian employers who seek to create effective marketing campaigns or editorial content that aligns with business objectives.
Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C)
Although primarily focused on procurement, this certification gives editorial assistants insight into managing contracts and working with vendors, which can be relevant in a civilian context. Understanding the contracting process can enable stronger collaboration with external partners in publishing or content production.
Certificate in Copyediting
A Certificate in Copyediting equips individuals with vital editing and proofreading skills, enhancing their ability to produce polished and professional textual content. This specialization is highly sought after in the civilian sector, particularly in publishing, media, and corporate communication roles.
Digital Marketing Certification
A Digital Marketing Certification enhances an editorial assistant's skill set by providing knowledge about online content strategies, SEO, and social media engagement. This expertise can significantly increase employability in industries emphasizing digital presence and audience engagement.
Certificate in Technical Communication
This certificate provides training in writing clearly and effectively for technical and specialized audiences, which is essential for producing user manuals, reports, and policy documents. Employers value this skill set, especially in roles where clarity and accuracy are critical to convey complex information.
Creative Writing or Content Creation Courses
Taking courses in creative writing or content creation can refine an individual's ability to generate engaging narratives and well-structured articles, beneficial in editorial roles. These skills create a competitive edge in sectors focused on storytelling and audience retention.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal role, such as a GS-1087 Editorial Assistance position, to the private sector can be an exciting yet daunting prospect. It requires not only a change in the work environment but also a shift in mindset and the way you present your skills and experiences. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this transition successfully.
Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability: In the private sector, organizational culture can be vastly different. Unlike the structured nature of federal roles, private companies often value agility and responsiveness. Be prepared to shift your approach and be open to changes and new ideas. Flexibility will serve you well.
Focus on Results and Impact: Federal roles often emphasize compliance and adherence to process. In the private sector, employers are keenly interested in the results of your actions and how they contribute to the organization’s goals. Shift your mindset from 'doing the work' to 'delivering results.'
Value Collaboration Over Compliance: Validate your expertise but be ready to engage in teamwork and collaborative environments, which can differ in dynamics from the more hierarchical federal workplaces. Developing interpersonal skills that foster collaboration will make you a more attractive candidate.
Use Clear, Impactful Language: Private sector employers might not be familiar with federal job titles and terminology. When you describe your experience, focus on the skills and results rather than job-specific jargon. For example:
Highlight Transferable Skills: As an Editorial Assistant, you have developed critical skills such as attention to detail, project management, and communication. Ensure you emphasize these skills in a way that attracts private sector employers:
Quantify Your Achievements:
Numbers speak volumes. Whenever possible, incorporate metrics into your descriptions to showcase your impact. Use statements like:
"Increased efficiency of editorial processes by streamlining workflows, reducing turnaround time by 15%."
Crafting Your Resume:
Interview Preparation:
Leverage LinkedIn: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is polished and reflective of your resume. Join groups relevant to your field, engage with posts, and share content that showcases your expertise. A strong LinkedIn presence can greatly enhance your visibility to recruiters.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field for informational interviews. People love to share their experiences and may offer you valuable insights and connections that could lead to job opportunities.
Attend Networking Events: Participate in industry conferences, webinars, and local professional meet-ups. These events provide opportunities to connect with industry professionals and learn more about the sectors you want to enter.
Utilize Veteran Resources: Many organizations focus on helping veterans transition into civilian careers. Tap into these resources, including workshops, mentorship programs, and job fairs tailored for former federal employees.
Transitioning from a federal role to the private sector is a journey that will require preparation, persistence, and adaptability. You have a wealth of skills and experiences to offer; it’s about framing them effectively and displaying your potential as a valuable asset. Stay positive, proactive, and open to new opportunities, and you will succeed in finding a fulfilling role in the private sector.