Explore how your federal experience as a Store Working (GS-6914) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Retail Associate, Sales Representative, Store Clerk | Assist customers with purchases, restock merchandise, maintain store displays, and provide overall customer service to ensure a pleasant shopping experience. | $25,000 - $35,000 |
| 5-7 | Store Supervisor, Assistant Store Manager, Inventory Coordinator | Oversee daily store operations, manage staff schedules, handle customer inquiries, and coordinate inventory management to optimize stock levels and minimize loss. | $35,000 - $55,000 |
| 8-9 | Store Manager, District Sales Manager, Operations Manager | Lead overall store strategy, manage budgets, implement sales initiatives, recruit and train staff, and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards. | $55,000 - $80,000 |
| 10-11 | Regional Manager, Senior Operations Manager, Retail Director | Develop and execute regional business strategies, oversee multiple store performance metrics, manage senior staff, and drive customer engagement efforts at a higher management level. | $80,000 - $120,000 |
| 12-13 | Vice President of Retail Operations, Senior Product Manager, Head of Retail Strategy | Lead company-wide retail initiatives, drive profitability through operational excellence, analyze market trends, and collaborate with other departments to enhance the customer experience. | $120,000 - $175,000 |
| 14-15 | Chief Retail Officer, Executive Vice President of Operations, Senior Vice President of Merchandising | Set long-term business direction, oversee all retail operations on a corporate level, formulate corporate strategies, and ensure alignment across regional teams to achieve business objectives. | $175,000 - $250,000 |
| SES | Chief Executive Officer, President of Retail Division, Senior Executive Vice President | Provide strategic leadership for the entire organization, set vision and direction, manage corporate governance, build relationships with stakeholders, and drive overall financial performance and sustainability of the company. | $250,000 - $500,000 |
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 Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
The CSCP certification demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management, which is essential for Store Working roles that involve logistics, inventory management, and distribution. Attaining this certification can differentiate candidates in the civilian sector by showcasing their expertise in optimizing supply chain processes and reducing costs.
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
The CPIM certification focuses on production and inventory management, providing individuals with the knowledge to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness in managing stock levels. This credential is highly regarded in the civilian workforce as it shows employers that a candidate can contribute to streamlined operations and better inventory forecasting.
Logistics Management Certification (LMC)
The Logistics Management Certification enhances skills in the logistics aspects of store working roles, such as warehousing, transportation, and distribution management. This certification signals to potential employers that the candidate is equipped to handle the complexities of supply chain logistics effectively.
Associate in Logistics and Transportation (ALT)
The ALT credential provides foundational knowledge in logistics and transportation, focusing on critical aspects that directly apply to store operations. Having this education can be advantageous in civilian roles, as it prepares individuals for various challenges within supply chain environments.
Food Safety Manager Certification
For those transitioning into food retail environments, a Food Safety Manager Certification ensures that individuals understand best practices and regulations concerning food safety and hygiene. This certification is essential for compliance in food-related civilian roles and demonstrates a commitment to health and safety standards.
Inventory Control Verification (ICV) Certification
The ICV certification educates individuals on best practices for managing inventory and performing accurate stock assessments, which is crucial in store management. Civilian employers value this certification as it indicates a reliable ability to minimize losses and improve inventory accuracy.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification equips individuals with project management skills critical for overseeing store projects and improvements. This qualification is often sought after in the private sector, allowing candidates to effectively lead teams and manage complex store operations.
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
The CPSM certification emphasizes procurement and supply management, offering knowledge that is essential for individuals managing retail supply chains. This certification prepares candidates for strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management in various civilian industry sectors.
Retail Management Certification
A Retail Management Certification covers essential management and operational skills needed in retail settings, including customer service and personnel management. This credential helps individuals transition by demonstrating their understanding of retail dynamics and the ability to manage a store effectively.
Warehouse Management Certification (WMC)
The WMC certification focuses on the principles and practices of warehouse operations, including inventory control and logistical efficiency. Having this certification prepares candidates for leadership roles in civilian warehousing and distribution centers.
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.
Making the leap from a federal GS-6914 Store Working role to the private sector can be a fulfilling yet challenging journey. The skills you've developed in federal service are invaluable, and with the right approach, you can translate those experiences into a successful private sector career. Here are some key areas to focus on:
Embrace Flexibility: Unlike the structured environment of federal employment, the private sector often requires adaptability and quick decision-making. Develop a mindset that embraces change and flexibility, as companies may pivot in response to market conditions.
Results-Oriented Focus: The private sector often emphasizes outcomes and performance metrics. Shift your mindset to focus on how your actions lead to tangible results, rather than just completing tasks or adhering to processes.
Value-Driven Approach: Understand that private companies operate primarily to generate profit. Your narrative should highlight how your contributions can enhance a company's bottom line, improve efficiency, or drive customer satisfaction.
To effectively transition, your resume needs to speak the language of the private sector.
Simplify Job Titles: Federal job titles and codes can be confusing; consider simplifying your job title to something that aligns with private sector equivalents. For example, instead of "Store Working Specialist", use "Retail Operations Specialist" or "Inventory Management Specialist".
Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to illustrate your accomplishments. For instance, instead of saying "managed inventory efficiently", say "managed an inventory of over 10,000 items, improving stock accuracy by 25% within six months".
Use Common Keywords: Private sector employers look for specific competencies. Include industry-specific keywords such as "customer service", "team leadership", "inventory control", and "process optimization". Review job descriptions in your target area to gather the most relevant terms.
Tailor Each Application: Customize your resume for each job application, ensuring you stress the experiences and skills that align best with the job requirements.
Being prepared for a private sector interview is essential.
STAR Method: Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method to frame your experiences. This helps in articulating your past roles in a structured manner that highlights your competencies.
Cultural Fit: Understand the company culture of potential employers. Research their values and mission, and be prepared to discuss how your experiences align with their corporate ethos.
Behavioral Questions Preparation: Anticipate behavioral interview questions and prepare concise, impactful stories that illustrate your skills and accomplishments. For instance, if you excelled in team collaboration, prepare a story that showcases this.
Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare questions that show you are engaged and interested in the company. Consider inquiring about team dynamics, company challenges, or opportunities for advancement.
Networking is crucial for a successful job transition.
Leverage Online Platforms: Utilize LinkedIn to connect with former colleagues, industry professionals, and hiring managers. Enhance your profile by detailing your federal experience and adding skills relevant to the private sector.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in job fairs, workshops, and industry conferences. This can help you meet potential employers and learn about the latest trends in the retail sector.
Join Professional Associations: Look for organizations related to retail, inventory management, or supply chain management. This can provide access to resources and a network of professionals in your field.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in positions you aspire to and ask for informational interviews. This can yield valuable insights about industry trends and job openings.
Your federal experience can be positioned as a strong asset when transitioning to the private sector.
Highlight Transferable Skills: Many skills you developed—like inventory management, customer service, and compliance—are directly transferable. Emphasize these skill sets in both your resume and during interviews.
Language Conversion: Learn the lingo of the private sector. For example, instead of saying you "managed government purchases", use phrases like "negotiated supplier contracts" or "optimized procurement processes".
Showcase Leadership and Initiative: Talk about instances where you led a project, improved processes, or contributed to a team, framing these experiences in a way that reflects initiative and leadership that private companies value.
Transitioning from federal employment to the private sector can initially feel daunting, but remember that your skills are valuable in any market. Approach this transition with confidence, and focus on how you can benefit a future employer with your unique background. By embracing the above strategies, you're positioning yourself for a successful career change that could lead to new opportunities fulfilling both professionally and personally.