Here are some examples of federal jargon that you might want to avoid when transitioning to the private sector, along with their more understandable private sector equivalents:

Federal Jargon and Private Sector Equivalents

• Jargon: SES (Senior Executive Service) Equivalent: Senior Management / Executive Leadership
• Jargon: GS (General Schedule) Grades Equivalent: Job Levels / Pay Grades
• Jargon: OPM (Office of Personnel Management) Equivalent: Human Resources / HR Department
• Jargon: Detail Assignment Equivalent: Temporary Assignment / Temporary Position
• Jargon: SF-50 (Standard Form 50) Equivalent: Employment Record / Personnel Action Form
• Jargon: TSP (Thrift Savings Plan) Equivalent: 401(k) / Retirement Savings Plan
• Jargon: FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) Equivalent: Full-Time Employee
• Jargon: RIF (Reduction in Force) Equivalent: Layoff / Workforce Reduction
• Jargon: TDY (Temporary Duty Assignment) Equivalent: Business Trip / Temporary Assignment
• Jargon: EEO (Equal Employment Opportunity) Equivalent: Diversity and Inclusion / Equal Opportunity
• Jargon: FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Equivalent: Public Records Request / Information Request
• Jargon: COOP (Continuity of Operations Plan) Equivalent: Business Continuity Plan / Emergency Plan
• Jargon: CAP (Corrective Action Plan) Equivalent: Performance Improvement Plan / Action Plan
• Jargon: MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) Equivalent: Agreement / Contract

By translating federal jargon into more widely understood private sector terms, you can make your resume and communications more accessible to potential employers. This approach helps ensure that the value of your federal experience is clear and easily understood.