Editable Word + Google Docs · Instant Download
Resume + Cover Letter Template Bundle
Five editable templates built for the 2026 OPM Merit Hiring Plan, covering both Government and Private Sector tracks.
5 templates
MPA · U.S. Navy Veteran · Certified Career Coach
Real Insight and Coaching
From Someone Who Has Served.
Services
Career Coaching Services
Choose the option that fits — click to see the details.
Strategic Career Coaching via Email
You'd rather think and write than book a call. Two weeks of asynchronous coaching — focused exchanges on your timeline.
What's Included:
Ongoing, substantive Q&A exchanges throughout the two weeks, plus a career document review — resume, cover letter, or job application materials (within reason). 48-hour response window per exchange.
$125
Two-week engagement · Asynchronous
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Career Coaching Session
You're stuck. You've been applying for weeks and nothing's working. One hour. We figure out why — and what to do about it.
What You'll Walk Away With:
Clarity on why your search isn't working, a specific strategy to fix it, and concrete next steps you can take immediately. No scripts. Just real coaching from someone who has experienced federal hiring from the inside, across multiple agencies.
$75 per session
60 minutes · Book instantly
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Workshops for Businesses & Organizations
Federal hiring and interview-scoring expertise, brought to your team or event — built for HR departments, transition programs, and organizations supporting job seekers.
Coming Soon:
Custom workshops are currently in development. Pricing and format will depend on your group's size and goals — get in touch to discuss what you need.
Details available on request
Get In Touch
Real Results
What Clients Are Saying
Real people. Real career outcomes.
I had James build out my Federal USAJOBS resume right after I retired from the Navy. He didn't just rewrite it—he translated my entire career into what federal HR is actually looking for. That's the difference. As soon as I started submitting with that resume, I went from nothing to getting real responses and actual hiring offers. I also grabbed a couple of his digital products—specifically the job tracker. It works, plain and simple. You just have to actually use it—log your applications, keep it updated, and it becomes a solid tool to stay organized and track movement. If you're trying to break into the federal system and keep hitting a wall, this is worth it.
Digital Products
Career Tools You Can Use Today
Excel + Google Sheets · Instant Download
Strategic Job Search Tracker
A live command center for your job search — applications, networking, interview prep, and salary research in one workbook.
Excel + Sheets
These are 2 of 9 digital products available on Etsy — instant download, secure checkout, delivered immediately after purchase.
See All 9 Products on Etsy (opens in a new window)
- Certified Career Coach — Transformation Academy
- Master of Public Administration — BGSU
- U.S. Navy Veteran — Honorably Discharged
- Federal Service: USDA · SSA · EPA · USCIS · NARA
- Galloway, Ohio
About
James C. McConnell
MPA, Certified Career Coach | Founder, McConnell Strategies LLC
After 4 years in the U.S. Navy, James pivoted from a planned supply-chain career into 12 years of federal civilian service — working across USDA, SSA, EPA, USCIS, and NARA, including 850+ Social Security benefit interviews and over 1,000 USCIS adjudications.
He learned federal hiring from the inside, not a textbook — and founded McConnell Strategies to help others navigate that same system and build careers in public service.
Contact
Let's Build Your Career Strategy
Ready to move forward? Choose a service above, or reach out directly with questions.
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EmailResponse within 2 business days
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PhoneVoicemail available 24/7
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LocationGalloway, OhioServing clients virtually nationwide