Top 10 Tips for Fired Federal Workers
Louise Ivers has called Portage Park home for more than 30 years. As a human resources (HR) professional, she has counseled many individuals after unexpected job loss. Watching the horrifying situation unfold for tens of thousands of federal workers, she says she finds it deeply disturbing that so many careers have been unjustifiably thrown off course.
These are the livelihoods of our neighbors, doing their best to support themselves and their families and to make a meaningful impact through public service. The callous attack on federal workers is making our government less effective, and in some cases, all of us less safe.
“The biggest thing to me is the emotional toll this has taken on American workers. It can really be traumatic,” Louise says. The inexplicable, random nature of the wave of federal firings adds insult to injury.
Louise is warm and relatable; it’s no wonder so many people have sought her counsel. Although she has primarily worked in the private sector, she has insights into government employment, too. She has held a contract position with the Federal Reserve in Chicago, and her husband was a federal employee for some time himself.
She offers these professional tips to federal workers facing this unexpected professional upheaval.
Additional resources for fired federal workers (including links to layoff assistance, mental health resources and appeals processes) can be found here on Amplify.
The first step is going through the emotional tsunami. Even though headlines blasted the news about the reductions being carried out by DOGE, when job loss happens, you are rarely prepared. It is a shock. The flood of emotions can be overwhelming and wide-ranging: anger, fear, loss of control, relief, shaken self-confidence and even a glimmer of hope for a new future. This is normal.
This is no reflection on your value as a professional. There is no evidence that the federal reductions in force were based on performance. Most organizations reported that DOGE conducted very little analysis or review. The job cuts have been all over the news, and prospective employers are aware of the extreme circumstances.
Focus on your accomplishments. Think of your achievements and wins. What did you do to achieve these successes? List the skills you used and the characteristics that enabled you to accomplish these tasks.
Transform your professional experience into marketable skills. You don’t have to limit yourself to the same type of position you’ve previously held. Comb through your work experience and express it as skills that can be applied in new ways. For example, if you led your team’s weekly status meeting, you may have what it takes to be a project manager.
Tell everyone you know that you are job hunting. Let your family and friends know you are looking for a new opportunity. Don’t feel shy or embarrassed. They’ve probably seen the news—help them help you. Let them know what you are looking for in terms of work. Ask if there is anyone you should talk to and request an introduction.
The elevator speech. Prepare a quick, persuasive pitch to introduce yourself to prospective employers and generate interest in what you can do, typically delivered in the time of an elevator ride.
Work your personal contacts beyond your field of expertise. One of the most effective actions is sending personal notes to connections and connections of connections. Having someone put in a good word for you on the inside is gold. No connection is too obscure. It’s all about the right time, right place and standing out in a crowd of applicants—and nowadays getting past the bots.
Take another look at your LinkedIn profile. This is more important than ever as a recruiting and job search tool. Use keywords that will attract companies seeking people with your qualifications. There are some great resources out there to help you optimize your listing. Here are a few:
- “How to Craft a LinkedIn Profile that Recruiters Love”
- “20 steps to a better LinkedIn profile in 2024”
- “How to Write a LinkedIn Summary (With Examples)”
Keep interview conversations positive. A job interview is not the place to discuss your understandably negative feelings about being fired—or politics. Be matter-of-fact when discussing what happened. You can let a prospective employer know that you were one of many who were let go, and while it's disappointing, you're looking for a new opportunity. Focus on the good energy you will bring.
Give yourself a break. A job search can be a full-time job in itself. But don’t let it burn you out. Taking a break is healthy. Once you are refreshed, you will be primed to make a strong comeback.
Whether in the private sector or civil service, layoffs are extremely hard on people and their families. Now that the Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Trump administration to proceed with additional mass firings, our federal worker neighbors may be facing more uncertainty and upheaval than ever. As difficult as it may be, there can be a new chapter ahead in your career if you maintain a resilient mindset. Louise has seen it happen more times than she can count.
Additional resources for fired federal workers (including links to layoff assistance, mental health resources and appeals processes) can be found here on Amplify.
Read more Federal Layoff Stories by Amplify:
Local Resources & Ways to Support
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