Being laid off from a federal position can be a jarring experience. For many, federal employment offers stability, strong benefits, and a sense of purpose. So when that chapter closes unexpectedly, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what comes next. Let yourself be angry. Let yourself grieve.
When you are ready, the first step you can take is to recognize that your skills, experience, and work ethic are highly transferable—and valued across many sectors.
Here’s how you can start to think about a career pivot after a government layoff, including how to approach your job search and reposition yourself for success in your targeted field.
Apply federal job skills to other sectors
Step One:
If you are making a career pivot after a government layoff, start by looking at your old job description or performance evaluations. Highlight the duties and responsibilities—then compare them with job postings in the private or nonprofit sector. Ask:
- What tasks do I do that are also listed in this private sector role?
- Are the outcomes similar, even if the language is different?
- Did I enjoy using these skills? Why or why not?
- How much of this skill do I want to do in future jobs?
Step Two:
There are a lot of free tools specifically designed to help government workers transition to a new field:
- CareerOneStop’s Skills Matcher (by the U.S. Dept. of Labor): https://www.careeronestop.org
- My Next Move for Veterans: www.mynextmove.org/vets/ (helpful even if you’re not military—it asks great career-mapping questions)
- O*NET Online: www.onetonline.org/ Search by your federal job title or code and look at related civilian job families.
Step Three:
Break down your work into universal skill categories. Think in terms of functions, not job titles. Ask yourself:
- Have I led teams or projects? → That’s project management or leadership.
- Have I reviewed contracts, grants, or budgets? → That’s compliance, procurement, or finance.
- Have I communicated with stakeholders, written reports, or briefed leadership? → That’s communication, technical writing, or public affairs.
Step Four:
Ask former colleagues or mentors for help. Sometimes you’re too close to your own experience to see it clearly. Ask: “If you had to describe what I’m good at or what I’m known for, what would you say?” Their answers may reveal strengths you overlooked—or ways of framing your skills that make them more relatable to hiring managers.
Translate Government-Speak Into Private Sector Language
Job descriptions and résumés in federal work are often laden with jargon or acronyms that don’t always resonate outside the government. For example, instead of writing “GS-13 Program Analyst with FOIA experience,” write “Program Analyst with 8+ years experience streamlining compliance and leading public records initiatives.”
Swap out terms like “adjudicated” with “evaluated” or “approved.” Consider using tools like JobScan or engaging a career coach to tailor your résumé to private-sector language.
Explore Growing Sectors That Value Government Experience
Several industries actively seek candidates with government backgrounds:
- Consulting (especially government contracting or strategy firms)
- Tech (project managers, analysts, IT support, UX)
- Healthcare administration
- Nonprofits (policy, grants management, program coordination)
- Education and training
Search job boards like Indeed, Idealist.org (nonprofits), and USA Jobs’ private sector partners for leads.
Leverage Your Network
Even though networking during a job search does not come easy to most people (including myself), it should be a major part of your job search. If you’ve been in the same job for a while, you likely haven’t networked for a while. Practice makes perfect. I don’t recommend to show up at a networking event and just winging it. Try practicing in front of family or friends first. Introduce yourself, shake hands, and come up with an introduction that doesn’t sound too awkward or rehearsed.
Now is the time to activate your professional and personal networks. Reach out to former colleagues who’ve moved into the private sector, alumni from your university or training programs, and LinkedIn connections in companies or industries of interest.
Also, don’t be afraid to post about your layoff and new career goals. Almost every single person on LinkedIn has also experienced a layoff at one point in their career. They’ve been in your shoes. And they will probably be impressed by your courage to post about being laid off. You may be surprised by how eager people are to help!
Consider a Resume Refresh and a LinkedIn Overhaul
Your federal résumé may span pages—and that’s OK in that context. But private-sector resumes should be concise (1–2 pages), results-driven, and easy to quickly skim.
Make sure to:
- Highlight measurable achievements
- Include keywords from job descriptions
- Add a compelling summary at the top tailored to your new career goal
LinkedIn Tips
- Update your headline with your target role (not just “Seeking Opportunities”)
- Fill out your About section with a narrative of your expertise and aspirations
- Ask for recommendations from supervisors or colleagues
Upskill Strategically (If Needed)
If you’re pivoting into a new field, look into certifications or online courses. For example:
- Project Management: PMP or Google Project Management Certificate
- Data Analysis: Coursera or edX courses in Excel, Python, or SQL
- Cybersecurity: CompTIA or ISC² certifications
Many platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning offer free or low-cost options.
Be Open to Contract or Temporary Work
Keep in mind that finding a new job can take months, if not an entire year in some cases. Try to be patient and think of your search as a learning experience and journey, as cliched at that may sound. It’s great to keep yourself busy while you’re searching so that you stay motivated and continue to build your skills. My best advice is to consider the following types of temporary jobs:
- Contract positions (which often lead to permanent roles)
- Part-time or freelance work
- Remote gigs that build your portfolio or bridge employment gaps
Platforms like FlexJobs or Upwork can offer short-term opportunities and income while you search.
Final Thoughts
This is an opportunity to realign your career with your values, passions, and lifestyle goals. Whether you continue in public service through a nonprofit, move into industry, or start your own business—you’re bringing experience, resilience, and perspective that no one can take away.
