Laid Off From Your Federal Job? 10 Strategies to Plan Your Next Move

Let’s be real—getting laid off from federal job can feel like a punch in the gut. After going through background checks, security clearances, and a sometimes painfully slow hiring process, you finally landed the role. You gave it your time, your energy, your effort. And now, the email or phone call comes: “Your position is being eliminated.”

So… what now?

First, take a deep breath. This moment doesn’t define your entire career. It might sting right now, but with the right mindset and strategy, it can actually be the turning point that sets you on a path that’s more aligned, more fulfilling, and maybe even more exciting.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to planning your next move with confidence and clarity.

1. Hit Pause—Then Regroup

Before you rush into fixing everything, allow yourself to feel. It’s okay to be frustrated, worried, or confused. Let the emotions come—but don’t let them stay. Give yourself a couple of days to reset. Journaling, taking a walk, meditating—do what helps you get back to center.

Then, it’s time to regroup. This moment is temporary, but what you do next can have a lasting impact.

2. Review Your Separation Details

Not all federal layoffs are created equal. Depending on your classification, length of service, and agency, you might have access to benefits like:

• Severance pay

• Unemployment compensation

• COBRA or extended health coverage

• Career transition assistance programs

Don’t skip the fine print—these resources can help you stay afloat while you get back on your feet. If you're unsure what you’re entitled to, speak with your HR rep or someone who’s handled this before.

3. Reimagine Your Resume (Because It’s Not 2015 Anymore)

Let’s talk about the resume.

A federal-style resume can be 5+ pages long, but that won’t work in the private sector. If you’re thinking about making a transition to nonprofits, consulting, or corporate work, you’ll need a resume that’s concise, focused, and modern. Your new resume should clearly reflect the value you bring without overwhelming the reader.

Need help translating your federal experience into a results-driven format that works in today’s job market? Book a personalized Resume Review session to get expert feedback and recommendations tailored to your goals.

4. Reassess Your Career Path

Here’s the moment of truth: Did you actually enjoy your federal job?

This is your chance to realign with what you truly want. Ask yourself:

• What parts of my last job made me feel fulfilled?

• What skills do I want to keep using?

• What kind of impact do I want to make in my next role?

You might decide to pursue a similar role in a different agency—or you might realize it's time to explore new territory altogether. Either way, this pause gives you the freedom to choose intentionally.

5. Elevate Your LinkedIn Profile

Think of LinkedIn as your personal billboard. If someone searches your name, your profile is probably the first thing they’ll see.

Make sure your headline goes beyond just a job title. Instead of "Former GS-13 Program Manager," try something like: “Strategic Program Manager | Federal to Private Sector Transition | Expert in Public Health Policy & Community Engagement”

Update your summary to tell your story—not just list your job duties. And be sure your profile photo and banner image look professional and approachable.

6. Start Talking to People (Your Network Still Works)

Sometimes we underestimate how many people would gladly help us—if we just asked.

Reach out to old coworkers, mentors, friends, or anyone in your field. Let them know you’re exploring new opportunities and open to conversations. You never know who might be hiring or who knows someone who is.

This isn’t about begging for jobs—it’s about building connections, sharing your story, and staying top of mind.

7. Apply Smarter, Not Harder

We know the panic scroll is real. When the pressure is on, it’s easy to start mass-applying to anything that even sort of fits.

But the scattershot approach rarely works—and it can drain your energy fast.

Instead, focus your search on roles that align with your experience and values. Take the time to tailor each resume and cover letter to match the job description. Use job boards like USAJobs, Indeed, and LinkedIn—but don’t forget niche job sites and professional associations, too.

Create a spreadsheet to track:

• Jobs you applied to

• Follow-up dates

• Interview status

This keeps your search focused and less overwhelming.

8. Sharpen Your Interview Game

Interviewing after a layoff can feel awkward—but you don’t have to dodge the topic. Own it with confidence:

“Due to a recent agency reorganization, my position was affected. I’m proud of the work I did there, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring that experience into a new environment.”

Practice common questions and prepare examples that highlight your achievements. Use a framework like P.A.C.E. (Problem, Action, Conclusion, Effect) curated by Dr. Kristy Taylor to structure your responses in a powerful, results-oriented way.

And if you need help practicing, coaching is always a great option. Workshops and mock interviews can give you that extra edge.

9. Plug Into Events That Recharge You

Isolation is the enemy of momentum. Sometimes, the best way to shake off the “stuck” feeling is to get into a room (or Zoom) full of motivated professionals.

One great way to do that? Attend the Rx for Career Success Summit.

It’s more than a networking event—it’s a space designed for professionals navigating career transitions. You’ll get actionable strategies, inspiring insights, and real conversations that can help you find clarity and community.

10. Stay Focused on What You Can Control

You may not have chosen this situation, but you can choose your response.

Layoffs don’t define you. They don’t erase your experience or your value. In fact, many people look back on job loss as the moment they finally broke into work they truly loved.

So focus on what you can control:

• Your mindset

• Your plan

• Your effort

• Your attitude

And remember, you don’t have to do this alone.

Laid Off from Federal Job? This is Just the Beginning.

This chapter might not have been part of your plan, but it can still lead to something meaningful. Getting laid off from federal job don’t close doors—they redirect you toward better ones. With the right tools, mindset, and support, you’re more than capable of making your next move your best one yet. Let this be your reset, your rise, your reinvention.

Here’s your first two action steps:

• Book your personalized Resume Review

• Register for the Rx for Career Success Summit

You’ve got everything you need to turn this detour into a defining moment. Let’s make your comeback the best part of your story.