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After years of steady service, many professionals in the federal and public sector found themselves on unstable ground this spring. Widespread DEI-related layoffs across both federal and private institutions have disrupted careers that once felt secure. For government employees, especially those with long-standing roles, the impact has been personal, and the path forward can feel unclear.

But here’s the truth: your experience still matters. And there’s still a place for it.

While agency budgets tighten, new roles are opening across departments in need of skilled professionals who understand the system from the inside out. If you’ve recently been affected by a government layoff—or you’re simply ready for a new opportunity, this moment could be your best one yet.

Federal Layoffs 2025: What DEI and Government Workers Need to Know

In early 2025, we saw a significant wave of layoffs across multiple government departments. Roles tied to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) were particularly affected, both in the public sector and across corporate teams with federal partnerships. These cuts impacted professionals with years—sometimes decades—of dedicated service.

For those individuals, this shift is more than a job loss, it’s a transition point. But the value of their experience hasn’t changed. It just needs to be communicated in a way that aligns with current openings and hiring systems. Translating those contributions into the language of today’s job postings is exactly what a career counselor or resume writing service can help with.

federal employee laid off walking out of federal office with box

2025 Federal Job Application Tips: What Actually Works

1. Federal Resumes Follow a Different Format

A federal resume isn’t the same as a standard one. It’s longer, more detailed, and must follow a format that mirrors the job description. It also needs to pass through an ATS (Applicant Tracking System) before it ever gets reviewed by a human.

If your resume isn’t built for that system, it’s likely not being seen.

Working with a professional resume writing service ensures your application not only meets the technical requirements but also speaks clearly to the role.

prospective employee filling out applicant tracking system for federal employment
federal resume with annotated formatting tips

2. Translate Your Experience

The key to moving into a new public role is showing how your previous work applies. Management, compliance, DEI leadership, budget oversight, and interagency coordination are skills that don’t expire. They just need to be written clearly and aligned with what hiring managers are looking for right now.

This is where career coaching and career counseling can help bridge the gap, especially if you’ve been in one role or agency for years.

3. Prepare for the Interview Process

Government interviews are often structured and scored. They require a different level of preparation. Practicing behavioral responses, aligning examples with core competencies, and staying concise can help you stand out during panel interviews.

Interview preparation is often the edge candidates need to convert an interview into an offer, especially in federal hiring, where each answer can be graded.

prospect shaking hands of federal panel interviewer

Laid Off from a Government Job? Here’s What to Do Next

You’re not starting over. You’re bringing years of public service experience into a new environment. Whether you’re targeting federal, state, or local opportunities, your background has value—you just need to help employers see it clearly.

Even if your experience was tied to a program that’s now phased out, the leadership, oversight, or collaboration you contributed is still relevant. Executive coaching can help you reposition that experience at a higher level—or shift into a role that brings even more responsibility.

Professional Resume Writing and Interview Coaching for Government Jobs

andy thomas contact us
The career coaches at Andy Thomas Careers Now, work with professionals at every stage of their journey., but we specialize in helping those in a career transition. If you’re moving from one government role to another, or stepping out of the public sector entirely, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Here’s what we offer:

Federal Resume Writing

We build resumes that meet the formatting, keyword, and content requirements needed to pass ATS systems and get noticed on platforms like USAJobs.

Interview Coaching

We help you prepare for structured interviews, giving you practical strategies and personalized feedback to improve your delivery.

Career Counseling

If you’re not sure what’s next, we work with you to identify where your background fits best, across federal, state, or civilian roles.

LinkedIn & Cover Letter Support

We’ll make sure every piece of your application package is aligned, polished, and purposeful.

At Andy Thomas Careers Now, we don’t do band-aids. We build real career strategies, for people who are ready for what’s next. Let’s get to work.
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Andy Thomas CEO, Career Coach & Executive Coach
Andy Thomas is a nationally recognized career coach known for helping professionals pivot into purpose-driven careers. With 25+ years in broadcasting, recruiting, and coaching, he brings unmatched insight, empathy, and energy to every client he serves.