The Trump administration, with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leading the charge, has put 70,000+ federal workers out of a job—and the cuts aren’t stopping anytime soon. Whether you’re caught in the layoff wave or bracing for impact, the reality is clear: Jobs are being cut! News flash! It’s not just happening in the public job sector. The private sector is slashing jobs, too.
Let’s cut the fluff and get to it—if you’re facing a layoff, you need a plan. Here’s how to navigate this chaotic job market, stand out in an AI-driven hiring process, and land on your feet instead of falling flat.
What’s Happening?
- The federal government is slashing jobs left and right. Here’s how bad it is:
- 75,000 employees took buyouts through the administration’s “Fork in the Road” program, which basically paid people to walk away.
- 9,500 more employees—mostly those still in probationary periods—were laid off without much of a fight.
- The original goal was to cut $2 trillion in government spending. Now, they’ve revised that number to $1 trillion, but that’s still a whole lot of lost jobs.
Who’s Getting Hit the Hardest?
- Veterans Affairs (VA): Over 1,000 employees gone—bad news for veterans relying on their services.
- Energy Department: Funding for clean-energy project was slashed and staff was let go.
- USDA’s Animal Health Labs: 25 percent fewer workers to handle disease outbreaks—so let’s just hope we don’t have another avian flu situation.
If your job hasn’t been cut yet, don’t get comfortable. The government is still trimming the fat, and more layoffs are coming.
With more federal workforce reductions expected in the coming months, employees must prepare for potential job losses and career transitions.
What You Need to Know And Do!
It’s important that you understand your benefits (because that’s your money)
Laid off? Here’s what you need to do right now:
- Check your severance package. Read the fine print—some agencies offer transitional assistance, while others leave you high and dry.
- Apply for unemployment benefits. Don’t wait! The sooner you file, the faster you get paid.
- Sort out your health insurance. COBRA is an option, but it’s expensive. Look into private plans or check if your spouse’s insurance can cover you.
- Still employed but on edge? Now’s the time to stack cash. Cut unnecessary expenses and build up an emergency fund. The last thing you want is to be jobless and broke.
Make Yourself Marketable
- Reality check: Employers aren’t lining up to hire laid-off government workers. You’ve got to stand out.
- Update your resume and LinkedIn profile—If your last update was during the Obama administration, fix that now.
- Customize Your Resume for AI Screening—Today, robots decide who gets interviewed. Use job description keywords or your resume won’t even be seen by a human.
- Use AI Tools to Your Advantage—Websites like Jobscan analyze job descriptions and tell you what to tweak in your resume.
- If you’re not optimizing your resume, you’re already behind.
- Network Like Your Next Paycheck Depends on It (Because It Does)
You’ve heard the saying: It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Well, it’s both.
Here’s how to use your network to find new opportunities:
- Reconnect with former colleagues. They already know your work ethic and might have leads on open positions.
- Join professional groups. Whether it’s LinkedIn groups or in-person networking events, get active in your industry.
- Tap into federal employee support groups. You’re not the only one going through this—lean on these resources.
- In a tough job market, networking isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Be Realistic About the Job Market
- Listen, finding a job isn’t instant coffee—it takes time. The job market is flooded with thousands of unemployed federal workers, which means more competition for fewer opportunities.
- Average job search time: 3-6 months (or longer if you’re not strategic).
- Remote work? Yes, but it’s competitive. If you want a work-from-home job, you’ll need an edge.
- Employers are downsizing, too. Many companies are freezing hiring, so flexibility is key.
- Your best bet? Diversify your job search. Don’t just look at federal jobs—explore the private sector, state/local government roles, and even contract work.
Navigate the AI-Powered Hiring Process
- You’re not just competing against people anymore—you’re competing against AI. Here’s how to beat the bots:
- Optimize for ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Use simple formatting, no fancy fonts, and job description keywords so AI doesn’t auto-reject your resume.
- Use AI to your advantage. Sites like Jobscan compare your resume to job descriptions and tell you what to improve.
- Make connections, not just applications. AI might scan your resume, but a human still makes the final decision. A referral from someone inside the company? Priceless.
- AI might be the gatekeeper, but your hustle is what gets you hired.
The Trump administration’s job cuts are out of your control. But how you respond to this layoff? That’s 100 percent on you.
If you still have your job, prepare now. Start saving, update your resume, and network before you get laid off.
If you’re unemployed, treat job hunting like a full-time job. Update your skills, network daily, and use every tool available. Don’t rely on just sending out applications. Follow up, connect with decision-makers, and stand out from the crowd.
Layoffs happen. Take action today, stay persistent, and position yourself for your next big opportunity.
(Damon Carr, Money Coach and Tax Pro can be reached at 412-216-1013 or visit his website at www.damonmoneycoach.com)