Government Efficiency and Its Unexpected Direct Impacts on Jobseekers
There has been much talk about driving federal government efficiency this new year. Political changes can influence what happens in local governments- especially if efficiency becomes the key driver.
Government efficiency is not new and has precedence in prior administrations. Both former Presidents Clinton and Reagan had government efficiency programs. However, the upcoming administration wants to cut more than in the past. And our state, county, and municipal governments rely on the federal government for quite a bit of funding annually.
When it comes to hiring, here is where job seekers need to be prepared and why.
Direct Impact on Federal Government Workers
Unfortunately, the first line of employees who could feel any direct impact would be federal government employees. Any program that is potentially directly targeted could result in job loss.
Federal government workers could feel displaced and unsure of where to go or what to do with their careers. Those that were employed for a long time may feel lost, and like they lost something meaningful. It isn’t uncommon for an individual to feel confused and powerless after losing a job, particularly if they were in a role or with an organization for an extended period.
Direct Impact on State and Local Governments
State and Local Governments will feel the effects of any potential government efficiency. As I mentioned, there could be a potential loss or decrease in funding. In addition, nonprofits may see priorities change, which could also mean either a decrease in funding or an increase in the candidate pool. There could also be higher-than-expected competition for jobs even in the private sector. If the federal government has slowed or stopped hiring, then state and local governments should expect an incredibly competitive candidate pool. This means that job seekers should be prepared as well.
How Can Job Seekers Prepare?
Job seekers should stay informed and anticipate changes by monitoring policy discussions and budget proposals that affect federal hiring. Any potential changes would have a direct impact on hiring priorities. Job seekers also should follow agencies that align with their expertise to anticipate job shifts.
Broaden Your Search Beyond the Federal Government
Some responsibilities may start to shift to state and local governments. If this occurs, then new job opportunities may be created. We also must consider what will happen to government contractors and consulting firms. Some private companies that hire this talent may still need skilled professionals. Nonprofits and think tanks may have relied on the federal government for funding or policy expertise. This could mean that nonprofit organizations or think tanks may either be actively hiring or slow down their hiring efforts.
Strengthen Your Competitive Edge
As the talent pool increases and the pool of jobs potentially decreases, job seekers need to strengthen their competitive edge. They can do so by developing in-demand skills. These skills include data analysis, AI, policy analysis, and cybersecurity. In addition, project management, policy analysis, and regulatory compliance expertise are valuable in both public and private sectors.
Job seekers should consistently be upskilling and reskilling. They can do so by taking online courses, certifications, and professional training. All of these can enhance your marketability. It would be beneficial to consider what qualifications your target role or roles are looking for and spend your time enhancing your marketability for those roles.
Leverage Networking & Internal Referrals
As with any other hiring process, you want to be actively engaged on LinkedIn. You can do so by connecting with professionals in the organizations and agencies that you are trying to target, including those that are in state government or government-adjacent industries.
It also can be beneficial to join professional associations. Organizations like ASPA (American Society for Public Administration) and PMI (Project Management Institute) offer networking opportunities.
Job seekers should seek informational interviews whenever possible. Conversations with employees in growing sectors can provide insider insights and potential job leads. It also can help you to understand if you are pursuing the type of role that is best suited to you and your career.
Internal hiring and referrals may become more crucial as job postings decline, which makes networking critical.
Job seekers should stay informed and anticipate changes by monitoring policy discussions and budget proposals that affect federal hiring.
Be Open to Temporary, Contract, or Hybrid Roles
Government agencies may (or may not) become wary and shift to hiring contractors. We may also begin to see more Public-Private Partnerships, also known as PPPs, 3Ps, and P3s. PPPs are collaborations between the public and private sectors, which can also create new career opportunities by creating new jobs. I studied P3s about 10 years ago when I had to build a P3 for my Capstone project for my MPA degree. I also became certified in establishing P3s by the World Bank Group. They are effective drivers of economic growth and development and can help to create jobs for specific state-sponsored projects, such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, etc.
We also need to be open to remote, hybrid, and in-office work because there can be a variation in all types of opportunities available.
Prepare for Competitive Hiring Processes
As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, one of the best methods of preparation is by tailoring your resume for each role, whether it is in the public or the private sector.
Don’t just emphasize your hard skills and qualifications for the role. You should also emphasize leadership, problem-solving, relationship-building, and adaptability. There are specific soft skills that will always be important in your career and potential employers need to see those skills demonstrated as well. If you are pivoting to the private sector from the public sector, be sure to translate your government experience into business-friendly language. If you are pivoting to the public sector from the private sector, it is equally important to translate your business-friendly language into government-friendly language.
If you should find a role within the federal government to apply to, please be sure to remember that federal government jobs require a specifically formatted resume.
Be sure that your cover letters include your passion for the organization and the role, not just your qualifications restated from your resume. Potential employers are looking to see what makes you stand out from other candidates. Your LinkedIn profile should be used for storytelling. Utilize the platform and space to tell the story of your career, who you are, and what motivates you.
Another way job seekers can prepare themselves for competitive hiring processes is by enhancing interview skills. Prep for behavior and situational questions to demonstrate resilience and strategic thinking.
Consider Alternative Career Paths
If necessary, you may want to consider alternative career paths. Policy and advocacy roles, including those in nonprofits, lobbying firms, and think tanks need policy experts. The private sector will still need professionals who understand government relations, including regulations and public affairs. Lastly, teaching and training future public sector professionals is also a viable career path.
By remaining open, agile, and adaptable a job seeker has plenty of new opportunities in which a career can grow and thrive.
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