Navigating Uncertainty for Cleared Federal Employees Amid Looming Layoffs

Understanding the Landscape and Potential Opportunities, as a Silver Lining

Navigating uncertainty during federal layoffs requires proactive strategies and a resilient mindset. By assessing the situation, expanding networks, and preparing for potential transitions, cleared federal employees can better position themselves to weather the storm and seize new opportunities.

As the new administration continues to layoff the federal workforce and make major changes to the landscape we know, many anxiously remain in uncertainty for their jobs and future. Administration officials continue with their plans for a reduction in force to downsize more than 2 million federal workers over the next few months. The federal government structure as we know it may change forever, as ‘agencies are expected to indefinitely extend their hiring freezes, eliminate currently vacant positions and consolidate offices as ways to reduce headcount.’ USA TODAY has provided the current state of affairs with a comprehensive timeline here.

‘Under the order, federal agencies aren't allowed to hire more than one employee for every four employees who depart. It also instructed the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to create new rules to ensure future federal hires are subject to additional conduct standards, such as U.S. citizenship and filing federal tax returns on time.’

What is Next

Heads of federal departments and agencies had until Thursday, March 13 to prepare and present plans to initiate "large-scale reductions in force" as Trump shifts to a more aggressive phase of cutting the federal workforce beyond recently hired or promoted employees.

Among the planned reductions, reported by USA TODAY, are terminations approaching 80,000 (from Dept. of Education, Veterans Affairs, NOAA, and more). Layoffs are not immediate as agencies must give employees 30 or 60 days notice. Trump has also openly discussed cuts of 65% to the Environmental Protection Agency’s workforce.

How to Prepare

Between federal employees that have already been laid off, and those that remain worried for their jobs, there are a number of steps you can take to prepare yourself and move on to the next chapter.

• Stay Informed & Adaptable- Keep following reputable news sources and government announcements, getting news from the official websites. Amidst the policy changes, advance declarations of layoffs, reduction of force, and even reinstatement of employment, along with responsive litigation for every executive order, it is a lot to follow. It is however critical to stay apprised of the news and how it could affect your career. Although some of this requires a crystal ball, forecasting by the experts, coupled with good and timely research. Be sure to identify the sectors most affected (e.g., defense, IT, healthcare), review the full impact of executive orders and budget cuts, and seek to understand how budget constraints can affect agency operations, contracts, and staffing. 
• Prepare Yourself – There are a number of steps you can take today, if you haven’t already to prepare for change, either on your own terms or if you are subject to your organization/agency’s decision.

• Assess your personal career position and longer-term plans, while always remaining ready for change.
• Carefully review your organization or agency’s transition package or benefits, as applicable.

• Be sure to emphasize your security clearance and specialized training.
• Be sure to highlight skills that can be applied across different roles or agencies—don’t forget to consider certifications or training that enhance employability.
• Practice and prepare for interviews by simulating responses to common questions and scenarios.

• Try to embrace change as an opportunity for growth and development. Be open to exploring new roles, projects, and learning experiences.
• Meanwhile, and above all, protect your mental health, reach out for help, and remain positive. You are not alone.

• Get Re-Connected & Network – Connections are everything. Begin fueling and focusing on networking and relationship building to expand your professional network. Engage with colleagues, industry peers, and professional associations. Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events relevant to the field. Leverage LinkedIn and social media to update your profile with relevant skills and experience, connect and expand your network, but also as a research tool for jobs and information.
• Connect to Recruiters that Specialize - Connect with recruiters who specialize in cleared positions, as helpful guides who are already on the hunt to fill positions. In example, SOC serves as the chosen and long-time cleared staffing solutions partner to the Department of Defense, the Intelligence Community, and Federal Civilian Agencies by providing the industry’s top IT, Cybersecurity and Engineering talent. SOC’s Federal Services Division was awarded the Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), 2025 Best Staffing Firms to Work For.  
• Explore New Opportunities - Research job openings and keep an eye on job boards specific to federal employment and cleared roles. Utilize government resources and access federal employment resources, such as: ClearanceJobs and agency websites, for opportunities. Consider positions in the private sector that value security clearances, with organizations like Day & Zimmermann, who bring thousands of jobs worldwide through their Government Services division.
• Remain Proud – Know that despite the circumstance of today, and any reason for today’s change, there are millions of people and organizations who value and honor your contributions and are grateful for your service to our nation. Changes and transitions like these in our lives are among the most challenging milestones we face. It is particularly difficult when it might not be on our own terms or occurs abruptly. We see you and understand this hardship. Thank you for your service, yesterday, today, and into the future as you may seek new opportunities.

Adaptability, positivity, and perseverance are key to thriving in this evolving and challenging environment.

We hope to have the opportunity that is a fit for your skillset and expertise as a cleared federal worker.

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