Braxton Taylor
Every year, I teach master classes to hundreds of veterans and military spouses about how to get a government job, how to understand federal job listings and how to write an undeniable federal resume.
These are popular classes. After all, the federal government is the largest employer in the country and the largest employer of veterans. The knowledge, skills, training, certifications and security clearances earned in the military make veterans a natural fit for civilian jobs at the Department of Defense, Department of Veteran Affairs, Social Security Administration, Justice Department and Department of Homeland Security.
Usually, I can’t wait to tell participants that even though veterans only represent 5% of the total workforce, they make up 30% of federal hires. I point them to all the data about which agencies are the best fit. While federal employment is never an easy path for new veterans, traditionally it has been a reliable place to make a difference. What about now?
Is Federal Employment Still a Good Bet for Transitioning Military Members?
I’m not the first to tell you that in the past week, huge changes were announced that affected all federal workers with few exemptions. A 90-day federal hiring freeze. An end to remote work. A widely panned buyout offer. An executive order reclassifying thousands of jobs.
Federal workers — veteran and non-veteran alike — are scrambling. Yet the Department of Defense (as well as certain other jobs related to national security) is exempt from the hiring freeze. Should veterans continue to apply?
I can’t answer that question for you, but here are some things I might keep in mind over the next few months as the situation hopefully becomes clearer:
1. The Defense Department Is the Largest Agency that Employs Veterans
It is continuing to hire for all open jobs. National security is essential, and the military is an institution you know and support better than anyone else.
2. Look for Government Contractors in Defense, Especially Defense Tech
Again, national defense is essential.
3. Recent Hires Are Currently at Risk
Acting OPM Director Charles Ezell put out a memo to agencies requesting a list of employees still within their one-year probationary period. There is speculation that there could be a mass last-in, first-out layoff.
If you are a recent hire, focus on learning the job you have, especially if you are in the DoD. Otherwise you can always conduct a stealth search for a new job outside the government. I know that going back to the job hunt is almost too painful to contemplate. We want to help. Our Master Class video library is full of free resources addressing all aspects of the job hunt if you need it.
4. Corporate Experience Might Be a Plus Later
Remember that the federal government prefers to hire veterans after they have had some experience with a civilian employer. If you are leaving the service in 2025, think about getting a different kind of experience on the outside first.
5. Location, Location, Location
Although federal employees work in all 50 states, certain areas will be more affected than others. The Greater Washington, D.C., area has more than 15% of all federal workers. With so many federal employees required to (but unable to) return to the office, competition for local jobs will likely increase.
6. Participate with Empathy
This is a traumatic time for federal workers, for first responders, for those who worked in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) or with vulnerable populations, for parents suddenly seeking child care and for so many other alienated groups. Whatever is going on in your transition or job hunt, keep some kindness in reserve for those who are struggling.
Whether you plan to apply for federal work this year or leave it alone, remember your place as a veteran is essential. Veterans are uniquely suited to respond to this collective experience with courage, camaraderie and a commitment to make change for the better. Your contribution is more welcome in the civilian world than you will ever know.
Find the Right Veteran Job
Whether you want to polish your resume, find veteran job fairs in your area or connect with employers looking to hire veterans, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have job postings, guides and advice, and more delivered directly to your inbox.
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