Are you among the thousands of federal workers who last week were deemed “non-essential” and put on a temporary lay off with no assurance of back pay? You might think your job and skills are essential, but they may not be. If you have bills to pay and a family to support, take action now on your own behalf, just in case something else happens down the line regarding your career.
» See Kathryn’s quote in the Washington Times about the uncertainties that face federal employees now.
I am not writing this to make you nervous. I am writing this because it’s time. It’s actually the perfect time while you are currently off from work.
We didn’t think the government would shut down, but it did, and it’s time to stop being complacent. I personally have a lot of experience with contingency planning. I have worked for myself for 40 years. I am always looking out for myself and watching my bills, because I can’t count on government or Congress or anyone else to take care of me. So here’s my advice for your career and your earnings in the near future and always.
Emergency Job Search Tips from Kathryn Troutman for All Federal Workers for Your Next Career Move
- Get / keep your federal resume up-to-date EVERY DAY. Just like life insurance for your family, you should keep your federal resume up-to-date and in GREAT shape, just in case you need to send your federal resume out with little notice. So many of our clients haven’t updated their resumes in years! Start today with updating, writing, and adding your accomplishments and keywords for your occupational series. It’s always easiest to start with a sample to look at. Check out our sample federal resume to help you with yours.
- Set up your LinkedIn resume and account (if you are not in a high-security position), so that you can quickly develop your network in yourself on very short notice. Here’s a Sample LinkedIn Resume: Natalie Richardson. Connect to me – Kathryn Troutman – if you would like.
- Write a two-page private industry resume for networking and in case you have to get a job outside of government temporarily during the government shutdown.
- Read the current job ads so that you are familiar with job search, just in case you need to look for a job to pay the bills.
- Pretend that you are looking for a new job outside of federal government. Look for agencies, companies, or contractors that could be your next fit. Honestly, you might actually need to do this at some point.
How The Resume Place, Inc. can help with our Free Estimate Service (FREE!):
We can help you with your federal resume, private industry resume or LinkedIn resume. Get prepared for your next career move now. Check out our article on how our Federal Resume is the Gold Standard, and request a Free Estimate!
Written by Kathryn Troutman
President, Resume Place, Inc. and Federal Career Training Institute Federal Resume Guru and Designer of the Federal Resume Developer of the Ten Steps to a Federal Job®, Certified Federal Resume Job Search Trainer™ and Certified Federal Career Coach™ Author of best-selling federal career publications