RIF / Layoff Next Steps: A 30-Day Plan for Government Employees

If you’ve been impacted by a RIF, layoff, or unexpected separation, the first few weeks can feel chaotic. A short plan helps you stabilize, protect your options, and move quickly toward the next role.

This is general information, not legal or financial advice.

Days 1–7: Stabilize and document

• Confirm your separation details and key dates
• Gather your non-sensitive work history, achievements, and references
• Create a one-page “wins list” with metrics and outcomes
• Review immediate resource options on /resources

Days 8–14: Translate your story

• Pick 1–2 target roles and rewrite your resume for them
• Update LinkedIn to match your target role (headline + 2–3 bullet wins)
• Prepare 3 short STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

Days 15–21: Build pipeline

• Apply to a focused set of roles daily (quality > volume)
• Use /jobs filters to find roles that fit your constraints (location, remote, clearance, experience)
• Ask for 3 informational calls this week (former coworkers, alumni, community)

Days 22–30: Improve conversion

• Track response rates by role track
• Tighten your resume keywords based on postings you’re getting traction with
• Practice 5 common questions and refine your stories

Next step

If you want a clear pipeline quickly, start with /jobs and build a shortlist of roles where government experience is repeatedly listed as “preferred” or “valuable.”