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Job search advice for former federal employees, with Larry Slesinger

The Partnership for Public Service recently spoke with Larry Slesinger, a recruiter with more than 25 years of experience helping nonprofit organizations find key talent, to discuss how federal employees impacted by recent disruptions to the civil service can navigate job transitions. 

Here are essential job search tips for former federal employees seeking new opportunities. 

Many federal employees have been affected by the elimination of their positions. What advice do you have about approaching a job search? Where should they start? 

Consider your job search your new job. If you have left the federal government, you now have more time to devote to your search. Take advantage of this time, despite the circumstances. 

To begin your job search: 

• Identify the types of jobs and organizations you want to target. 

• Update your resume. It is acceptable to explain why you left the civil service recently. Make it a badge of honor. 

• Ensure all details in your resume are accurate. 

• Compile a list of 15 contacts as the initial people you will network with. 

• Gather the names and current contact information of four to five references. Use personal emails and phone numbers. Be prepared to provide references upon request, rather than including them with your application. 

If you haven’t looked for a job often in recent years, consider consulting resources, such as Larry Slesinger’s book, “Search: Winning Strategies to Get Your Next Job in the Nonprofit World.” 

Public-sector skills and vocabulary can be unique. Do you have any tips for translating public-sector skills and resumes for the private sector? 

Avoid using government acronyms that may not be understood outside the federal sector. Ask someone outside the government to review your resume and identify any unfamiliar terms, phrases or abbreviations. 

From your perspective as a recruiter, what skills are employers looking for right now? 

This all depends on the job and what the employer thinks is necessary to do the job well.  

Often, employees look for a combination of leadership, management and strong interpersonal skills. A highly intelligent person who lacks interpersonal skills or mistreats colleagues is rarely the right fit. 

How can federal employees talk about changing the scope of their search—for example they have worked in foreign assistance, but are now broadening their search beyond that specific field? 

This can be challenging because you may be competing against candidates with specific subject matter expertise.  

One way to overcome this is to seek referrals. A referral may lead an employer to consider your management and leadership skills, with the understanding that you can quickly acquire the necessary subject matter expertise. 

With many people seeking jobs simultaneously, how do you advise candidates to stand out and position themselves for the role they want? 

Be yourself. It doesn’t help to worry about how many others might be applying for the same job. 

Apply only for jobs where there’s a reasonable chance you could get considered, prepare for interviews and act professionally every step of the way. Avoid negative comments about past employment. 

Be positive and show why you’re the solution to the employer’s existing problem. 

Is there anything you’d like to add? 

Be persistent and patient. A job search can take anywhere from two weeks to two years. Hopefully, it won’t be more than a few months for you. Employers, even with urgent needs, can be slow in filling vacancies. Good luck. 

Stay informed  

Explore our resource hub for real-time updates about the latest civil service proposals affecting federal employees. 

Join our Federal Employee Explainer Series for answers to common questions about navigating change in the federal government. 

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