reduction-in-force

Federal Reduction in Force Poses Challenges and Opportunities for Public Sector Workers

By Published On: May 6, 2025

Introduction

A significant reduction in federal personnel has led to a rapid influx of federal employees into an already saturated job market. This presents its own set of challenges for these newly unemployed members of the workforce. We’ll explore what this means for employees and employers, what the forecast is for these job seekers, and even provide some tools to help ease this transition. 

What Happened?

If your federal job was eliminated as a result of the recent reduction in force, you don’t need me to tell you what happened. But for those who may not be aware…

Immediately upon the inauguration of the 2nd Trump Administration, he appointed Elon Musk to create and lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) tasked with implementing widespread workforce reductions. From USAID to the Veterans Administration, the Department of the Interior, and even the Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control, many employees lost their jobs. A lot of those lost their jobs had been federal government employees with very secure positions for a long time. It is rare for nonpolitical federal employees to be removed from their jobs. These positions were historically deemed mission-critical, designed for stability across various political administrations. 

Key Challenges in Transitioning: Overcoming Cultural and Operational Differences

Having worked in both the public and private sectors, I can tell you that there’s a world of difference. The bureaucracy is meant to slow things down and install layers for deliberative purposes. Dollars have to be accounted for and reported to auditors. Oftentimes, those audits end up on Capitol Hill with Senators and congress people demanding information on how tax dollars have been spent.

This can be equated to a corporate boardroom. However, the private sector offers a much more streamlined approach. Ideas can be passed on with relative ease. Projects and documents can be vetted in a more expedited manner, and deadlines become much more of an issue in the private sector than in government work.

The pace of work and job security are very different in the private sector. Public sector roles typically involve a steady and deliberate pace, often with greater employment protections compared to private-sector jobs. In contrast, private-sector positions tend to operate with more immediate performance demands and less job security. Show up late one too many times? Gone. Missed a couple of deadlines? Gone. The boss decides to save some money on labor costs. Gone.

Cultural norms are also shaped by the private sector’s ability to swiftly implement workforce reductions based on evolving business conditions. The pace and performance demands shift into a lot more of a production-focused mode. The good news is that government employees are often more familiar with things like regulatory requirements. This can ease transitions into the private sector, especially in supply chain because of the niche knowledge base. Impacted employees also may have had a lot of service requirements that will help to increase their qualifications and reduce legal risks if said positions have those needs. However, anyone who was part of a reduction in force likely won’t have to face those challenges.

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Skills That Translate: Leveraging Public Sector Experience for Private Sector Success

Mostly, a job is a job. High-performing employees can succeed in most any arena. The main differences between public and private sector work is job security and the pace. However, seems job security no longer applies to public sector positions as the reduction in force continues.

Supply chain experience translates well from the public to the private sector. Transportation and logistics and procurement roles seem to have the most cross-over potential. The reduction in force of USAID personnel could be a boon for employees needing to hire people with operational logistics experience. The same holds true for procurement talent pipelines. Government employees regularly focus on indirect procurement while outfitting entire departments of thousands of people. Supply chain planning is a crucial skill set for both public and private sector jobs as well. 

Government departments that support the military’s approach to just-in-time inventory, rapid deployment, and risk management directly translate into today’s corporate supply chain strategies. 

Employees in good standing with references shouldn’t have trouble competing for work, other than a somewhat crowded job seeker marketplace.

Navigating Economic Uncertainty: How to Position Yourself for Private Sector Opportunities

Public sector employees accustomed to longstanding job security might initially find transitioning challenging, but leveraging transferable skills can significantly ease their move to the private sector. Preparing a resume is the first step. Engage with talent management professionals to procure a template that presents your work history in a digestible and up-to-date manner. Here are quick tips for resume preparation:

  • State measurable results of your work, not just duties.
    • “While overseeing a team of 6, I increased production levels every year for 4 years.” 
  • Highlight marketable skills for each job in which you apply.
    • Don’t use the same resume for all the jobs in which you apply. Tailor the resume to the most applicable titles, positions, and accomplishments.
  • Consult talent management professionals for help with resume and LinkedIn profile optimization.
  • For people with a work history of classified duties and accomplishments, position that as a lead in your cover letter and resume. Work to generalize outcomes and responsibilities rather than explicit duties, if possible. There are also professional services available to help cleared employees with these tasks.
  • Network, network, and network. Find groups and associations in your field and link up with them whenever possible. Have your work credentials digitally at the ready in case someone you meet asks you for them. 
  • Remember that relationships are the key differentiator. All things being equal, you’re going to choose the one you trust and know. The same applies to a job search.
  • Research thought leaders in the fields in which you want to transition. It’s highly likely that they have a podcast or a book or some other materials to consume which can help you to get a leg up on your competition. SCM Talent Group’s Leadership Podcast Series is a great example of this which provides actionable tips on how to advance your career.
  • Find online resources to help you get up to speed with the various AI tools that are deployed more frequently in the private sector.
  • Versaitlity is always a plus. The most successful supply chain professionals developed cross-functional skills early in their careers and had accelerated promotions. Perhaps your government career included a versatile skill set across multiple functions. Be sure to outline this in your application materials.

Conclusion

Transitioning from the public to the private sector presents both challenges and opportunities. While differences in bureaucracy, job security, and work pace can require adjustments, high-performing professionals with the right mindset and skills can thrive in either environment. Supply chain and operations roles, particularly in logistics, procurement, and planning translate well between sectors, making experienced professionals valuable assets in the private job market. The future of supply chains hinges upon global trade and geopolitical agreements between trade partners. But there’s nothing to suggest that supply chain disciplines won’t continue to flourish for years to come. 

The key to a successful transition after falling victim to a reduction in force lies in preparation. Crafting a results-driven resume, optimizing a LinkedIn profile, and engaging with talent management professionals can enhance visibility and competitiveness. Additionally, networking remains a critical component in securing new opportunities. Building relationships within professional circles can make all the difference in the world in a crowded job market.

Ultimately, those who approach the transition with adaptability, a strategic job search plan, and a willingness to embrace new technologies will position themselves for long-term success. While job security may be less certain in today’s economy, proactive career planning and continuous learning can help professionals navigate the shift with confidence and seize new opportunities in the private sector.