After an executive order signed by President Trump, the federal government announced an immediate federal hiring freeze—a significant policy change that will affect government employment and public services nationwide. This guide explains what the freeze entails, who it impacts, and what current federal employees and job seekers can expect.
What is a federal hiring freeze?
A federal hiring freeze refers to a government-wide policy that suspends the hiring of new employees and the filling of vacant positions. The purpose of this freeze is to reduce the size of the federal workforce and curtail government spending. This broad action impacts almost all federal departments and government agencies, leaving current federal employees and job seekers unsure about what’s next.
Immediate impact
The hiring freeze took effect immediately, beginning January 20, 2025. Its impact is already being felt.
No new job postings
No new federal job postings: As a result, there are no new vacancies listed for prospective applicants.
Paused recruitment efforts: If you were in the middle of an application process, your progress may now be delayed or put on hold.
No new positions created: The freeze prevents agencies from expanding their teams by adding new roles.
Existing workforce implications
Current federal employees may experience:
Increased workload due to fewer new hires
Potential delays in departmental expansion
Uncertainty about future career growth opportunities
Exceptions to the freeze
While the hiring freeze is comprehensive, some critical areas may see limited exceptions:
National security positions
Military and defense-related roles
Immigration enforcement roles
Critical public safety jobs
Positions needed to continue providing healthcare and vital services to Veterans
Positions in essential government services
Duration of the freeze
Currently, the freeze is scheduled to last 90 days. However, the government could extend the freeze or lift it earlier. Given the changing nature of political decisions, it is important to stay informed by checking official announcements.
What does the hiring freeze mean for job seekers?
For those seeking a federal government job, this freeze will delay your plans indefinitely. You can stay informed by monitoring official updates about the hiring freeze, as it may evolve over time.
Meanwhile, it's a good idea to consider alternative employment opportunities in the public or private sectors.
At ResumeYourWay, we can assist in transitioning to civilian jobs by helping you craft a civilian resume. We’ll make sure your experience stands out to a wide range of employers, beyond just federal opportunities.
Alternative career paths
If you are impacted by the hiring freeze, consider exploring other job opportunities in state or local government, which may still have hiring opportunities during the freeze. These roles can offer similar benefits and experience while you wait for the freeze to be lifted.
Using this time to enhance your resume, gain additional skills or certifications, volunteer, or pursue internships can strengthen your future job applications.
Contact our team now for information on how to build a standout resume and advance your career prospects.
Note: Policies can change rapidly. Always seek the most current information from official government sources.
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