The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced plans for 83,000 VA layoffs by the end of the year, a move that has sent shockwaves through the federal workforce. This decision, driven by VA budget cuts and restructuring efforts, is part of a larger trend of federal employee layoffs, affecting a significant portion of the department's workforce.
More than a quarter of VA employees are veterans, so these layoffs significantly impact those of you who have served our country. However, this restructuring affects everyone at the VA, touching all departments and roles, no matter your background.
As this major change unfolds, if you're part of the VA workforce, it's important to consider practical strategies to quickly find new job opportunities that align with your skills.
3 Practical Steps to Secure Your Next Job
The recent VA employee layoffs have brought uncertainty and concern to many employees. If you're facing the end of your position or are waiting to learn about your status, we want to help you move forward.
We've put together three practical steps to help you navigate this transition and find a new role that's a good fit for you.
1. Update and Tailor Your Resume
Working at the VA, you may have developed skills in areas such as healthcare administration, patient care, IT project management, or administrative support. You may also have experience working with veterans, handling sensitive information, or navigating complex government systems. To stand out in a competitive job search, it's essential to update and tailor your resume to highlight these relevant skills and experiences, as they can be highly transferable to the private sector.
At ResumeYourWay, we will craft you a personalized resume that effectively communicates your strengths and qualifications to potential employers. Our team of expert resume writers understands the unique challenges of transitioning from federal service to a private sector career, and we're dedicated to helping you make a seamless move.
Here's how we can help you ease your career transition after the VA:
Tailored resumes for former VA employees: We'll create a compelling resume that highlights your transferable skills and experience gained at the VA, positioning you as a competitive candidate.
Ongoing support: You'll receive free, unlimited tweaks and revisions to your resume for 12 months, ensuring it stays current as you target different roles.
Exclusive discount: As a gesture of support, we're offering a 20% discount on all our resume writing services for federal employees impacted by the VA restructuring.
We're committed to supporting federal employees like you through this transition, and our goal is to provide you with the guidance and support you need to secure a new role that leverages your strengths, aligns with your career goals, and brings you fulfillment.
Get in touch with us now to learn more.
2. Leverage and Build Your Network
A significant percentage of people find new jobs through connections, which is why networking is so important when looking for a job.
It's estimated that around 50% of jobs are filled through networking. In fact, research has shown that distant connections, such as acquaintances or friends of friends, may be more helpful in finding jobs than close friends, as they often have access to different social circles and job opportunities. What's more, 70% of jobs are never advertised publicly, so it's clear that networking can give you access to a whole world of job opportunities that you wouldn't find otherwise.
By building relationships with people in your industry and staying connected with your professional network, you can get tips on unadvertised job openings and get recommendations that can help you stand out to employers. This can be a huge advantage in your job search, and it's a big reason why networking can increase your chances of finding and landing a role.
Here are some ways you can network to find new job opportunities:
Attend industry events and conferences to meet people in your field.
Connect with people on LinkedIn and engage with their content.
Post on social media that you're looking for a new opportunity in your field.
Reach out personally to friends, family, and acquaintances to let them know you're looking for a new role.
Join professional organizations and networking groups to expand your network.
3. Enhance Your Skills
Take the time to enhance your skills through online courses or certifications, which can not only boost your resume but also demonstrate your commitment to professional growth to potential employers.
You can explore a wide range of courses and certifications on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and Udemy. Some popular options to consider include:
Project management courses to help you lead teams and manage projects effectively
IT courses to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends, including certifications like CompTIA and ITIL
Data analysis courses to improve your analytical skills and make data-driven decisions
Digital marketing courses to learn how to reach and engage with your target audience
PMP (Project Management Professional) certification, which shows proficiency in project management
Six Sigma certification, which certifies expertise in process improvement and quality management
Upskilling will first and foremost make you a more competitive candidate. But it will also help increase your confidence, which is crucial when presenting yourself to potential employers, especially in job interviews. When you feel confident in your abilities, you're more likely to make a strong impression, clearly communicate your strengths, and show enthusiasm for the role.
Many online courses and certifications offer flexible scheduling, allowing you to learn at your own pace and balance career development with other responsibilities.
ResumeYourWay Can Help You Take Control of Your Career After VA Layoffs
By crafting a strong, tailored resume that showcases your skills and experience, ResumeYourWay can increase your chances of landing a new job quickly and securely.
Here's a recap of how we can help you ease the VA career transition to the private sector:
We'll create a stunning, tailored resume that translates your federal experience into a language that aligns with the private sector opportunities you're excited about.
We'll highlight your transferable skills and experience to increase your competitiveness in the job market.
You'll receive ongoing support and updates to your resume for a year, ensuring you're always prepared for new opportunities as they arise.
Plus, we're offering a 20% discount on all resumes for federal employees who've been laid off.
Book a free consultation call now for more information and to receive your exclusive discount code.
We're here to support federal employees navigating career changes after the VA.
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