Your Future in Federal Service: Navigating Changes and Opportunities
New “Schedule Policy/Career” Rules, DEIA Office Layoffs, and Mandatory Return-to-Office: Stay Informed, Stay Protected.
The Latest Federal Workforce Directives — What You Need to Know
Schedule Policy/Career Reclassifications
What It Is: A reinstated and amended version of E.O. 13957, now called “Schedule Policy/Career,” that targets positions involving policy-making, policy-determining, or policy-advocating duties.
Why It Matters: Roles moved into this new schedule may lose certain adverse-action protections under 5 U.S.C. Chapter 75. This can speed up termination or reassignments and reduce an employee’s ability to appeal.
Next Steps: Agencies have 90 days to identify positions subject to reclassification. If you suspect your role might be included, prepare now—your career security could dramatically change.
DEIA Office Reductions-in-Force (RIFs)
What’s Happening: A presidential order directs agencies to shut down or drastically reduce “DEI” and “environmental justice” offices, with RIF notices already in progress.
Why It Matters: Employees in DEIA offices may be laid off or forced into RIF-based reorganizations, with only minimal competitive-area protections under 5 CFR § 351 if agencies define DEIA offices narrowly.
Action Item: If you’re currently supporting DEIA or environmental-justice initiatives, your best move is to polish your resume to reflect your transferable skills and leadership in this specialized work.
Mandatory Return-to-Office (RTO) Policies
New Memos: OPM and OMB have mandated that most “eligible employees” report to their official duty stations full-time, with exceptions only for confirmed disabilities, medical conditions, or other “compelling reasons.”
Implications: Agency heads must show they’re phasing out remote work. If you relocated, you may be required to move back (potentially at your own expense) or face uncertain job status.
What You Can Do: Understand your agency’s timeline, watch for final union negotiations if applicable, and keep your documentation ready if you need to request an exception.
Federal Workforce Shake-Ups: Secure Your Career with Expert Resume and Career Solutions
Are you a federal employee concerned about return-to-office mandates, potential reclassification under the new “Schedule Policy/Career,” or RIFs targeting DEIA positions? You’re not alone. Recent memoranda from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) highlight sweeping changes that can impact everything from your job protections to where you’re required to work.
At ResumeYourWay, we specialize in federal resume writing, career coaching, and SES leadership support—helping you navigate change so you can focus on serving the public. Call us today and book a Federal Career Consultation for free and get all your questions answered.
Phone: 571-455-7775
Special Focus: SES Leaders and Executives
Why SES Roles Are at Greater Risk
Policy-Influencing Target: SES positions inherently shape agency policy. Under the revised E.O. 13957, renamed “Schedule Policy/Career,” these roles may be the first to undergo reclassification.
High Visibility: You may supervise attorneys, manage large grants, or be directly involved in rulemaking, making you more susceptible to administrative shifts or policy disagreements.
Recent Memos & Potential Impact
With agencies rushing to comply with new classification guidelines, your Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and performance history must be bulletproof.
Return-to-Office directives often start at headquarters, meaning SES staffers are typically asked to lead by example—and sometimes face the tightest deadlines or greatest scrutiny.
How We Help SES Members
SES-Focused Resumes: We craft comprehensive ECQ-aligned resumes that spotlight your leadership, strategic vision, and results.
Career Continuity Plans: If you anticipate upheaval or reclassification, we guide you on bridging to the private sector or another agency’s senior role.
Strategic Advisory: Evaluate whether it’s time for an internal shift, a lateral move, or a private-sector exit.
Our coaches provide tailored solutions for the unique complexities of SES careers.
To schedule your in-depth consultation on solidifying your leadership position—or navigating a smooth transition amid policy changes—call 571-455-7775 or email Maryam.house@resumeyourway.com. When booking your appointment, please mention that it is for SES consultation in the subject of your email or when calling so we can assign the right coach to assist you.
Additional Considerations & Best Practices
Union Contracts & Collective Bargaining
New Telework Clauses: Some unions negotiated telework expansions under the previous administration. With new memos, these might be revisited or rolled back quickly.
Bargaining vs. Mandates: If you rely on union protections, stay current on negotiations. You may have limited recourse if you don’t actively track your local agreement’s updates.
Legal Standing vs. Reality
Evolving Court Rulings: Past “Schedule F” efforts faced legal challenges. While litigation can arise again, agencies are moving forward swiftly with reclassification processes.
Stay Proactive: Waiting on lawsuits or legislative fixes is risky; your best move is preparation—updating your resume and skillset.
DEIA & Special Hiring Authorities
RIF Protocol: If you are in a DEIA role, your entire office might be considered a single competitive area, expediting possible layoffs.
Leveraging Preferences: If you’re a veteran or qualify for other special hiring authorities, document those thoroughly. They can be key for internal placements or reassignments.
How ResumeYourWay Positions You for Success
The ResumeYourWay Standard
Meet Stricter Criteria: New classification reviews mean agencies are honing in on position descriptions. We ensure your accomplishments and duties align with the exact language HR expects.
Grade-Specific Tailoring: From GS-5 to GS-15, we match your resume to the specialized experience required for each grade, making promotions or lateral moves smoother.
Dual-Track Resume Strategy
Stay Prepared: If you’re at risk of reclassification or a RIF, having a private-sector-ready resume is crucial.
Highlight Transferable Skills: We’ll translate “government-speak” into industry-friendly language, ensuring you can pivot quickly if needed.
Career Coaching & Interview Prep
RIF & Reclassification Guidance: Understand the nuances of RIF rules and what reclassification under “Schedule Policy/Career” might mean for you.
Panel Interview Mastery: With possible changes to agency structures, job interviews—internal or external—can be competitive. We’ll sharpen your interviewing skills with real-world mock sessions.
Schedule a Free Consultation to discover how our resume services can safeguard your federal career. 571-455-7775
Six-Step Roadmap to Protect Your Federal Career
Assess Your Risk
Check Your Classification: Determine if your role could be reclassified under “Schedule Policy/Career.”
Look for RIF Indicators: If you’re in a DEIA or other targeted office, confirm your competitive area and reduction-in-force timelines.
Return-to-Office Readiness: Understand if you’re required back on-site soon—and how that might affect your living situation.
Map Out Options
Confirm Your Telework & Duty Station: Identify if new mandates mean relocating or requesting exceptions.
Consult HR & Union: Stay informed about any negotiated changes or appeals processes that could protect your position.
Book a Consultation
Free Intro Call: Discuss your current challenges—reclassification, RIF threats, or forced return-to-office—and get tailored advice.
Action Plan: We’ll map out immediate steps and a long-term career strategy so you can pivot quickly if needed.
Draft a Dual-Strategy Resume
Federal Version: Align your accomplishments with the latest job series and highlight policy, leadership, or DEIA experience (if applicable).
Private-Sector Version: Prepare a backup option in case you decide (or need) to transition outside government.
Prepare for Interviews & Transitions
Mock Interview Sessions: Practice for federal panels, SES-level ECQ reviews, or private-sector HR formats.
Transition Coaching: If layoffs, relocations, or job reassignments are looming, we’ll guide you through potential moves (internal or external).
Stay Updated & Adapt
Monitor Memos & Legislation: OPM updates, White House EOs, and congressional actions can shift policies overnight—stay in the loop.
Ongoing Support: We’ll periodically update your resume, refine your interview skills, and share new strategies as federal workforce rules evolve.
