RIF layoff resources
RIF / Layoff Next Steps: A 30-Day Plan for Government Employees
A calm, actionable 30-day plan to stabilize finances, document your work, and move fast on a private-sector search after a RIF or layoff.
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RIF / Layoff Next Steps: A 30-Day Plan for Government Employees
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A calm, actionable 30-day plan to stabilize finances, document your work, and move fast on a private-sector search after a RIF or layoff.
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# RIF / Layoff Next Steps: A 30-Day Plan for Government Employees If you’ve been impacted by a RIF, layoff, or unexpected separation, the first few weeks can feel chaotic. A short plan helps you stabilize, protect your options, and move quickly toward the next role. This is general information, not legal or financial advice. ## Days 1–7: Stabilize and document - Confirm your separation details and key dates - Gather your non-sensitive work history, achievements, and references - Create a one-page “wins list” with metrics and outcomes - Review immediate resource options on `/resources` ## Days 8–14: Translate your story - Pick 1–2 target roles and rewrite your resume for them - Update LinkedIn to match your target role (headline + 2–3 bullet wins) - Prepare 3 short STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result) ## Days 15–21: Build pipeline - Apply to a focused set of roles daily (quality > volume) - Use `/jobs` filters to find roles that fit your constraints (location, remote, clearance, experience) - Ask for 3 informational calls this week (former coworkers, alumni, community) ## Days 22–30: Improve conversion - Track response rates by role track - Tighten your resume keywords based on postings you’re getting traction with - Practice 5 common questions and refine your stories ## Next step If you want a clear pipeline quickly, start with `/jobs` and build a shortlist of roles where government experience is repeatedly listed as “preferred” or “valuable.”