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New Initiatives to Aid Former Federal Employees in Job Searches
Brian Levine, who previously served as a federal prosecutor, identifies as a self-described matchmaker for talent. However, he faced challenges when colleagues sought recommendations for experts with government backgrounds. In response to this gap, Levine launched FormerGov.com, a directory aimed at connecting ex-federal employees with new job opportunities.
Levine views the platform as a means for civil servants affected by layoffs or separation incentives to transition successfully into new careers. “We’re assisting everyone in finding the needle in the haystack, while also helping those needles to be discovered,” he stated.
The establishment of FormerGov.com reflects a growing trend of digital initiatives designed to support government workers impacted by recent downsizing efforts. These initiatives have emerged as a direct response to policy changes that have reduced the federal workforce under the previous administration.
According to Levine, non-government organizations often struggle to identify effective candidates from the pool of former federal employees. This difficulty is compounded by ambiguous job titles and the expectation for public employees to maintain a low profile unless they hold top executive positions. “In government, the culture requires a low public profile,” Levine explained. “As a result, once individuals exit the federal workforce, they often lack visibility despite possessing valuable skills and experience. This platform aims to enhance their profiles quickly.”
The FormerGov.com directory currently features more than 1,500 members. Although searching the directory is free, there is a fee for individuals wishing to be listed. Levine, however, is extending complimentary memberships for one year to unemployed federal employees, encouraging them to reach out via Former Gov on LinkedIn for details.
Additionally, a collective of former civil servants launched FedsForward earlier this year to facilitate job placement for those seeking employment beyond government roles.
“I have interacted with numerous former federal employees who possess immense talent and potential but are uncertain where they fit in the private sector,” stated Karen Lee, a co-founder of FedsForward. “Simultaneously, many in the non-federal sector may not fully recognize the extensive skills and experiences federal employees bring. This creates a disconnect between available talent and open positions.”
The resources offered by FedsForward include a checklist tailored for laid-off federal employees, information about upcoming job fairs, and an AI-driven playbook designed to help individuals articulate their federal experiences for private sector applications.
Further resources for former federal employees in their job search include:
- govjobs.fyi, an aggregation of job openings compiled by former Twitter and Google employees across various levels of government.
- Civic Match, a platform that connects civil servants and other public sector workers with hiring managers in state and local government, facilitated by the nonprofit Work for America.
- The Partnership for Public Service, which provides extensive resources for federal employees who have experienced recent job removals.
Levine emphasized that platforms like FormerGov.com allow for the better utilization of a typically underappreciated talent pool. “Individuals with prior government experience offer unique insights and expertise that are uncommon elsewhere, making them exceptionally valuable in the job market,” he noted. “The real challenge is ensuring they are discoverable.”
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