A layoff can feel like a punch to the gut—but it’s also a unique opportunity to hit refresh, realign your goals, and show up stronger than ever. In today’s competitive job market, your resume and LinkedIn profile aren’t just digital documents—they’re your frontline tools for storytelling, branding, and attracting new opportunities.

Here’s how to update, upgrade, and unleash your professional presence after a layoff.

1. Update With Intention

Start by reviewing your resume and LinkedIn profile with a fresh perspective. Don’t just add your most recent role—rethink how your skills and experiences reflect your career goals moving forward. Focus on outcomes, not just duties. What value did you bring to your past roles? What problems did you help solve?

Pro tip: Update your resume with keywords from your target job postings to increase your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems.

On LinkedIn, make sure your headline and summary are forward-facing. Instead of simply stating your last job title, use that space to speak to your skills, passions, and the kind of roles you’re seeking now.

2. Upgrade Your Brand Presence

A layoff doesn’t define you—but how you respond to it does. Now’s the time to enhance your career brand.

Refresh your LinkedIn profile photo and background image to align with your industry. Add a compelling “About” section that reflects who you are professionally, what you bring to the table, and what you’re excited to do next.

You should also take advantage of LinkedIn features like the “Featured” section, where you can highlight media, presentations, or even a short video introducing yourself and your expertise. The goal? Show you’re proactive, polished, and ready.

3. Unleash Opportunities With Visibility

Once you’ve updated and upgraded your materials, it’s time to go public—strategically. Turn on the “Open to Work” feature on LinkedIn and write a simple but powerful post sharing your career goals and openness to new opportunities. Don’t be afraid to share your story—transparency builds connection.

Engage with posts in your industry, comment thoughtfully, and reconnect with past colleagues and mentors. LinkedIn is not just a resume—it’s a networking engine. The more active and authentic you are, the more visible you become to recruiters and hiring managers.

Final Thoughts

Getting laid off may not have been your choice, but how you move forward is entirely up to you. By taking the time to update your materials, upgrade your digital presence, and unleash your personal brand, you’re not just recovering—you’re rising.

You’ve got the tools. Now’s the time to use them.

When we talk about career growth, it’s easy to focus on the usual suspects: technical skills, certifications, and years of experience. But in today’s competitive and fast-evolving workforce, the skills that really move the needle are the most overlooked skills.

Whether you’re climbing the ladder, navigating a transition, or trying to stand out in a sea of resumes, mastering these underrated skills can quietly but powerfully set you apart.

Let’s dive into five often-overlooked skills that are actually essential to long-term career success:

1. Active Listening

We tend to equate good communication with talking—but in reality, listening is where real influence starts.

Active listening means giving your full attention, asking thoughtful follow-up questions, and showing that you genuinely understand what’s being said. In meetings, job interviews, and even day-to-day conversations, it builds trust and strengthens relationships. It also helps you catch details others might miss—giving you an edge.

Pro Tip: Try the “pause, paraphrase, and respond” method to ensure you’re fully tuned in.

2. Adaptability

In a world where industries are constantly evolving due to technology, economic shifts, and market demands, adaptability is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a must.

Those who can pivot quickly, embrace new tools, and stay calm under pressure are the ones who continue to thrive. Being adaptable shows employers that you’re solution-oriented and resilient, even when things don’t go according to plan.

Career Insight: Adaptability is a top trait employers look for in leadership roles and remote positions.

3. Self-Management

Time management is important—but self-management goes deeper. It’s about being accountable, staying motivated, and regulating your emotions, especially in high-stress situations.

With more workplaces moving toward hybrid or fully remote models, the ability to manage your own workload, deadlines, and energy levels has never been more important.

Quick Win: Block off time for focused work, and set mini-deadlines to keep yourself on track.

4. Asking for Help

Yes, this is a skill—and one that many professionals struggle with.

We often believe that asking for help signals weakness. But in reality, it shows emotional intelligence, collaboration, and a growth mindset. Knowing when (and how) to reach out to others can help you avoid mistakes, build stronger networks, and develop faster.

Action Step: Start by identifying a mentor or trusted colleague you can check in with regularly.

5. Career Storytelling

You could have all the skills in the world, but if you can’t articulate your value, you might get overlooked.

Career storytelling is about being able to explain your journey—your “why,” your wins, your growth—in a way that connects with employers, clients, or collaborators. It shows self-awareness and confidence, two qualities that inspire trust and leadership potential.

Conclusion: The Soft Skills Are the Power Skills

These five skills may not always show up on a job posting, but they often determine who gets hired, promoted, or remembered. If you’re looking to elevate your career in 2025 and beyond, take some time to strengthen these often-overlooked abilities.

Because in the end, it’s not just what you know that sets you apart—it’s how you show up.

In light of recent budget constraints and federal workforce restructuring, many government employees are facing the possibility of federal layoffs. For some, Reduction in Force (RIF) notices have already been issued, while others are left navigating the uncertainty of what might come next.

This article offers an overview of the federal layoff process and actionable steps employees can take to move forward with clarity and confidence.

Understanding the Federal Layoff Landscape

Federal layoffs—officially referred to as Reductions in Force (RIFs)—are governed by strict guidelines from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). These guidelines take into account factors such as tenure, veterans’ preference, performance ratings, and job classification to determine who may be affected.

Recent shifts contributing to these workforce reductions include:

• Agency budget cuts

• Reprioritization of programs

• Organizational restructuring

• The expiration of temporary funding related to public health emergencies

While not every agency is impacted, the ripple effects are being felt across multiple departments.

What to Expect in a Federal RIF

If you are notified of a RIF or anticipate one, it’s important to understand the process and your rights:

1. Official Notice:
You’ll typically receive at least 60 days’ written notice before separation. This notice outlines your last day, severance eligibility, and any applicable appeal rights.

2. Bump and Retreat Rights:
Depending on your length of service, classification, and performance, you may be eligible for reassignment to another position within your agency.

3. Career Transition Programs:
Programs like the Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) provide displaced federal employees with priority consideration for hiring in other agencies.

4. HR Guidance:
Your Human Resources office will be your main point of contact for understanding your options and navigating the procedural requirements.

How to Prepare and Move Forward

While layoffs can be challenging, they can also create space for new career opportunities. Here are steps you can take right now:

Update Your Federal Resume:
Ensure your USAJOBS profile and federal resume are current, detailed, and tailored to your expertise. The federal format is more comprehensive than a standard resume, so be thorough.

Activate Your Network:
Reach out to trusted colleagues, mentors, and contacts both within and outside the federal space. Networking remains one of the most effective strategies in a job search.

Seek Career Support:
This is an ideal time to work with a career coach or resume writer who understands federal hiring systems. WORxK Solutions, LLC offers specialized support for federal jobseekers, including interview prep, career branding, and mindset coaching.

Explore Cross-Sector Opportunities:
While your experience may have been in government, your skills are highly transferable. Consider roles in nonprofit organizations, consulting, higher education, or private industry.

Final Thoughts

A federal layoff can feel unsettling, but it does not define your career trajectory. With the right support, preparation, and mindset, you can transition into new roles that are equally, if not more, aligned with your goals and values.

Being laid off isn’t the end—it’s a redirection. Use this moment as an opportunity to reflect, reset, and explore the next chapter of your professional journey.

Need help navigating your federal job transition? Visit WORxKSolutions.com to learn more about our coaching services, federal resume writing, and personalized career strategies.