GETTING THROUGH THE FEDERAL HIRING FREEZE: WHAT ASPIRING APPLICANTS NEED TO KNOW
On January 20, 2025, the President released a Presidential Action initiating a federal civilian hiring freeze. This mandate has significant implications for individuals looking for federal employment. If you are looking for a federal government job, you should understand how the hiring freeze impacts your job search.
Following the Presidential Action, the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued further guidance about the hiring freeze to Executive Departments.
As an aspiring candidate seeking opportunities in public service, understanding the current state of the federal hiring process is critical.
How Does the Hiring Freeze Impact You Seeking Federal Jobs?
The hiring freeze stops hiring for open roles and creating new federal jobs, except in some cases. For instance, if you received an official offer before January 20, and the start date is on or before February 8, you can onboard. Conversely, job offers with later or undetermined start dates are withdrawn, however, unless specifically reinstated by agency leadership with OPM approval.
Jobs posted on USAJOBS.gov or other government job sites will also be taken down unless they are exempt. This makes it tougher to find job openings in the federal government, given that many positions will not be advertised during this hiring freeze.
Who Is Not Affected by the Hiring Freeze?
The halt to federal hiring effects the majority of government civilian positions, but there are some significant exceptions that create chances for some job seekers:
1. Required Exemptions (giving Veterans top priority)
* Military personnel in the armed forces and federal uniformed personnel.
* Positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety.
* Appointments to positions requiring Presidential nomination or Senate confirmation.
* Temporary hires for seasonal workloads.
* Positions under the Pathways Internship and Presidential Management Fellows programs (appointments made before January 20, 2025).
2. Permitted Exemptions
* Job placements according to rules like the Veterans' Recruitment Act (VRA).
* Changing current agency workers to competitive service positions.
* Details or assignments within or between agencies.
* Important jobs for national security or public safety, accepted by agency leaders and OPM.
3. Other Exemptions Made by OPM
* Jobs that are necessary for providing important services such as Social Security, Medicare, and benefits for veterans.
* Cases where the agency shows that there is an urgent need and that it are unable to find any means within the agency to meet this need.
How Should You Adjust in Your Federal Career Search?
Although the hiring ban could feel overwhelming, there are strategies to keep proactive in your government job hunt:
* Concentrate on Exempt Positions: Check the exemptions closely and aim for jobs that fit these groups. These possibilities should be investigated by veterans, Pathways program participants, present government employees looking for reassignments or conversions.
* Stay Connected: Check USAJOBS.gov on a regular basis for updates, since exempt positions may still be posted. Also network with federal employees or agency contacts who can provide insights into available roles.
* Be patient and flexible: Agencies are working through the freeze, so it may take some time to reinstate or clear exemptions for important jobs.
* Look at private-sector jobs supporting government agencies or those in non-affected companies like the U.S. Postal Service.
What Should You Expect in the Future?
The hiring freeze is temporary and will remain in effect until OMB develops a plan to streamline the federal hiring process. Job seekers like yourself should regularly check announcements from the OMB and OPM for updates on when the freeze will lift or if additional exemptions are introduced.
In the meantime, focus on building your skills, expanding your network, and tailoring your applications to align with exempted positions. The federal hiring landscape is challenging but not impossible to navigate. With persistence and strategy, you can still pursue your career in public service.
Editorial Note: All the information in this blog is published in good faith and for general information purposes only. The text of this blog was supported by ChatGPT (2025-01-31). OpenAI does not make any warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. Any action you take upon the information you find in this blog, is strictly at your own risk. FCC Inc. will not be liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of this blog.
