Job applications from federal employees in agencies impacted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative have seen a notable increase this year, according to a report from job site Indeed released Tuesday morning.
This surge in applications comes amid ongoing changes and uncertainty following cuts within various government sectors.
The spike is most evident in federal agencies such as the US Agency for International Development (USAID), the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). In February, applications from employees in these agencies rose by more than 75% compared to 2022 levels, indicating a significant shift in the job market for federal workers.
While the exact number of federal employees who will ultimately lose their jobs is still uncertain, as some firings are tied up in court proceedings, it is clear that many are preemptively seeking new opportunities. This trend is particularly notable among highly educated individuals. Nearly 70% of the federal employees actively seeking jobs through Indeed in February held at least a bachelor’s degree, a much higher percentage than the general federal workforce, where around 31.5% have a higher education.
Indeed’s analysis also revealed that the searches for specialized roles common within federal employment—such as policy analysts, compliance officers, and contract specialists—have surged. Searches for positions like “horticulturalist” saw a massive increase, likely due to layoffs within USDA, while terms such as “employee relations” and “diversity, equity, and inclusion” also spiked, reflecting the changes in staffing across various departments.
The increase in job applications is occurring at a time when hiring in sectors that require advanced degrees has slowed. This mismatch creates a potential issue as highly educated workers from these federal agencies may find fewer opportunities that align with their experience and qualifications in the broader job market. Cory Stahle, an economist at Indeed, pointed out that this influx of educated workers is coming at a time when job postings for such positions have declined, leading to a “friction” in the labor market.
In addition to the challenges in matching skills with available positions, the timing of these cuts could add further difficulty for displaced federal employees. Many are seeking jobs during a period of economic uncertainty, where demand for knowledge-based roles has diminished, making it harder for these workers to secure positions that match their skill sets and education levels.
The significant rise in job applications among federal workers reflects the far-reaching impact of the DOGE initiative, which aims to trim government spending and reduce inefficiencies but has also led to widespread layoffs. This trend is expected to continue into 2025 as the full effects of the initiative unfold.
