Support for Workers Transitioning from Federal Employment to New Opportunities: FAQs - Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning

1. I need help searching for a new job outside of the federal government. Where do I begin?

Federal employees can participate in a specialized workshop created by our Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC) to support workers transitioning from federal employment to new opportunities. The POAC is a specialty resource center for jobseekers who are in the professional, executive, technical, managerial or scientific occupations.

This expert-led workshop is designed to equip federal workers with the knowledge, strategies, and confidence to transition into the private sector seamlessly. E-mail FedWorker.Transition@maryland.gov to sign up for this 3-hour, virtual session.

Beyond this specialized offering, there are an array of resources available for support. Maryland’s 33 American Job Centers (AJCs) offer career coaching, job search assistance, mock interviews, information on unemployment benefits, and more. For additional information on locations, contact information, and the menu of services available, see Maryland’s AJCs webpage.

2. I am interested in exploring jobs with the State of Maryland. How do I get started?

The State of Maryland job site is a good place to start to search for state jobs. Career coaching, job search assistance, and more are also available through Maryland’s 33 American Job Centers. If you are interested in tailored support, you can contact the Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC). The Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC) is an additional resource for jobseekers who are in professional, executive, technical, managerial, or scientific occupations.

3. What tools or online resources does the state offer to aid in my job search?

When you register with the Maryland Workforce Exchange Virtual OneStop (MWE-VOS), you will gain access to tools and features that will allow you to:

search for active openings across the state,
gain expert feedback on your résumé from ResumeAI,
master your interviewing skills with BigInterview,
gather key labor market information related to your job search,
access a list of upcoming job fairs, and more.

4. I know companies use technology to screen candidates and want to put my best foot forward when submitting my resume. Are you able to help?

The MWE-VOS is a powerful online resource that is offered to jobseekers for free. MWE-VOS has many helpful tools, including one that can support résumé development, ResumeAI. ResumeAI provides detailed feedback on jobseekers' résumés to help them navigate applicant tracking systems effectively and capture the attention of hiring managers. By analyzing readability, credibility, and formatting, this tool highlights actionable improvements to help jobseekers craft polished and effective résumés.

Beyond the ResumeAI tool, a team of American Job Centers professionals is here to help. For details, visit our AJC website.

5. I have a job interview coming up and worry that I am rusty on the best practices. Do you offer any support in this area?

Our American Job Centers can help you to refine your interview approach and build confidence by offering tips and practice support. The Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC) is an additional resource for jobseekers who are in professional, executive, technical, managerial, or scientific occupations.

We also offer a free, online interview preparation tool on the Virtual OneStop, called Big Interview. Big Interview provides jobseekers with a comprehensive, interactive platform designed to simulate real-world interview experiences. It offers mock interviews, practice questions tailored to specific industries and roles, an answer builder, and AI-driven feedback to help jobseekers refine their responses. Big Interview builds confidence, sharpens communication skills, and empowers jobseekers to excel in any interview scenario.

6. I am interested in searching for remote work. Is there a website to help me in my search?

When searching on any job board, include terms like "remote," "work from home," "telecommute" in your search query. You can use this strategy while searching for jobs on any website such as MWE-VOS, LinkedIn, or Indeed.

7. What job search services can I access and are they available virtually or in-person?

Our American Job Centers (AJCs) are conveniently located around the state, and most are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. (Check the hours of the AJC closest to you.) You can walk in during those hours to request job search assistance or you can make an appointment with a career coach. The AJCs provide free access to computers, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, telephones, and a variety of job search resource materials.

AJCs offer workshops on résumé writing and interviewing techniques that prepare job seekers to effectively market themselves to prospective employers. Most AJCs also offer customized, one-on-one assistance with résumé writing and interviewing skills, and can connect job seekers interested in a career change with skills training.

The Professional Outplacement Assistance Center (POAC) is an additional resource for jobseekers who are in professional, executive, technical, managerial, or scientific occupations.

8. How can I access job listings that match my skills?

The Maryland Workforce Exchange Virtual OneStop (MWE-VOS) platform allows you to search through active job listings that match your skills and career interests. We also offer “agilities workshops” that provide specialized support to help you match your skills with the right job.

9. Can I access any financial support while I search for new employment opportunities?

There is an unemployment insurance (UI) program specifically for former federal civilian employees who are unemployed due to no fault of their own. It is called Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE). To explore eligibility requirements and other key information, visit: Maryland Unemployment Insurance Information for Federal Employees: FAQs . Individuals employed by federal contracting companies who have lost work can apply for unemployment insurance through the regular program. You may be eligible for additional benefits and services, such as supplemental food assistance and energy assistance.

10. I filed for unemployment insurance and now I have been invited to a Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) workshop. What is that about and do I need to attend?

You may be asked to attend either a RESEA workshop if you have filed for UI benefits. These workshops are offered by the American Job Center reemployment experts and are designed to prepare jobseekers for a successful return to employment. Attendance is a requirement for UI benefit receipt.

Reemployment workshops cover topics such as:

Orientation to American Job Center services
Labor Market Information
How to cope with job loss
Résumés: Importance of Keywords, applicant tracking systems, cover letters
Interviewing strategies
Social Media: LinkedIn strategies
How to network effectively

11. What jobseeker resources are available to individuals with disabilities?

Jobseekers with disabilities enjoy the same opportunities for meaningful participation in the services provided by Maryland's American Job Centers (AJCs). To help, AJC staff can support with:

Reasonable Accommodations: Materials in alternative formats, individual meetings rather than group orientations, and assistance with form completion.
Assistive Technology: Screen readers, magnification software, word prediction software, text to speech, scanners, TTY, Braille translators, large monitors, headsets, etc.

12. Are there any training programs available to improve my employability?

You may be eligible for opportunities to learn new skills via occupational training. To learn more, contact your local American Job Center.