Federal job applications surge 75% among targeted workers

The job market is seeing a significant increase in applications from federal workers, particularly those at agencies affected by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). A report from the job listing site Indeed, released on Tuesday, reveals that job applications from these workers have surged by 75% since 2022. This rise is notable among federal agencies that DOGE targets, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the U.S. Agency for International Development. Indeed found that applications from these workers increased by 60 percentage points from January to February alone. According to Cory Stahle, an economist at Indeed, this trend is unprecedented after a presidential transition. Previous increases in job applications following presidential elections were not as dramatic. The current surge coincides with major job cuts initiated during Donald Trump's presidency, amid stagnant opportunities in white-collar sectors. Stahle described the current job-seeking environment as challenging, especially since many applicants are highly educated. Indeed's data shows that around 70% of the affected workers hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Many of these job seekers have long tenures, with an average of 11 years in their current roles. The Secretary of the Treasury indicated that laid-off workers would have opportunities in the private sector, but concerns about the broader economy persist. Economist Claudia Sahm warned that while federal workers represent less than 2% of the overall U.S. labor force, ongoing job cuts could hurt consumer spending. People may become hesitant to make large purchases, leading to uncertainty in the economy. Sahm suggested that even if DOGE does not directly cause a recession, its rapid actions could contribute to one.