New York is fast-tracking efforts to recruit federal workers dismissed under recent cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), with more than 1,300 applications received in just three weeks, state officials said.
As of March 27, 28 former federal employees had been hired into state roles, more than 100 had been interviewed, and hundreds more were engaging with career support resources, according to updates from Governor Kathy Hochul’s office. The hiring push is part of the “You’re Hired” campaign, which launched earlier this month with billboards at major transit hubs in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
The effort is a direct response to federal layoffs enacted by the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency, a move critics say has targeted experienced public servants.
State sees surge in interest
Hochul said the campaign is intended to send a message that New York welcomes skilled civil servants who have been displaced.
“New York values public servants — and that’s why we’ll continue to ensure that talented, experienced federal workers know about our state workforce opportunities,” Hochul said.
The campaign has also driven record traffic to New York’s employment portal. Since its launch, the site has seen over 4 million page views and 1.2 million unique users, including 1 million first-time visitors, the governor’s office said.
Support services offered
The New York State Department of Labor is offering free weekly career development webinars and one-on-one support for affected workers. More than 250 individuals have signed up for these services, which include resume assistance, interview preparation, and virtual career counseling.
“Here in New York, we value civil servants,” said Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “We are proud to offer free services … to all New Yorkers, including former federal workers with a continued interest in public service.”
The Department of Civil Service is also contributing to the campaign by promoting existing programs such as NY HELPS, which offers expedited hiring for essential roles, and initiatives to employ veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Broad range of openings
The state currently has more than 7,000 vacancies across fields such as transportation, health care, law, and information technology. Roles for attorneys, engineers, nurses, and IT specialists are in particularly high demand, officials said.
For some applicants, unemployment benefits may also be available. The Department of Labor has received nearly 1,000 claims from federal workers since late January.
Civil Service Commissioner Timothy Hogues said the state will continue welcoming displaced federal workers.
“These numbers prove that there is a wealth of talent interested in becoming servant-leaders for the New York State team,” Hogues said.
Legislators voice support
State legislators also praised the campaign, framing it as a moral response to unjust terminations.
“When injustice tries to erase dedication, New York responds with opportunity,” said State Senator Robert Jackson. “We do not discard those who served — we uplift them.”
Assemblymember Stacey Pheffer Amato called the initiative “an amazing opportunity” for those who want to continue their careers in public service.
“A career in public service is an amazing opportunity,” she said, “and through this type of leadership we are filling our vacancies and keeping New York strong.”
