--- title: ✂️ Trim the fat description: Elon Musk's new Department of Government Efficiency aims to revolutionize federal operations, potentially affecting millions of jobs, while HR tech spending rises and key industry hiring trends emerge. image: https://weekly.talivity.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/V2-1.png --- [Skip to content](https://weekly.talivity.com/trim-the-fat#main-content) [![The Talivity Weekly - left justify@300x](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/talivity/logos/The%20Talivity%20Weekly%20-%20left%20justify@300x.png?width=250&height=52&name=The%20Talivity%20Weekly%20-%20left%20justify@300x.png "The Talivity Weekly - left justify@300x")](https://www.talivity.com/) - [Subscribe](https://resources.talivity.com/newsletters) # ✂️ Trim the fat by [Admin](https://weekly.talivity.com/author/admin) on November 21, 2024   - [Subscribe to This Newsletter](https://resources.talivity.com/newsletters) 👋 **Hi there!** Would you take a job with zero pay but a chance to revolutionize government efficiency? That's exactly what Elon Musk is offering as he builds his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team. Looking for the JD? [Here it is](https://x.com/DOGE/status/1857076831104434289): Musk looking for "super high-IQ small-government revolutionaries" willing to work 80+ hours per week on "unglamorous cost-cutting." Speaking of unglamorous, imagine reviewing the efficiency of 2.3 million federal jobs. That's the task ahead for Musk and his zero-compensation crew. In other words, it’s sounds like a performance review from hell… Questions? Comments? Know any high-IQ revolutionaries looking for an unpaid gig? (JK) Reply to this email—we'd love to hear from you! **— Team Talivity **✨   Today’s edition is a 3-minute read. Here’s what to expect👇 🗞️ Musk's federal makeover puts millions on edge 💰️ Cisco proves degree-free hiring works 🌎️ HR tech spending rises for 2025 💼 Rivian, SpaceX hiring for TA roles 💻 Layoffs at CNN, AMD 📆 Can't miss upcoming industry events Did someone forward you this email? [Sign up here](https://resources.talivity.com/newsletters) 📥️   **NEWS** ## **One Thing You Should Know This Week  WSJ: Musk's Government Efficiency Audit Puts 2.3M Federal Jobs At Risk** [![NL_image-3](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/NL_image-3.png?width=533&height=267&name=NL_image-3.png)](https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/2-3-million-jobs-the-federal-workforce-in-charts-6b490ad3?mod=jobs_news_article_pos1&utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat&_bhlid=7c65803bca91c95b9f1d16e4712d04ee6a7c7c48) The federal government's about to get an Elon-sized makeover. The Wall Street Journal reports that [2.3 million civilian federal employees are bracing for impact](https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/2-3-million-jobs-the-federal-workforce-in-charts-6b490ad3?mod=jobs_news_article_pos1&utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) as Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy gear up to lead the newly minted Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). **🖼️ The big picture.** Think all federal workers are just pushing papers in **Washington, D.C.**? Think again… While the federal government has steadily grown under both Democrat and Republican administrations, DOGE's arrival signals party time is over. But here's the thing: 80% of federal employees actually work outside the Nation's Capital — we're talking **Veterans Affairs** nurses in **Montana**, **National Park Service** rangers in **Yellowstone**, and everyone in between. Now, these public servants, who make up just 2% of America's workforce, might soon find themselves in the biggest government downsizing since… well, ever. That makes any cost-cutting about as politically delicate as a game of Jenga, and on top of an already unstable economy. Let's just say Musk and Ramaswamy might need more than their usual **Silicon Valley** playbook for this one… 🧮 By the numbers: - 2.3 million civilian federal employees - 70% work in military, defense or security-related agencies - 80% based outside Washington, D.C. - $6.8 trillion in federal spending for fiscal 2024 - $2 trillion targeted spending reduction - 4,425 employees in the smallest federal agency (Education) 💼** What this means for TAs.** It's time to dust off those change management playbooks… Government recruiters and HR teams are about to enter their own version of The Hunger Games (minus the actual hunger... we hope). While immediate hiring freezes are pretty much guaranteed, the real challenge will be helping thousands of career civil servants transition to new roles. So, private sector TAs, get ready — you might soon see an influx of experienced government workers entering the job market. 👔** What this means for job seekers.** Thinking about joining Uncle Sam's workforce? Maybe hold that thought. While essential roles (looking at you, air traffic controllers) aren't going anywhere, those cushy administrative positions might be first on the chopping block. But here's the silver lining: if you're tech-savvy or have a knack for making things more efficient, DOGE might actually need you. Turns out "government efficiency expert" could be the hottest job title of 2025 — just don't expect Musk to pay you for it… 🔮** Looking ahead.** The federal workforce shake-up isn't going to happen overnight (much to Musk's dismay, we're sure). When DOGE kicks off in 2025, expect a step-by-step approach — first targeting the low-hanging fruit like administrative overlap and non-essential services. While some traditional roles might disappear, don't be surprised if new positions pop up as the government finally enters the digital age. Oh, and here's an interesting twist: state and local governments are watching closely. If Musk's efficiency drive works, your local DMV might be next… **📥️ Read more in [The Wall Street Journal](https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/2-3-million-jobs-the-federal-workforce-in-charts-6b490ad3?mod=jobs_news_article_pos1&utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat).**   **NUMBERS** ## **Numbers That’ll Make You Think** - 41% — Of organizations plan to increase HR tech spending in 2025. The robots aren't replacing us... they're just getting fancier expense accounts. ([SHRM](https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/technology/hr-tech-spending-to-hold-steady-in-2025?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - **$58,656** — The annual salary threshold for overtime pay that was just blocked by a federal judge in **Texas**. It seems like overtime rules need overtime to get approved… ([HR Brew](https://www.hr-brew.com/stories/2024/11/18/FLSA-overtime-rule-blocked?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - **28%** — The drop in HR hiring since 2018, according to **LinkedIn** data. Even the people who hire people aren't getting hired... ([Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/white-collar-recession-hiring-slump-jobs-tech-industry-applications-rejection-2024-11?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - **96%** — Retention rate for **Cisco's** non-degree hires after one year, proving that experience beats extra credit. ([Forbes](https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenamcgregor/2024/11/18/how-cisco-boosted-hiring-of-workers-without-college-degrees/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - **0.4%** — The estimated contribution of labor market tightness to current inflation, according to economists at the **San Francisco Federal Reserve**. The job market's still spicy, but more jalapeño than ghost pepper. ([Yahoo Finance](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/us-labor-market-still-boosting-180343870.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABZW1jvVxag4d4qiWWqk9srXqN4JKxumHR-2oB1jo5_NeyCWR-34p0lIktdQ97QoNrdCLXQgPahKoDQ2W-E76cI4eTzpIIo4RoVtnrY0YDgn4SVHMbrqornARbCUnepkv0rviwP5YmuJDz_1vYveXVtU09-YIDFrcPgavU_8sk5Y&utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat))   TALENT ACQUISITION WEEK ## **Join Talivity at TA Week 2025 & Enjoy 15% Off Tickets** [![TALENT WEEK](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TAWEEK.jpg?width=498&height=259&name=TAWEEK.jpg)](https://talentacquisitionweek.com/?utm_source=talivity&utm_medium=w153-promo&utm_campaign=taw-partners) 🚀  Join **Talivity** at the ultimate experience for TA professionals! **TA Week 2025** combines three leading talent acquisition events in one week to deliver the most comprehensive conference experience, covering the latest on talent sourcing, recruiting and employer branding strategies. As a valued part of our community, we're giving you **15% off early bird pricing with code TALIVITY15** — but act fast! Early bird pricing ends on 11/22. **👉️ [Secure your free spot today.](https://talentacquisitionweek.com/?utm_source=talivity&utm_medium=w153-promo&utm_campaign=taw-partners)**   **INDUSTRY INTEL** ## **M&A Deals, Industry Moves, & Other Things To Know** - Accounting giant **EY** acquired **Jubilant**, a Michigan-based HR tech consultancy, adding 50+ professionals to its roster. They're counting on this deal to add up… ([CPA Practice Advisor](https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2024/11/12/ey-acquires-hr-tech-consulting-firm-jubilant/113071/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Job platform [**Recruiter.com**](https://recruiter.com/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) snagged recruitment marketplace **BountyJobs**, aiming to streamline agency selection and vendor management, and making this match made in hiring heaven.. ([Staffing Industry](https://www.staffingindustry.com/news/global-daily-news/recruitercom-acquires-recruitment-marketplace-bountyjobs?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Job search engine **Adzuna** announced its acquisition of social recruitment platform **Seiza**, which boasts an impressive reach of 4 billion passive candidates worldwide. 4 BILLION?! That's a lot of LinkedIn profiles to stalk… ([HR Tech Feed](https://hrtechfeed.com/adzuna-acquires-leading-social-recruitment-platform-seiza/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Banking giant **HSBC** is making hundreds of managers reapply for positions in its new corporate division. Musical chairs, but make it corporate… ([PYMNTS](https://www.pymnts.com/news/banking/2024/hsbc-makes-managers-vie-for-jobs-amid-ceo-streamlining/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - European banking leader **Santander** continues its **Credit Suisse** hiring spree, though some are questioning the cost of the talent grab. Banking on new talent... literally. ([Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-18/santander-chairman-ana-botin-s-costly-credit-suisse-hiring-spree-is-reshaping-it?embedded-checkout=true&utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Defense contractor **SOSi** welcomed **Lisa Wilkinson** as their new CHRO, bringing 25+ years of HR experience to the role. 25 years of HR experience is a lot of workplace birthday celebrations... ([WashingtonExec](https://washingtonexec.com/2024/11/lisa-wilkinson-joins-sosi-as-chief-hr-officer/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Healthcare leader **Humana** tapped **Michelle O'Hara** as CHRO, where she'll oversee talent strategy for 63,000+ employees starting January 2025. Doctor's orders: Time for new HR leadership. ([People Matters](https://www.peoplemattersglobal.com/news/appointments/health-insurer-humana-appoints-michelle-ohara-as-chro-43410?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat))   **OPEN ROLES** ## **Jobs You Might Want (For Yourself!)** - Cloud database company **MongoDB** is hiring an [Associate Early Talent Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1611142-associate-early-talent-recruiter?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) based in San Francisco, CA - Aerospace manufacturer **SpaceX** is hiring a [Senior Technical Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1611147-sr-technical-recruiter?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) based in Redmond, WA - Jewelry retailer **Tiffany & Co.** is hiring a [Retail Talent Acquisition Partner](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1611141-retail-talent-acquisition-partner?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) based in Los Angeles, CA - Semiconductor company **Micron Technology** is hiring a [Technical Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1611143-technical-recruiter?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) based in Boise, ID - Musical instrument manufacturer **Fender Musical Instruments Corporation** is hiring a [Recruiting Coordinator](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1611154-recruiting-coordinator?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) based in Los Angeles, CA - Electric vehicle manufacturer **Rivian** is hiring a [Senior Technical Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1611149-sr-technical-recruiter?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) based in Irvine, CA - Media company **Forbes** is hiring a [Corporate Talent Community Manager](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1611151-corporate-talent-community?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) based remote, with headquarters in Washington, DC - Recruiting firm **Jobot** is hiring a [Recruiter](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/job/1611155-recruiter?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat) based remote, with headquarters in Newport Beach, CA *For more of these roles delivered to your inbox every Monday, subscribe to the **Talivity Jobs**** newsletter by clicking* *[here](https://resources.talivity.com/talent-jobs)**. For a full list of open roles, head over to ourjob board by clicking [here](https://talentjobs.niceboard.co/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=wfh-vs-cold-hard-cash).*   **LAYOFFS** ## **Places For You To Source Fresh Talent** - Media giant **CNN** is preparing to cut hundreds of jobs following the 2024 election season, primarily impacting TV production roles. ([American Military News](https://americanmilitarynews.com/2024/11/cnn-cutting-hundreds-of-jobs-after-2024-election-report/?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Chip designer **AMD** announced plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 1,000 employees, representing about 4% of staff. ([Techopedia](https://www.techopedia.com/news/amd-layoffs-amid-mixed-earnings-and-intel-merger-speculation?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Education technology company **Chegg** is laying off 319 employees, or 21% of its workforce, citing increased competition from AI tools. ([WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-11-12-2024/card/online-education-company-chegg-to-lay-off-staff-as-ai-tools-weigh-on-revenue-targets-qYYbTOKMAe8OblSEyLUD?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Genetics company **23andMe** is cutting 40% of its staff and shutting down its drug development business, impacting more than 200 employees. ([WSJ](https://www.wsj.com/tech/biotech/23andme-to-cut-workforce-by-40-discontinues-therapeutics-pipeline-8c818729?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Healthcare startup **Forward** announced an immediate shutdown of operations, affecting nearly 200 employees. ([The Information](https://www.theinformation.com/articles/forward-startup-behind-doctor-in-box-healthcare-modules-to-shut-down?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) - Ad tech company **AppLovin** announced 120 layoffs, including multiple vice presidents and directors, despite recent stock market success. ([SF Gate](https://www.sfgate.com/tech/article/applovin-layoffs-stock-market-run-19920195.php?utm_source=recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=trim-the-fat)) --- ## 👋 **Thanks for reading!**     [Explore the Talivity Marketplace](https://www.talivity.com/marketplace)   Spread the word: [Share this blog post on Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://weekly.talivity.com/trim-the-fat) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://weekly.talivity.com/trim-the-fat) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://weekly.talivity.com/trim-the-fat) ## Keep reading [![](https://weekly.talivity.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/V2-1.png)](https://weekly.talivity.com/the-ai-effect) ### [🔍 The AI effect](https://weekly.talivity.com/the-ai-effect) by [Admin](https://weekly.talivity.com/author/admin) [![](https://weekly.talivity.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/V2-1.png)](https://weekly.talivity.com/follow-the-money) ### [💰 Follow the money](https://weekly.talivity.com/follow-the-money) by [Admin](https://weekly.talivity.com/author/admin) [![](https://weekly.talivity.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/V2-1.png)](https://weekly.talivity.com/2025-under-the-microscope) ### [🔍 2025 under the microscope](https://weekly.talivity.com/2025-under-the-microscope) by [Admin](https://weekly.talivity.com/author/admin) [![The Talivity Weekly - left justify@300x](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/talivity/logos/The%20Talivity%20Weekly%20-%20left%20justify@300x.png?width=300&height=63&name=The%20Talivity%20Weekly%20-%20left%20justify@300x.png "The Talivity Weekly - left justify@300x")](https://www.talivity.com/) All you need to know to stay ahead in talent acquisition. #### Home - [Posts](https://recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com/) - [Newsletter](https://recruitmentmarketing.beehiiv.com/publications) [![x](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RMC%20Landing%20Page%202024/x.png?width=44&height=44&name=x.png)](https://twitter.com/talivity)  [![ln](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RMC%20Landing%20Page%202024/ln.png?width=44&height=44&name=ln.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/talivitynetwork/)  [![fb](https://weekly.talivity.com/hs-fs/hubfs/RMC%20Landing%20Page%202024/fb.png?width=44&height=44&name=fb.png)](https://www.facebook.com/talivity)   --- © 2024 Talivity.com. - [Privacy](https://beehiiv.com/privacy) - [Terms of Use](https://beehiiv.com/tou) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Admin", "url" : "https://weekly.talivity.com/author/admin" }, "dateModified" : "2024-11-21T22:34:35.789Z", "datePublished" : "2024-11-21T22:34:35.000Z", "headline" : "✂️ Trim the fat", "image" : [ "https://weekly.talivity.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/V2-1.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://weekly.talivity.com/trim-the-fat", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://weekly.talivity.com/hubfs/Talivity%20Logo%20-%20GunMetal%20&%20Teal-1.png" }, "name" : "Talivity" } } ```