Updated Hiring Guidance for end of Federal Shutdown

Updated Hiring Guidance for end of Federal Shutdown

Editor’s note: This page will be updated with new information and guidance as it is available. For all shutdown news and a complete list of resources, click here. 

Nov. 13, 2025

With the end of the Federal Shutdown, the hiring pause that went into effect Oct. 20, will be lifted. However, considering the instability of funding at the federal level, we should continue to manage hiring decisions responsibly and use financial resources wisely. Institute leaders expect hiring managers to utilize strategic hiring review processes at the unit and department level. 

The ServiceNow hiring pause exception approval process is no longer required. All cost-saving measures will be suspended, and we will resume normal operations on Monday, Nov. 17. 

Requests that were submitted through the exception process which are still pending must be addressed thoughtfully. No new entries should be submitted. The following guidance is intended to assist hiring managers and unit leaders as we resume hiring. 

Note: For all decisions, consult with unit leadership before proceeding.

Job Offer Status Recommended Action
Denied in ServiceNow  Consider whether the reason for denial was solely related to the shutdown or for other reasons, like regular funding availability or correct job title. Proceed to job offer once department leadership and hiring manager are in alignment with business needs. 
Pending in ServiceNow  Pending requests will be voided when the exception process closes in ServiceNow. Proceed using standard department approvals and hiring processes. 
Pending in Department 
(Not submitted in ServiceNow) 		 Do not submit a new exception request for job offers that were held at the unit level. Once approved at the department/unit level, continue with the standard recruiting process (e.g., submit through Careers or PageUp.) 
Active Job Postings 
(Not yet at offer stage) 		 Critically reflect and review the most appropriate method of filling the vacancy. Consider alternatives like redistributing duties, temporary or limited term backfill, or contracted services. If hiring a full-time position is in the best interest of the department/school, proceed with standard local level hiring procedures. 

Georgia Tech Will Pause Hiring, Take Other Cost-Saving Measures as Federal Shutdown Continues  

Oct. 20. 2025

As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, Institute leadership will begin the following mitigation strategies, effective Monday, Oct. 20. These cost-saving measures apply across the entirety of Georgia Tech, regardless of funding source and balance the need for responsible financial stewardship and essential staffing with Georgia Tech’s people-first approach. 

The following activities will be significantly limited until further notice:

  • Major contracts, purchases, and other significant non-personnel expenditures.
  • Non-essential travel.
  • New job offers.
  • Consulting services.

The current hiring pause applies to job offers for all Georgia Tech staff and faculty positions on or after Oct. 20, unless explicitly exempted. New internal or external job offers that are critical may be considered via the exception process linked below, based on operational, compliance, or safety needs.   

“In times of uncertainty, our responsibility is to act with both fiscal prudence and human care,” said Skye Duckett, Tech’s chief human resources officer. “These measures are designed to safeguard Georgia Tech’s long-term stability while remaining attentive to the needs of our community.” 

The following positions are exempt from the hiring pause and may continue to the job offer stage without additional approval steps:  

  • Instructional faculty,  
  • Instructional associates,  
  • Student employees,  
  • Police and public safety officers, and  
  • Georgia Tech Police Department (GTPD) emergency communication and dispatch personnel. 

Other roles may be considered for exception to the hiring pause through the below exception request process in Service Now. 

Approval of a hire must occur before a verbal offer is discussed or a written offer is issued by any Georgia Tech entity to an internal or external candidate. Additionally, it is strongly recommended that department leaders review and consider the necessity of posting new jobs, conducting interviews, and engaging in restructuring plans that may result in new or additional payroll costs.  

Click below to view additional resources.