AFSA NEWS THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MAY-JUNE 2026 69 The Next Career Chapter On February 3 and 24, 2026, AFSA hosted a two-part career-search webinar featuring career coach Timothy Lo, founder of the firm Your Next Jump, and moderated by Brian Himmelsteib, AFSA counselor for retirees and alumni. In the first episode, “Writing a Résumé That Gets Interviews,” Lo offered practical advice on building effective résumés for Foreign Service professionals exploring career transition. He emphasized that résumés should function as marketing documents rather than simple records of job duties and encouraged participants to highlight results and measurable outcomes instead of listing responsibilities. The session also focused on translating government experience into language Reviewing Your Retirement Plan AFSA Treasurer John Naland recently hosted a webinar reminding Foreign Service retirees that managing a retirement plan is far from “one and done.” Drawing on his experience as a former director of the State Department’s Office of Retirement, Naland outlined key action items retirees should revisit periodically. Top priorities include keeping beneficiary designations current on FEGLI, TSP, and IRA accounts, since those forms, not your will, determine where the money goes, and updating wills and powers of attorney, especially after moving to a new state. He encouraged retirees to review their FEHB plan each open season, noting that some plans offer an annual rebate of up to $800 for Medicare Part B enrollees. On investments, Naland reminded attendees that a Foreign Service annuity already functions like a large bond, so holding a TSP that resonates with privatesector employers by highlighting transferable skills such as strategic communication, data analysis, and program management. Lo also discussed using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to identify key competencies from job postings and strengthen résumé content. In the second webinar, “How Strategic Networking Unlocks the Hidden Job Market,” Lo pointed out that while online job postings remain a useful starting point, many roles are ultimately filled through personal connections and referrals. Rather than applying broadly to positions posted online, he encouraged participants to focus on building relationships with professionals inside organizations of interest, particularly those with shared professional backgrounds or affiliations. Using LinkedIn as a primary tool, Lo demonstrated how job seekers can identify potential contacts by filtering for people who previously worked at the same agency, school, or organization and who now hold roles in sectors of interest. Outreach using concise, personalized messages requesting brief informational conversations can often lead to valuable insights and, in some cases, referrals to recruiters or hiring managers. In addition to networking advice, Lo briefly touched on interview preparation and negotiation strategies, highlighting three qualities employers consistently seek in candidates: character, competency, and chemistry. The webinar concluded with a short Q&A session, during which participants asked about networking follow-up, career transition into fields such as philanthropy, and whether returning to school is necessary for certain career paths. For members who were unable to attend, a recording of the webinar is available at https://afsa.org/afsa -videos. n entirely in bonds may be overly conservative against inflation over time. Practical tips included logging into Employee Express at least once a year to avoid losing access, briefing next of kin on survivor benefit procedures, and staying alert to increasingly sophisticated financial scams. Naland also warned that congressional budget pressures could threaten federal retiree health benefits and urged members to maintain their AFSA membership, now requiring direct payment, to support advocacy on Capitol Hill. A recording of the event, along with more than 100 retirement resources, is available on the AFSA website under Alumni & Retiree Services. For questions, contact AFSA Counselor Brian Himmelsteib at himmelsteib@afsa.org. n Outreach using concise, personalized messages requesting brief conversations can often lead to valuable insights and referrals to recruiters or hiring managers.
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