Derrick Dortch:Good Morning, Good Morning! We had some technical difficulties for last show but we are back again. There are many questions so I am not going to do a long intro I am just going to get right into answering.
Well without any further delay let me get to answering your questions. If you have any questions related to the federal job search, writing federal resumes and KSAs, getting a security clearance, military transition and anything related to succeeding in your career, work, and life please send your questions in. I will respond to as many people as possible. Also if anyone has any comments, advice or a good tip they want to share please do not hesitate to do so.
Thank you so very much for stopping by the show. You are truly appreciated. ENJOY!!!
– August 04, 2010 11:00 AM
Q.Re-starting my government career: I am currently in my early 60’s and worked for the Federal Government in the 1970’s and 80’s. I’d like to rejoin the Federal work force. I have years of varied experience in the private sector but don’t know how to package it: private companies want a one-page resume, Federal jobs seem to want a detailed description of your work history. Question 1: Are there Federal jobs for older workers, does the Fed hire people my age? Question 2: How do I describe my experience for Federal job applications?
– August 04, 2010 10:41 AM Permalink
A.Derrick Dortch :Hello Restarting your government career. Let me answer the question about age first. The government is not suppose to discriminate based on age. There are many government workers who are in their 60’s and above who are having wonderful careers. The only positions that are age based are position that have certain demands such a Special Agent or other similar operational type positions. These positions usually require a person to have applied and be accepted to the position before the age of 37. I never understood why the number is 37 but that is the cutoff for these type of operational positions. Even with these you can get waivers at times.
Beyond that there are no age limitations so please continue to press forward with your job search. Do understand that you need to market yourself and present yourself just as strong as someone younger but your age should not keep you from applying to positions and winning interviews.
Now as it relates to packaging and selling yourself you have to be very strong in this. The One Page resume even in the private sector is more of a myth concept than reality. Resume lengths really vary by person, by recruiter, and by so many other factors. What I usually advise is that you have to develop the resume that is going to sell you the most and show that you are the best candidate.
Federal Resume are usually 3 to 5 and sometimes more pages. When I have worked with clients I usually like to develop resumes around positions being applied for. This is what I call a Targeted Approach. You determine what positions and agencies you want to target and then you analyze your SEEQ (Skills, Experience, Education & Training, and Qualifications) and then determine which match what you are targeting. From there you develop your resume around that. The key for you is to make sure you tell success stories in your Federal Resume. It can not be just job descriptive. It has to show why you are a good fit. You also have to tell success stories if you have to write any KSA or essay style responses.
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