How easy it is to negotiate on things like vacation? I'm in this boat now...

Yes, I have been happy to hire older workers and work with older colleagues. Definitely apply.

A few things to expect: your boss may be younger than you, you likely will take a hit to pay and vacation, and you may be treated as a junior/newbie despite your years. The people I've seen have problems, had problems with the above. It can be difficult and humbling to be new.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am a federal hiring manager in my late 40s, I prefer hiring people in their 50s to people in their 20s and regularly choose the older candidate when it's a close call. Best of luck.

So you discriminate based on age. Nice.

In the federal government you can't discriminate against people for being 40 or older, and I'm not doing that. People in their 50s are usually easier to manage and better colleagues, there are exceptions but I'd rather have someone with 30 years of professional experience.

Anonymous wrote:I am a federal hiring manager in my late 40s, I prefer hiring people in their 50s to people in their 20s and regularly choose the older candidate when it's a close call. Best of luck.

So you discriminate based on age. Nice.

Do you have a disability or are you or your spouse former military?

Definitely go for it. I’m 55, started with county government job at 52. Wish I had done it so much sooner.

I am a federal hiring manager in my late 40s, I prefer hiring people in their 50s to people in their 20s and regularly choose the older candidate when it's a close call. Best of luck.

Yes. And I’ve recently heard presentations from FAA and FEMA that were aimed at an audience of job seekers 50+

I was hired last year at age 50, first fed job. My colleague who was hired at the same time is 57.

OP here. Thank you all for this great advice. It's encouraging at a time when one can start to feel invisible!

Absolutely. Govt doesn’t care about your age.

Yes, see it all the time at my agency, and not just lawyers. They actually value experience.

If you search the threads here, you’ll see positive replies to this answer. One person who said they are a hiring manager said they liked hiring people with more experience like this for certain roles.

A friend in his 50s just received a job offer. So that is proof at least some people are getting hired.

Look for sample federal resumes so you can have the best chance of getting “referred.” The SEC offers a free sample (can google) and the USAJobs Reddit forum has a lot of info on the process and how to structure your federal resume.

I have seen new hires come into my agency at that age, as lawyers nearing retirement that want an easier pace.

Without getting in to the sector or agencies desired, has anyone newly started a government job in your 50's?

I am 54 and am interested in pursuing this avenue but want to know if this is futile at my age.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.