Expert: William A. McKelligott - 2/13/2008

Question
I am a operations manager with 23 years of service for a local bank.  I have grown tired of working for a bank an I need change.  Is there hope for me?  I am 55 years old looking to work for the Government?  which area do I fit?

Answer
Ninette,

I am glad that you are considering employment with the government.  Bear in mind that my area of knowledge is the federal government, so if you are interested in working for an agency at the state or municipal level, you would have to seek advice from someone else.

The federal government hires a wide range of folks, from postal workers to astronauts.  In order to apply for one of these jobs you must read the job description carefully and answer the KSAs- the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required from applicants to match the best suited candidates for the job.  

You mention that you are a Operations Manager at a bank.  I would need to know more about your educational background and what additional skills you have developed in order to point you in the right direction.  In addition, knowing what you would be interested in would be a huge plus.  Remember, the government is just like any other industry-- it has amazing jobs and others that can be so boring that you would want to run away as far as possible before going back to the office.

If you give me more specific information, I would be glad to help further.  In the meantime, I would suggest looking at some sample jobs at at www.usajobs.opm.gov

Once you find a job that looks interesting, focus on the KSAs and how you would go about answering them.  If you go to this website (http://www.nps.gov/training/tel/Guides/KSA_Writing_pg_Jun_2006.pdf) you can download a guide developed for a training at the National Park Service which explains how to develop effective KSAs.  I am sure it will come in handy.

William