Getting Rehired by the Feds after Retiring

Q. I retired in 2006 but, at age 60, am considering a return to work. What impediments would I face in seeking a return to the federal workforce in a different agency from the one I retired from?

A. Let me recommend you take a look at jobs that are coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Many agencies that have received funding from the ARRA and are working on projects love to bring back retired federal workers to take

on positions. Do a search under ARRA on USAJobs.gov or look at agencies that have received ARRA dollars and target them. Other agencies also like to use former civil servants, sometimes in temporary or NTE (Not to Exceed) positions or as PSCs (Personnel Service Contractors). Take a look at all of these things.

I really do not see any impediments to you going back in. I think you just have to find the right opportunity that matches your skills, experience, education/training and qualifications (SEEQ), then put together the right package and begin a targeted application strategy as well as a networking strategy. Tap into who you know. Also make sure you develop a good package (federal résumé, KSA essays if necessary, etc.). I do find that one weakness that many federal workers have is that they do not know how to sell themselves very well. This is especially the case if they have been in one agency for a long time and have been promoted through the ranks without having to interview for new positions. This happens often, and it causes people to forget how to sell themselves for new positions.

If you have some skills and qualifications that are easily transferable, you should not have too many problems if you want to go to another agency.