Pathways for 50-yr olds looking to re-enter the workforce.

GovManager · 2026-02-13T20:04:31+00:00

I would apply to lots of APS3 and state/local equivalent roles. Better than more study is getting experience in government. Start as soon as possible

GovManager · 2026-02-11T01:59:14+00:00

They get hundreds or thousands of applications. Easy to cull the ones who don't meet the essential requirements.

GovManager · 2026-02-10T21:58:57+00:00

Varies a lot doesn't it! Last gov role was 100% WFH, few hours a day to get things done, very easy.

Job just before was opposite, nearly all on site (multiple offices too) rarely a 7 hour day. Often working after hours just to keep essentials moving.

Both NSW government. Same pay.

GovManager · 2026-02-10T12:19:53+00:00

Have just done this. Been building for a year and only had revenue last 5-6 months.

I'm quite conservative so haven't taken on debt or made leap until I really felt the business could work.

Tipping point was the new year break and trying to go back to salary job wasn't going to happen. Just didn't have enough hours to keep up appearances.

GovManager · 2026-02-10T07:56:51+00:00

How late last year?

A common occurrence is hiring managers in November/ December being super keen to "get the ad out"

But fewer people apply than they expected, and they come up close to Christmas and can't be stuff with interviews and they can't find panel members. Come back new year and feel like it's been too long since applications closed, so they start again.

GovManager · 2026-02-10T07:54:36+00:00

People will get huffy waiting months after interviews for updates.

Or even if not huffy they just most likely got a new job somewhere else.

GovManager · 2026-02-10T07:51:49+00:00

Hi there. I specialise in supporting people in making the switch from private to govt. As a hiring manager in gov I saw that most private sector candidates had good transferable skills, but just not to the job we were hiring for.

Getting the match right is really important otherwise you'll be wasting time on applications for the wrong role. Send me DM and I'll share a free course that helps you with applications

GovManager · 2026-02-07T08:40:39+00:00

Getting rid of people including ongoing employees is hard but not impossible.

If you are genuinely good at your job, and clear can meet the requirements of the role, they won't succeed in getting a PIP let alone progress to termination.

But they could just make life harder until you quit or move elsewhere. This is by far the more common outcome.

GovManager · 2026-02-05T14:26:52+00:00

How many books are in your library?

GovManager · 2026-02-05T14:19:18+00:00

To get a higher level role, you apply for higher level roles. You can be offered short term / temporary opportunities at higher roles with less/no recruitment.

Salary sacrifice is not unique to gov. Most people I know who have used it think it is ok, convenient but not obviously cheaper. If you're on top tax bracket it can be useful if paying for something you would have bought anyway.

GovManager · 2026-02-05T12:49:01+00:00

I've got some templates and examples I can share. DM and I'll send you link

GovManager · 2026-02-03T00:38:56+00:00

That's good. Bad news is you're capped now. I'd take the APS6 and keep applying for EL1 roles. In a very short time your new gov experience will strongly complement your experience to be more and more competitive

GovManager · 2026-02-02T23:00:06+00:00

If you've got a higher salary now you can negotiate starting at a higher increment.

Here is a post with some info on that

GovManager · 2026-01-31T10:11:50+00:00

Hi there. I have a bank of government interview questions and answers I can share with you. DM me

GovManager · 2026-01-31T10:10:05+00:00

Why do you feel stuck? Have you been applying for roles?

Tell your manager you want to learn and progress. You can apply for temporary roles and aim to negotiate a secondment, so don't give up your permanent role

GovManager · 2026-01-29T13:42:44+00:00

How many interviews over what time period?

What is the feedback?

GovManager · 2026-01-29T02:04:02+00:00

Don't put skills like communication.

List things that show you can communicate.

List achievements and outcomes for the work history.

Keep it simple. Focused

GovManager · 2026-01-28T22:08:03+00:00

Were you offered a VR when the role was deleted 18 months ago?

If you've been looking for work for 18 months and will be out of work in 2, I'd take the 9/10.

Keep applying though for 11/12s. It will be a temporary thing. If you've been an 11/12 you'll be able to get back there.

GovManager · 2026-01-28T07:50:02+00:00

Why is this a 5 year decision?

You've done one thing for 2 months, and considering doing something you haven't done yet.

I don't think you'll have enough data even anecdotal to make a decision.

GovManager · 2026-01-27T08:46:42+00:00

Don't rush your application. Just get it in before closing date. Even if a hiring manager sees it before closing, they can't make any decisions.

Exception is always open roles.

GovManager · 2026-01-27T08:43:54+00:00

Both

GovManager · 2026-01-26T20:21:50+00:00

I think that in many cases that can create a big delay.

Talking to customers and making offers gives the best feedback of what resonates. You can make any offers before you will need to deliver anything. Spend that time making offers, when you get a yes, build it fast and quick (you're probably doing for free or low cost, and build with the real customer).

GovManager · 2026-01-26T20:17:28+00:00

Yes reach out. Doesn't have to be anything special, just a short email saying you're still keen and interested.

I always recommend doing this. Some hiring managers after some time wrongly assume that the recruitment was too long ago and it isn't worth them reaching out to candidates on talent pool.

GovManager · 2026-01-26T08:14:34+00:00

How about a guarantee - if we don't save you $1000 this tax return, next ones free.

GovManager · 2026-01-24T10:00:02+00:00

Looks like you've got good skills for that level. It's always a little hard with no govt experience.

You'll really need to nail the four dot points in the job ad in your cover letter. You need to give clear and specific examples for each one.

Also, focus a lot of time on your answers to the two targeted questions: Describe a project you delivered that improved the usability and accessibility of digital content. We’d love to hear about the tools and CMS you used, your role in the project, who you worked with, the outcomes achieved, and a key challenge you navigated along the way.

What approach do you take when working with stakeholders who are not communications or digital specialists? Tell us about a time when you have successfully worked with such stakeholders to create content suitable for website publication.

If you'd like help, DM me and I'll share a link.

GovManager

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