One obstacle is navigating the job application process, something an older worker might not have done for many years—leaving them out of practice with current job interviews and with limited experience in preparing resumes. Image: Koshiro K/Shutterstock.com

More people are extending their working careers, which in some cases involves the need to find new employment, but there are barriers to getting a new job later in in a career, the Government Accountability Office has said.

There are various reasons for wanting to work longer, it said in a post based on a recent report, “some based on necessity and others on choice. Longer life expectancy, higher educational degrees, and increases to the age for receiving full Social Security benefits may play a role.”

“We also interviewed some older workers who told us that they needed to save more for retirement before quitting work. Others said they kept working to maintain health insurance coverage. And some older workers simply wanted the social engagement within their communities,” it said.

It added: “When seeking new employment, older workers told us they preferred jobs that addressed their financial needs and gave them a sense of purpose and community connection. They also said they sought jobs that offered medical benefits, flexible work arrangements, and work that was less physically demanding.”

However, it said “despite the need for continued employment, many workers we spoke with noted obstacles to securing and keeping their dream jobs.”

One such obstacle is navigating the job application process, something an older worker might not have done for many years—leaving them out of practice with current job interviews and with limited experience in preparing resumes. Also, the processes have moved increasingly online, requiring sorting out legitimate job postings from fraudulent ones, and with a lack of the prior levels of personal interaction and feedback.

Another challenge, it said, is “identifying how to transfer existing skills to work in new fields.” Learning or updating digital skills might require intensive training or even new certifications, which cost time and money but still are not a guarantee of future employment.

The GAO also found a “presumption by employers that older workers do not understand how to use technology” and that “previous work experience may not be valued or considered by employers.” Applicants can face “insensitive questions or comments related to age during job interviews” as well as a “lack of explanation from employers when passed over for younger workers.”

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See also,

Calculating Service Credit for Sick Leave At Retirement

FERS Supplement vs The 10% Pension Bonus

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Where Should I Put My TSP in Retirement

What Retirement Date Maximizes My Federal Benefits?

2026 FERS Retirement & Thrift Savings Plan Handbook

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