federal job resume samples

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Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

Creating a federal resume that brings your qualifications to life and shows that you are a perfect fit for the job can be a challenge. Be sure to demonstrate how your skills, experience, training and education match the employer’s needs. Avoid misspelled words and bad grammar. Following are a few ways to make this easier.

Consider what positions you are interested in and review what qualifications or experience they require by reviewing different types of jobs and job opportunity announcements on USAJOBS . Gather information and begin to build out a description of your knowledge, skills and experience to add to your resume. How you present your skills and experience in your resume will help determine whether or not you are invited to interview for a job.

Attend job assistance training prior to departing the service. Contact your Transition Assistance Center as soon as possible and sign up for a Transition Assistance Program Workshop. If you are not near a Military Transition Center, you may use the services at Transition Assistance Offices operated by the other military services. Use your transition counselors. They have the tools and knowledge you need. If available, get their help in creating your first resume or filling out a draft application. Ask them to critique your work and then make the changes they suggest.

One size never fits all. As you apply for jobs, tailor your resume to the position’s requirements. Study the job opportunity announcement and emphasize the parts of your work history that match the qualification requirements listed there. It is important to portray your knowledge and skills as a match to the requirements of the position and demonstrate the ability to do the job. This is easy to do when you include your results, achievements and accomplishments. Minimize the use of technical jargon or specialized terminology (e.g., military abbreviations) in your resume.

Resumes are generally presented in one of three formats: chronological, functional or a combination of both. Which format you choose will depend, in part, on the type of work you have performed and whether or not you are going to continue in the same field.

• Chronological resumes list work experience according to date, with the current job appearing first. Chronological resumes work well if your career has been progressive and you plan to continue in the same line of work.
• Functional resumes are organized by the skills you have used on the job. Functional resumes work well if you are contemplating a new career, do not have a lengthy work history, or have held a number of different positions because they sell your abilities based on the skills you have acquired throughout your career. Be sure to include relevant volunteer experience.
• Combination resumes both describe your work experience and highlight your skills. Combination resumes usually provide the most comprehensive overview of your career.

Unlike resumes used in the private sector, federal resumes require additional information. For each past job, give the standard information found in most resumes. Your federal resume should include the following:

• Job announcement number, job title , and job grade of the job for which you are applying
• Your full name, mailing address , day and evening phone numbers and home e-mail .
• Country of citizenship , if different from U.S.
• Veterans – Ensure that you attach or upload supporting documentation (e.g., DD214 or Statement of Service if still on Active Duty; SF-15, Application for 10-point preference; and Disability Rating Letter of 30% or more from the VA, if applicable).
• Peace Corps / AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers – If you are a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, you will need to provide your Description of Service (DOS) to claim non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs. AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers
• Persons with Disabilities (Schedule A) – To verify eligibility for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, you must provide proof of disability issued by a licensed medical professions, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal agency, state agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Contact the Department’s Selective Placement Coordinators for help with hiring and accommodation requests.
• Veterans – Keep in mind that your military training may count towards qualifications. Use your Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) document (DD Form 2586) to document your training and education.
• Begin with your current position and list all other positions held in chronological order.
• State the job title, starting and ending dates (including month and year), prior employer's name and address (or write "self-employed," if that applies), and major duties and accomplishments. Include any positions temporarily held.
• Show the average number of hours worked per week or simply state "full-time"; salary or wage earned; supervisor's name, address and telephone number; and whether you’re most recent supervisor may be contacted.
• Veterans - Avoid using military job titles or occupational codes. Instead, look at what you did using your Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) as a starting point. Employers prefer proven performers, so make sure you know what employers are looking for in comparison to your military work experience.
• Indicate if your current supervisor can be contacted
• Job-related training courses (title and year).
• self-management skills refer to the way you manage yourself on the job (e.g., dependable, resourceful, etc.);
• functional skills are the skills you use on the job or have used in previous jobs (e.g., operate equipment, supervise, analyze, etc.); and
• technical skills relate to specific skills required to perform a described task (e.g., computer programming, accounting, sales, etc.)
• Current job-related certificates and licenses - Make sure you understand the licensure and certification requirements for your job objective.
• Job-related honors, awards, special accomplishments , leadership activities, memberships, or publications.

Once you have spell checked your resume, take a good look at its overall appearance. Is it appealing and easy to read? Is there enough white space? Are the margins appropriate? Have the headings, font and formatting style been used effectively? Keep in mind that your resume is an employer's first impression of you. Make sure it makes the best one possible.

• Review the job announcements carefully for key words
• Use verbs and adjectives (e.g., managed, implemented, created) that match key words identified in the job announcement.
• Eliminate military lingo (use words such as personnel instead of squad or platoon).
• Include your accomplishments; do not be shy, be truthful.
• Focus on the mission of the agency and translate your experiences.
• Your positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm goes a long way.

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Writing a federal government resume

This page provides an overview with examples of how to write a federal government resume, which have content and formatting that differ from most private sector resumes.

How to write a federal resume

Written by , external, Amanda Costello , 18F content designer and gummi bear enthusiast, July 2019. (Revised March 2024)

Writing a US federal resume is hard. When I started writing mine, all I wanted was a solid example. What needs to be included, in what order, and what would it look like with real information. This is that example. ( Law and Order chimes )

It can be helpful to think about a federal resume like an academic CV, an overview of your whole career. Also, these are long documents . This is not the place for a 1-2 page resume. When I applied, my resume was 7 pages long; after 5 years at 18F, it’s close to 15 pages.

Below are excerpts from my federal resume, along with details and notes about how it’s written and formatted. I want more awesome folks from all backgrounds and experiences as colleagues. I don’t want the resume formatting or particulars to be a mystery; it’s already a very challenging piece of writing.

General things to keep in mind:

• Pay particular attention to the Specialized Experience section of a federal job posting. These items must be clearly represented on your resume to show you’ve done the work to be qualified.
• New in 2024! Another tactic that’s been successful for me has been making the job posting’s Specialized Experience the headers for duties and responsibilities. Obviously you can’t do this until you’re looking at a specific job, but it can be a good way to organize your work for readability.
• Throw out your formatting. I used CAPS for headers, italics for mission statements, and bullet points. Expect that the bulk of your formatting will be stripped out. No columns, no fanciness. Just write. Hard.
• Speaking of writing: get your words going, and then get more words. I had to submit two writing samples, and that was where I could show off my content strategy particulars. Remember the job of the resume content: clear, straight lines between the requirements and your experience.

Explicit disclaimer: This resume format is what I chose to use in applying to 18F in the US Federal Government’s General Services Administration. It is not the only acceptable format, but is what worked well for me. I currently work as a content designer at 18F, but put this together on my own time, using no government resources to do so. Using this formatting is not a guarantee of consideration. You still gotta do the work.

Want to chat more about this? Shoot me an email at [email protected]

My comments below will all be in text boxes

Resume formatting

AMANDA COSTELLO 123 Lutefisk Street You Betcha, MN 55555

Mobile: 555-555-5555 Email: [email protected]

Availability: April 1, 2024

Job Type: Permanent, Telework Work Schedule: Full-Time

Desired locations:

United States - MN Remote

WORK EXPERIENCE

Workplace name, Unit name if relevant - City, State, Country

Your job title - MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY - Hours per week: xx

Mission statement(s) of the workplace, or summary of the company’s work on a larger scale.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A paragraph-long description of what the work was overall. Describe your work using a wide scope, leaving the specific details for later.

SPECIFIC TOPIC (e.g. CONTENT STRATEGY)

• Examples are in a bulleted list, each point describing a project or part of a project, or a piece of work that fits the heading, plus matches up with the qualifications/reqs.
• I chose to start each bullet with a past tense verb (Collaborated, Wrote, Managed, Edited), because that’s how I usually write resumes.
• Some of these bullets reference specific things I wrote, and those were included as writing samples with my application.

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Software you know, tools you use, best practices and methods. This can’t just be a list, but has to have context in your work overview of how and why they were used. Also, please throw Microsoft Word on there because I was once rejected from a job in 2007 because I put “Microsoft Office” and the listing said “Microsoft Word.” Word matching! Seriously!

SELECTED WORK:

• Another bulleted list, this time of URLs related to work I did.
• They had quick little blurbs underneath about what they were, and what I did.
• Photos won’t come through on this resume, so no screenshots or anything.

Work experience example from my 2018 resume

University of Minnesota, College of Education and Human Development - Minneapolis, MN

Lead Content Strategist - 07/2012 to Present - Hours per week: 40

The mission of the College of Education and Human Development is to contribute to a just and sustainable future through engagement with the local and global communities to enhance human learning and development at all stages of the life span. The college is part of the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, a land-grant high-level research institution, dedicated to generating and preserving knowledge through research, sharing that knowledge through teaching and learning, and apply that knowledge through outreach and public service.

Developed and led college-wide content strategy combining current and prospective student needs with college goals for recruitment and retention. Worked as a member of a cross-functional team including designers, developers, business analysts, marketers, and well as content strategists across 7 academic departments to promote and deliver effective processes and consistent content strategy.

CONTENT STRATEGY:

• Collaborated with college academic departments, research centers, student support offices, and senior leadership to develop a “bottom up” content strategy, prioritizing student needs based on their relationships with academic programs. Assessed content through the lens of recruitment and retention.
• Wrote “Stakeholder’s Guide To Launch,” a two-page reference for the launch of a new college website. By anticipating the top questions stakeholders might field, this guide gave talking points surrounding new features, along with contacts for further questions.
• Served as strategist, editor, and project manager for regular essay series on college diversity and inclusion work, written by academic leadership. This generated authentic, meaningful content and helped stakeholders better understand the time commitment involved in content production.
• Established user-centered college voice and tone guidelines, using “A, but not B” format. This was informed by close work with students in formal and informal usability testing, and brand sort activities with college leadership and key stakeholders.

USER EXPERIENCE (UX) WRITING:

• Combined findings from user research, new graduate student interviews, faculty and researcher focus groups, higher ed industry trends, and analytics to consolidate more than 600 areas of academic research expertise into 111 categories. Categories were deployed across the college for consistent organization and increased findability of research work.
• Developed strategy and standards to categorize and sort 127 academic programs and 111 areas of research expertise. This was incorporated into two web-based tools developed in-house and allowed students to explore college offerings and expertise independent of department. Wrote and edited descriptions for each area, capped at 25 words to promote ease of reading and top-level understanding.
• Planned, edited, and delivered a “Web Writing Best Practices” guide for college content strategists. Formatted as a “one-pager” for printing and pinning up as a reference, this collected links to and recommendations from external tools and guides (Hemingway, 18F, King County Editorial Guide), internal editorial recommendations from the university and college, and voice and tone particulars. Strategists often felt intimidated and overwhelmed by the sheer amount of recommendations connected to good web content; this guide promoted four starting points to improve content: addressing the user (you/your/yours and we/our/ours), employing structured content, concise writing, and using plain language.

USABILITY TESTING AND USER RESEARCH:

• Led and managed annual process of web usability testing, including project kick-offs, stakeholder workshops, scenario development, task analysis, lab and field-based testing, issues analysis, research and recommendation presentations to project team members, key stakeholders and college senior leadership.
• Helped subject-matter expert teams and stakeholders understand their users through research and usability testing methods, defining problems and crafting effective solutions based on both quantitative and qualitative data.

COLLABORATION ON CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS:

• Contributed to responsive redesign of college website by conducting a content audit, editing student-facing content for an overall 75% file reduction, and migrating updated content to custom-built CMS. Collaborated with design and development teams to create comprehensive style guides, pattern library interface copy.
• Convened monthly “coworking days” among all college web professionals, bringing us together as a team of peers for a day of training, collaborative problem solving, idea sharing, and camaraderie. Set programming, mentored colleagues on presentations, and collected feedback to regularly adjust how our central content strategy was best supporting the specific work of the departments.

ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH:

• Advocated for content strategy best practices to over 30 University departments by regularly meeting with peers and presenting to leadership stakeholder groups. Promoted clear, consistent, user-centered writing from all contributors, even those who don’t identify as “web people,” and facilitated collaboration across organizational silos to increase efficiency and support.
• Consulted with faculty and staff in academic departments outside the college that frequently contributed to content strategy. Regular guest lecturer and student mentor in the Writing Studies program.
• Contributed as one of four subject matter experts to the University of Minnesota’s Content Strategy Self-Help Guide, recommending resources and structuring process for the centrally-maintained system to help contributors at all levels improve content writing and strategic thinking for the web.
• Frequently presented at local Twin Cities-based tech meetups, translating content strategy best practices to adjacent fields such as front- and back-end development, UX research, accessibility, interactive design, and marketing.

Provided strategic content design with skills in copywriting, style guides, plain language, comprehension/reading levels. Conducted usability evaluations using card sorting (OptimumSort), tree testing (Treejack), direct observation user research methods. Worked on a cross-functional team that used Asana, Trello, Slack, Hemingway, pattern libraries, Google Drive, MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point), and semantic HTML.

• CEHD Academic Programs, www.cehd.umn.edu/programs Developed content and structure for directory/sorting tool
• CEHD Research & Expertise, www.cehd.umn.edu/topics/ Created new content structure around college research, including categories and descriptions
• UMN Content Strategy Self-Help Guide, , external, z.umn.edu/csmap Subject matter expert for update to university-wide guide

VOLUNTEER WORK

MinneWebCon Annual Conference - Minneapolis, MN - www.minnewebcon.org

Conference Director - 10/2011 - 06/2015

MinneWebCon is a two-day web conference in Minneapolis that encourages inclusive grassroots knowledge-sharing. In addition to keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and half-day workshops, our annual conference is a space for speakers and attendees to collaborate, talk, learn, ask, test, and grow.

• Directed volunteer-run tech conference for 200+ annual attendees, bringing local and national speakers to the Twin Cities web community.
• Oversaw event logistics, speaker recruitment and support, partnerships and sponsorships, promotion, and attendee experience with conference committee support and input.
• Introduced speaker mentoring program, pairing conference speakers with an experienced mentor to review slides, practice presentations, and provide support.
• Expanded conference to two-day event in 2012, adding half-day workshops to meet attendee demand for deeper learning.

SELECTED SPEAKING AND PRESENTATIONS

My resume listed about 15 sessions that I thought were relevant to this job. I also had sections on selected publications and selected podcast guest appearances, because those are cool too! The format I use is:

"Title of the Presentation," what kind of session - MM/YYYY Conference Name - City, State, Country

• “How Silos Learn: Working in the Idea Factory,” closing keynote address - 08/2018 (scheduled) PSEWEB Conference - London, ON, Canada
• “Better Stakeholder Wrangling,” half-day workshop - 10/2018 (scheduled) edUi Conference - Charlottesville, VA
• “Better Stakeholder Wrangling,” half-day workshop - 05/2018 Confab: The Content Strategy Conference - Minneapolis, MN
• “Explain Anything to Your Boss & Grandboss,” closing keynote address - 05/2018 Manage Digital Conference - Minneapolis, MN
• “How Silos Learn,” opening keynote address - 10/2017 Digital Project Management Summit - Las Vegas, NV

University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN United States Bachelor's Degree MM/YYYY Major: English Minor: Japanese

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Language: Japanese Spoken Level: Novice Written Level: Novice Reading Level: Novice

Name: Jeff Awesomeboss Employer: University of Minnesota Title: The Best Boss Email: [email protected]

• , external, [email protected]

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Federal Government Jobs

Helping job hunters find, apply for, and land government jobs, federal resumes, federal resume guidance.

Federal resumes and KSA s provide selecting officials their first impression of the applicant through their application and federal resume composition, format, and content.  I personally reviewed and rated thousands of federal resumes during my career. Resumes and KSAs that are tailored to the job announcement receive higher ratings.

Your application makes a lasting impression on the selecting official and it tells them a lot about your attention to details, desire, qualifications, and motivation. These are essential first steps that you must take to write a professional federal resume that will help you attract the attention of the rating and selecting officials. Use our Federal Resume Guide to make your resume stand out from the crowd.

Resume Menu

The essential first steps.

• Caution (Read this first)
• Required information
• Private and federal sector application differences.
• The Federal Job Announcement?
• Sample Federal Style Resume
• KSAs – Knowledge, skills & abilities
• About USAJobs
• Federal Resume Tips
• Federal Resume Guide

Certified Federal Resume Writing Services

• SES Positions – SES Resume Services
• What services do you need?
• Return to “Apply for Jobs”

To gain federal employment, candidates must be aware of two very specific strategies:

First, applicants must read the entire vacancy announcement and the position description if available. All too often, applicants transitioning from the military or private sector to the federal government do not read the entire announcement. Rather, they look at only the salary and the job description; if they like what they read, they decide to apply.

Many end up disappointed when, during an initial consultation, they realize that other mandatory elements were overlooked in their haste to find federal employment — elements they’re unable to fulfill.

Further, in reading the entire announcement, you will gain an up-front understanding of what supporting documents are required for the announcement. In many cases, we have seen candidates — who were perfectly qualified for a job — end up being rejected by the government because they failed to include a document requested as part of the How to Apply section of the announcement

Second, candidates must tailor their federal resumes to the position description or the vacancy announcement. The federal government does not want to hear that an applicant thinks he/she can do the job; rather, the government is looking for specific examples that demonstrate that he/she can do the job. For example, being self-taught in setting up a home computer network and having successfully set up one in a home is not the same as setting up a Local Area Network (LAN) for a multi-location agency spread over a 500-mile radius.

When you complete your federal resume online read the instructions carefully. When tailoring your résumé to a specific job description or vacancy announcement, it is important to mirror what the announcement is looking for, as best as possible. There is no such thing as “too much information” — the more examples of your success in fulfilling the job description you can provide in accomplishment-focused statements, the higher your application package will be rated.

A federal style resume is completely different from the simple one-page private sector résumé. There are over 40 specific informational data elements required and much of it repeats for each work experience. Before attempting to complete your federal résumé online, review the samples in this chapter and use the next section to complete your federal resumes. You must include all requested information and answer occupational questionnaires if required in the job announcement.

I suggest writing your federal resume using a word processor program prior to attempting to post it online. Some agencies still require hard copy submissions, and this way you can produce both a paper hard copy and electronic format. You will be able to spell check your federal resume and you will have time to compose coherent work histories tailored to the job announcement or position description without time limits. To submit your application online simply copy and paste each section from your draft into the online résumé builder.

This process can dramatically improve your federal resume, resulting in higher ratings, and you will be able to keep your resume updated on your desktop. When you bid on other jobs in the same or similar occupational group you may be able to simply change the job announcement number and title and send it in. However, review each job announcement carefully. Even occupations in the same job series within the same agency can have significantly different requirements, and you must tailor your resume to those criteria to improve your chances.

Federal Resume Writing Services

Applying for federal jobs can be frustrating and the federal resume has to be targeted to the job announcement and highlight your qualifications to be rated “Best Qualified.” Only applications rated best qualified are forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. Federal resume writing services can give you the edge that you need if you work closely with them to highlight your qualifications for the position applied for.

You must work closely with the federal resume writer to provide detailed information. Federal resumes and KSAs must be specific, and the only way the federal resume writers can get this information is from you, so be prepared. They will need lists of your awards, detailed work history, military service job descriptions, rank and time of service if applicable, education and training, special skills and certifications, volunteer work, and temporary details and promotion information. Only you can provide the details.

A professional federal resume service uses only certified writers. They will work with you to ensure that your federal resume, KSAs, or ECQs are thorough, grammatically correct, properly formatted, tailored to the job announcement, and in a file format suitable for the job you are applying for.

Applicants can also write their resume / application independently with the proper resources and knowledge. Many are able to complete their application using these excellent resources. If you don’t have the time or inclination to do it on your own, there are Federal Resume Writing Services available to assist you. The service you select will be based on several factors including:

• Complexity of your resume and application
• Grade level that you are applying for
• Personal contact − ability to talk with the professional you hire
• The time you have available to work with the writer, and
• Cost of service – what you can afford

When selecting a resume writing service, make sure you will have phone and email contact with your assigned writer before you sign up. A professional service will help you tailor your application and resume to the specific job announcement. A number of low-cost services offer only online contact through a resume desktop.

Professional Service

Creditable services will discuss your personal needs and fees by phone once you provide them information about your work history, education, and qualifications, and upload a copy of the federal job vacancy announcement of interest.

Based on their initial review of your background, previously prepared documents, and position specifications, they will propose a federal resume package quote to meet your individual requirements. If you would like to proceed, an invoice will be generated for your approval and your certified federal resume writer will contact you for an introduction via email and telephone. Project development will be discussed and any additional documents that might be required will be requested by your writer.

Your federal resume and/or KSA drafts will be submitted for your review via email, and you will have the opportunity to request any changes or provide additional information to your writer.

Which Service is Best for You?

It depends on many factors. With the proper resources you can write your resume yourself, time permitting. If you hire a professional resume writing service, you will have to work by phone and online with the resume writer. Only you know the details they need to write your resume. An entry level federal style resume is typically 3 to 5 pages long and you must tailor you application and work experience to the job announcement’s required qualifications.

One advantage of hiring a professional service is that once they complete your resume for you can use that same resume, with minor modifications, for other government jobs within the same occupational group that you apply for. Just change the job title and announcement number and review the new job announcement to check for additional or different required duties and responsibilities. If these changed you will have to incorporate them into the new application.

You will find a sample federal style resume on our Federal Career Development Site . You must devote the time necessary to read the application sections, understand the concepts, tailor your resume to the job announcement, and compile the data logically, spell and grammar check your work in a word processor, and then apply.

Write Your Federal Resume Using Proper Guidance and Samples

When writing your resume, you have to consider many things and include all required information . Format is also important especially with RESUMIX and online submissions. If you are good at putting your thoughts down on paper and have the time available, you can complete your resume application as long as you fully understand the application process. I wrote many federal applications during my 35 + years of government service with great success. I was also a trained and certified federal rating official and reviewed and rated thousands of job applications.

The application and federal resume process isn’t formidable; however, you must tailor your federal resume to the job announcement . With a little coaching and the comprehensive federal resume samples that we provide here, you too can compile a comprehensive resume. Entry level job applicants can expect to spend at least 4 to 8 hours on their application. Midlevel applicants can easily spend several days compiling key information in preparation for completing their federal resume.

I encourage all who apply to complete their resume OFF-LINE. It is best to write your federal resume and/or application on your word processor and take your time to compile the info you need, draft your work experiences, spell check and ensure that you have ALL information that is required for the Job Announcement. Your federal style resume MUST be tailored to the job announcement to improve your chances of landing the job. After you complete your federal resume offline, it is a simple matter to copy and paste your federal resume data into online resume builders.

A word of caution. Once you have your federal resume completed and posted on USAJOBS, it’s easy to submit that same resume to apply for other job vacancies. That can cost you a possible job. Before resubmitting that same federal resume for another job vacancy READ the job announcement thoroughly to confirm other duties and specialized experience are not required for the new position. If you find different requirements, and you possess the new duties or specialized experience, incorporate them into your resume. It is not unusual to apply for the same job series and find other requirements, or new or additional KSA statements.

While all federal resumes typically require the same information, here are the significant character count requirements for the USAJobs online resume builder in order to file your application successfully online:

• Overall Length: 30,000 characters
• Work Experience: 3,000 characters per work experience
• Education (includes relevant course work, licensures, and certifications): 2,000 characters to describe course work
• Job-Related Training: 2,000 characters
• Professional Publications: 2,000 characters
• Additional Information: 22,000 characters; enter job-related honors, awards, leadership activities, skills, and professional profile. KSAs may be copied and pasted into this field, depending on the announcement’s instructions.

Candidates may store up to five separate federal resumes for use on the USAJobs site.

Tips for Preparing an Electronic Federal Resume

As you have seen in the previous section in which we discuss the different types of online application systems (USAJobs, CPOL, CHARTS, etc.), there is no such concept as “one size fits all” when preparing a federal résumé. However, below are a few tips to help you bridge the compatibility differences in most of the common application systems.

• Use white space and line breaks to separate topics and sections
• Use 10- or 12-point type size
• Use a margin of at least one inch on all sides
• Use CAPITAL LETTERS to highlight sections
• No graphics of any kind, including bullets
• Use date format mm-yyyy (example: “May1988” would be “05-1988”)
• No bold, italic, or underlined text
• Keep each employment block (duties and accomplishments) to about 3,000 characters and spaces each. (Note: If you must exceed this count, you can break up a job into two separate entries when you file your application online.)

Professionally Written Federal Resumes , KSAs, ECQs, and Cover Letters

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• Federal Resumes Guide for USAJobs

Table of Contents

Introduction

USAJOBS.gov

Writing Strategies

Federal Resume Sample

Introduction to federal resumes.

Searching for a federal job can be a daunting task. The stringent guidelines for both the application process and the formatting of required materials, including the federal resume, can seem overwhelming to first-time applicants and seasoned professionals.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the key steps in the application process, including successfully navigating USAJOBS (the official job-search website of the US government), targeting vacancy postings, and crafting an effective resume that highlights your career accomplishments while aligning with federal resume-writing best practices.

How a Federal Resume Differs From a Private Industry Resume

The main differences between a federal resume and a private sector resume are the length of the resume and the detail involved. While a typical resume should be no more than two pages in length, a federal resume can extend to five pages or more. In addition, federal resumes require more details in regards to references, availability, and expanded job descriptions and accomplishments. Also, readers of your federal resume will be expecting certain stylistic attributes and exact phrasing that mirrors the language of vacancy postings on USAJOBS.gov.

Grade Levels: General Schedule (GS) & Senior Executive Service (SES)

In the federal job arena, there is a highly specific and expected career progression and salary roadmap referred to as the GS pay scale, ranging from GS-1 through GS-15. Applicants are required to meet clearly defined expectations for jobs at each level, and each progressive step includes a raise in salary:

• GS-1 through GS-7: Entry-level positions – If you have recently entered the workforce and have at least a high school diploma and a few months of work experience, you qualify for positions up to GS-2. If you have more than a few months of general experience, you qualify for GS-3 and GS-4 levels. Following this (GS-5 and above), positions require at least 1 year of specialized experience to be considered. Graduates within a specific career field are eligible for GS-5 jobs and qualify for GS-7 if they attained certain grades, test scores, or other criteria while in college.
• GS-8 through GS-12: Mid-level positions –  Jobs within this range typically require master’s degrees or a doctorate for GS-11 grades and beyond. In lieu of a degree, acceptable candidates can qualify with at least 12 months of experience at an equivalent grade level.
• GS-13 through GS-15: Senior managers, high-level technical specialists, physicians –  Positions in this range are typically reserved for top professionals holding advanced degrees. Candidates must be able to demonstrate relevant job experience. At levels 14 and 15, the candidate is eligible to apply for a Senior Executive Service (SES) job.

SES & Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

SES roles represent executive-level positions across management and policy. These roles are classified above GS-15 in most Executive Branch agencies of the US government. These also represent the highest-level positions below presidential appointments. To qualify for an SES position, one must demonstrate alignment with five ECQs and their key components:

As you’ll see, the questionnaire asks about certain abilities that the ideal candidate would possess that might not be spelled out in the job posting itself, so it’s important to identify these and leverage them in your federal resume.

In addition to specific phrasing of expected abilities and accomplishments, you will want to identify the KSAs that are specific to the position. USAJOBS makes this process easy by highlighting them at the bottom of a vacancy posting with the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section. Remember, these are expected to be written verbatim in a federal resume.

After you have made a list of both the KSAs and phrases you need to incorporate into your federal resume, it’s time to start writing.

Strategies for Writing a Successful Federal Resume

Define Your Core Skills

With your list of KSAs and duty phrases in hand, ask yourself what five high-level responsibilities describe your current role in order to define the key knowledge, skills, and abilities you apply every day and how they align with the information you obtained from the vacancy posting. Once you have compiled this list, brainstorm about specific examples of achievements in these areas and how they support the position you’re applying to as well as its KSAs.

If you are making a transition from military service into civilian service, you will need to translate your experience and accomplishments to align with the language of the vacancy postings. Using the posting language and KSAs as a guide, consider how your accomplishments within the military reflect the skills and abilities required for the position. A good starting point for this information is your performance evaluations.

Formatting & Layout

As with a private industry resume, a federal resume is most impactful when it is organized and highly readable. A main point of difference between the two is that while a private resume can take many forms including functional or creative, the federal resume must be in the traditional reverse-chronological order covering the last 10 years.  Private sector resumes use succinct career highlights and bullets with few details, whereas federal resumes use full phrases, sentences, and paragraphs to cover the informative descriptions and extensive details that support the job qualifications. While a private sector resume is typically limited to 2 pages, a federal resume can average anywhere from 3 pages to 7 or more.

Stylistic Rules

As with private-sector resumes, some general stylistic rules apply to optimize the document:

• Most jobs will have four to six paragraphs, and each should represent a KSA, if possible. “Communication skills” is the most common KSA.
• Each resume should contain one paragraph on “Interpreting Regulations.”
• Repetition aligning with job posting-specific phrasing is encouraged. If you did the work and have the skills, it’s acceptable to repeat these attributes throughout the resume. Avoid exact repetition, and paraphrase when possible.
• Minimize using personal pronouns, and keep articles such as “an” or “the” to a minimum to optimize space.
• KEYWORDS/CORE COMPETENCIES should be used to describe each duties paragraph and are in all caps. Nouns are preferred, but verbs can also be used if that is the language reflecting the vacancy posting.
• Accomplishments should follow the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for a general federal resume or the CCAR (Challenge, Context, Action, Result) format for ECQs within the SES resume.
• Some job announcements will require the full date (mm/dd/yyyy) and salary, supervisor name and phone, and whether or not to contact. It’s important to note that federal resumes will not be considered if required information is missing.
• Certificates usually go under Job-Related Training, but longer programs such as the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification will go under education.
• Military, Soldier, Veteran, Marine, etc. are capitalized throughout the resume, which is reflective of Military AP Style.
• All acronyms, except those that are obvious, should be spelled out. This is especially important to elucidate department or industry-specific jargon. Remember that it’s often HR that is reviewing your resume first, not a specialist within your field.
• Font size and spacing should remain the same, except for paragraph spacing.
• Jobs more than 10 years in the past will still be listed but will be presented in the Additional Information section, with the number of years listed instead of dates.

Contact Information & Career Summary

The federal resume presentation begins with your contact information. These details should match your profile on USAJOBS. Following this is the Career Summary which should be crafted to align your experience with the vacancy posting of interest. Also list your citizenship status, current employment status (federal or private sector), the highest GS level you have obtained (if applicable), and any security clearances you have.

If you don’t have the security clearance required by the position, make it known that you are aware of the requirement and are willing to obtain the necessary clearance. You can also use this space to describe any high-level awards you have received or technical skills that are relevant to your desired position. Again, while the private sector resume is intentionally two pages on average, federal resumes are more expansive and inclusive of details.

Following your summary and contact information is a section of bulleted areas of expertise. Again, focus on the keywords that align your strengths and abilities with the requirements outlined in the vacancy posting.

Work Experience

Next, outline your work experience for each agency in chronological order. The federal resume requires exact dates (month/year) of employment as well as hours worked per week and exact details of each position (Series, GS level, etc.). As stated previously, the federal resume is a chronological document that describes your work history in terms of an outline. This means that you should outline your progression of roles within that agency and follow the timeline with a skills-based resume-writing format. You will do this for each applicable agency.

Next, use the list of duties and KSAs that you compiled from the vacancy posting as a template to describe how your career duties and accomplishments demonstrate your success in those areas. In this applicant’s case, the following phrases (among others) were listed on the vacancy posting:

• Logistics and transportation
• Provide oversight and guidance
• Leverage knowledge of organizational development and culture
• Team leader
• Organize and direct teams
• Interpret policy and regulations
• Effective written and oral communication
• Build professional working relationships

Looking at the example below, you can see how the resume entry has been customized to reflect these lists:

As with a private sector resume, you’ll notice the use of bulleted accomplishments to describe specific accomplishments related to the listed and described skills. These should describe both what you accomplished as well as how you did it.

You will go through this process with every agency within your career history, ensuring that you continue to frame your accomplishments and work history around the list of phrases and KSAs that you obtained from your review of the vacancy posting.

It is also customary to list your supervisors as references under each position in your job history. You should also specify whether the HR specialist reviewing your resume can contact them.

Additional Information

After outlining and describing your career history in a way that aligns with your desired position, you will list additional information that is important and relevant, including education, certifications, job-related training, professional affiliations, and publications. This is also where older employment information is listed without specific dates.

Some higher-level applicants (in particular in the GS-14 and GS-15 range) have exhaustive lists of publications that would significantly lengthen the document. In this case, it is perfectly acceptable to present a selected list of representative publications.

More on SES Jobs

The SES level was established in 1978 as part of the Civil Service Reform Act to provide executive management of 75 federal agencies that are managed by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As previously discussed, SES jobs represent the highest-level federal positions second to presidential appointments.

Although the same general rules of writing a strong federal resume apply, SES jobs have more expansive requirements for application. Depending on the vacancy posting, there are three kinds of SES applications:

• Traditional Method: 10-page ECQs in the proper format, technical qualifications (TQs) separate, and federal resume.
• Resume Only: 5-page traditional federal resume incorporating the five ECQs and, if relevant, TQs.
• Accomplishment Record: Resume and narratives responding to specific guidance for each submission.

ECQS and TQs, like KSAs, must be listed verbatim in your documents. The same procedures apply to an SES resume as with a general federal resume, but the scope is larger and the requirements more specific. If the vacancy post you’re interested in requires the traditional method, you’ll need to craft both a traditional resume as well as a 10-page document outlining how your experience aligns with the five ECQs (and TQs if a technically oriented position).

Resume Builder Compatibility

Because some vacancy postings require resume submission via the Resume Builder, it’s important to format your document so that it can be easily converted to Resume Builder style. If you have followed the general federal resume-writing practices outlined in this guide, then the process of converting to a Resume Builder-friendly format is fairly straightforward. When drafting a federal resume, it’s recommended to have two versions ready to go: your traditional federal resume and a simpler document that is ready for the resume builder.

Resume Builder is a simple text-only interface, so it’s necessary to avoid any graphics or fanciful formatting that won’t translate well to the system. Text styling such as italics, bolding, underlining, or bullets also do not register with Resume Builder, so these will need to be adjusted when converting your document. Additionally, you will need to remove detailed information about each position that will need to be entered manually, such as employment dates, hours worked, and pay grade.

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Quick Guide to Preparing a Resume For Federal Government Positions

Due to the volume of applications received for any given vacancy announcement within the website, your resume will most likely be processed through an electronic filtering mechanism before being reviewed by a Human Resources Specialist for a qualification determination. Your resume will also be screened according to certain preferences (e.g., Indian Preference, veterans, disability, etc.) and rated based on the extent and quality of your experience, education and training described on the vacancy announcement. It is essential that you tailor the experience listed on your federal resume to the specific position to which you are applying.

Once your application is rated, a quality review will be conducted by Office of Human Capital Management staff and/or a Subject Matter Expert (SME). Resumes are forwarded to the Hiring Manager for interview consideration. Once a hiring decision has been made, applicants will be notified.

Resume Writing

Before you begin, it may be helpful to compile all the information you want to include in your resume. The writing process will be much easier and faster.

It is important to thoroughly review the vacancy announcement for the position you are applying. You should tailor your resume to ensure you include the experience and skills that are required for the position.

What Should be Included in a Federal Resume?

A federal resume calls for some information that is not generally required on a standard resume for private industry positions, and not including the required information may immediately disqualify you from consideration. It is extremely important that you carefully read application instructions and include all required information. Below is an example of a resume for Federal employment:

First and Last Name Address City, State and Zip code Email address Phone Numbers

Special Hiring Authority: (Indian Preference, Veteran’s Preference or Person with Disability - Schedule A ) Federal Experience: ( Yes or No and Indicate Military, Federal or State Gov ) Security Clearance: ( Indicate what level and if it's still active ) OBJECTIVE: To obtain a full-time position in public service with ( Department of the Interior, Indian Affairs as a (Indicate the position including announcement Number if there is one )  

SKILLS SUMMARY: ( Has 3 elements: An introductory paragraph, list of skills directly related to the position, and your skills you have acquired throughout your career, that you want to highlight ) (1st Element: The introductory paragraph - Must be specific and highly detailed for each job series and position you're applying to. You need to outline all the specific skills you have that are directly related to the position you are seeking including Key Words identified in the positions description.) Focused and highly motivated management professional, with 12 + years of extensive experience in Strategic Workforce Planning , EEO , OHR and Diversity Mgt . Utilizing my background in Disability, Accommodations, Business Operations, Project Management, and Statistical Analysis to develop comprehensive programs based on the employment needs and mission of the agency. Deploying metric -based solutions and maximizing our ROI . I'm an innovative and energetic team player, relationship builder, and highly effective communicator. (2nd Element: List of skills directly related to the position and the Key Words you identified - Back up your skill summary with specific examples from you career or education. Identify specific accomplishments, length of time, highlight numerical results and awards derived from those duties and skills. This is the most critical area of the resume. You are relating an activity in your career to that of the position you are applying and showcasing your accomplishments.)

• Develop and create a Strategic Workforce Planning program to ensure were accurately utilizing all available resources. Good Example

• Expert in Equal Employment, Labor and Employee Relations assisting managers and staff in identifying and solving EEO Policy questions on Accommodations, for the past 9 yrs. Better Example

• As Diversity manager I trained a staff of 100+ internal and external personnel on diversity rules and regulations. My efforts resulted in a 70% reduction in violations and improved the overall atmosphere at ABC Co. Best Example (3rd Element: Acquired skills - These are skills you want every employer to know you possess and feel they are what defines you as a model employee. Remember you MUST quantify and qualify every statement you make.)

• Analyze, develop, test and incorporated IT business solutions to enhance business process control and tracking. Good Example

• Supervised, motivated, mentored and lead by example, using experience backed judgment, strong work ethic, and irreproachable integrity, derived from my 12yrs as a Department Manager at ABC Co. Better Example

• Developed and implemented a supply inventory program, which tracked our use of production and office materials. This provided us detailed reports of our available inventory at all times. Allowing us to make more informed purchasing decisions. Resulting in ABC Co. to save 500,000 per year. Best Example

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY Name of Employer Position & Title GS level or Salary and Years of Service From: Mo/Year to Mo/Year; (Indicate if the work was Full Time, Part Time, or Seasonal; provide number of hours for PT or Seasonal work) Write a brief description of your experience/duties, and identify your major roles and responsibilities. Describe in detail each position you held for at least the last 10 years and quantify and qualify each statement). IP: Describe each duty as if you are describing it to someone for the first time. Agencies are not allowed to assume you can or can't do anything. Ex: Cashier: A cashier can perform numerous duties, if you only list cashier we can only interpret that as someone we collected and distributed money). As Diversity Manager I analyze develop and manage programs and projects related to the successful deployment of our department's initiatives. My duties included ensuring we provided an inclusive work environment, free from discrimination and ensuring we met all federal and state regulations. This was accomplished by collecting, analyzing human capital data and statistics from various sources to get an accurate analysis of the programs and work environment we provided our employees.   • Performed labor market Statistical analysis and employment projections locally and nationally to determine our recruitment strategy to ensure we were recruiting from a diverse population. Good Example • Coordinated with the Office of Human Capital and EEO managers to develop programs to improve our diversity in the workplace. Performed detailed analysis of the current workforce, and developed a strategy to ensure we targeted a broader workforce. This had an immediate impact on community relations and a 20% increase in local sales. Better Example

• Diversity manager for the past 7 yrs I was responsible for a staff of 20 employees. I coordinated with our Office of Human Capital to develop and measure recruiting timelines and efficiency, to determine cost per employee hired and accurate return on investment. Identified various key elements related to recruiting and performed a statistical analysis on reducing cost per hire. This lead to a yearly savings of 15% on recruiting expenses. Best Example

ACCOMPLISHMENTS (Identify any areas of your career you feel an employer will get a better understanding of who you are and your additional activities, to included honors received by organizations, exceeding specific goals on projects, etc.)

• 2011 Supervised and managed the Specialty Hiring Programs, including NonCompetitive Direct Hiring Authorities, Military Spouse Employment and Individuals with Disabilities Programs, at the Department of Defense. • 2008 Liaised with union and management on contract negotiations and labor dispute settlements with global manufacturer. Prevented the loss of 200+ jobs and saving the company 1.3 million dollars.

• 2006 The Minority Entrepreneur Network - Assisted 5 minority startup companies in researching, forecasting, and drafting their business plans and applications for small business loans.

• 2005 Restructured vendor contracts for a gross savings resulting in $375K per quarter.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE (List all software and applications you are experienced in and level. Identify formal training and where you received that training)

ADDITIONAL TRAINING (List any formal or informal training including accreditations and number of hours in the specific field)

• I have attended various seminars on EEO compliance and diversity Good Example

• Extensive EEO Compliance Training: Laws & Discrimination, Diversity in the Workplace, Workplace Relationships, EEO Complaints and Resolutions: (80+ hrs of training) Better Example

• Extensive Project Management Training specializing in large scale projects and developing the project plans and schedule. All training was done at the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) 2002 thru 2011 (120 hrs) Best Example

HONORS AND AWARDS

(Any formal awards you would like to share)

VOLUNTEER WORK & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

(Depending on the type of work volunteering can count the same as formal on the job experience if related to the position) (2010 - current) I hold Diversity workshops at the ABC community center in Washington DC, 6 times each month. I provide employers with information on developing an inclusive and diverse workforce. Note: volunteer work must include the total # of hours PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AAPD - American Association of Peoples with Disabilities HAVA - Honored American Veterans Afield NRA - National Rehabilitation Association PMI - Project Management Institute Wounded Warriors Project - Warriors to Work REFERENCES (List at least 3 references including their contact information)

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What should I include in my resume?

Whether you're a current federal employee or new to the federal government, your resume is the primary way for you to communicate your education, skills and experience. The federal government does not have a standard job application. Your resume is your application.

A resume for a federal job is different than one for the private sector.

• You must address each of the requirements and qualifications listed in the announcement—write clearly and without jargon. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
• It requires more detailed descriptions of your work experiences, including experience level and complexity of work and may exceed the private sectors commonly recommended one to two pages.
• You must include the start and end dates (month/year) and number of hours worked per week for each work experience.
• You should tailor your resume for each federal job you apply for instead of using the same resume.

Before you write your resume

Read the entire job announcement. Focus on the following sections to understand whether you qualify for the position. This critical information is found under:

• Requirements , which lists the Qualifications , and Specialized Experience and Education
• How to Apply which will include a link to a preview of an assessment questionnaire, if that is required
• How You Will be Evaluated

Make sure you have the required experience and education before you apply. Hiring agencies use the job announcement to describe the job and the required qualifications, including:

• Level and amount of experience

What to include in your resume

Federal jobs often require that you have experience in a particular type of work for a certain amount of time. Your resume must show how your skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job.

Include important contact information at the top

Include current contact information. Most job applications require this information:

• Your address
• Your email address
• Your phone number

Read the job opportunity carefully to make sure you have included all required contact information.

Include dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience

For each work experience, make sure you include:

• Start and end dates (including the month and year).
• The number of hours you worked per week.
• The level of experience—describe the level of responsibility you had, for instance, whether you served as a project manager or a team member helps to illustrate your level of experience.
• The amount of experience—use numbers to illustrate the number of people you managed, or the number of years you worked or managed.
• Examples of relevant experience and accomplishments. Write your experience by matching your work experiences and accomplishments with language in the job announcement. Your experience needs to address every required qualification and prove that you can perform the tasks at the level required as stated in the job announcement.

Optional details to include:

Your salary – some agencies require you to list the salary for each work experience.

Example of work experience

Program Analyst GS-343-11 January 2009—Present 40 Hours/Week $63,000/Year

• Describe your experience.
• List an accomplishment. For example: "Accomplished as measured by [Y], by doing [Z]."
• Provide greater detail for experience that is relevant to the job for which you are applying.
• Show all experiences and accomplishments under the job in which you earned it. This helps agencies determine the amount of experience you have with that skill...

Use numbers to highlight your accomplishments

Use numbers, percentages or dollars to highlight your accomplishments—you can find this information in things like your performance reviews, previous job descriptions, awards and letters of recommendation.

When explaining your accomplishments:

• Include examples of how you saved money, earned money or managed money.
• Include examples of how you saved or managed time.
• "Improved efficiency of document processing by 25 percent over the previous year".
• "Wrote 25 news releases in a three-week period under daily deadlines".
• "Managed a student organization budget of more than $7,000".
• "Wrote prospect letter that has brought in more than $25,000 in donations to date".

These statements show in concrete terms what you accomplished.

Include volunteer work and roles in community organizations

Don't limit yourself to only including paid work experience. Include relevant volunteer work or community organizations roles that demonstrate your ability to do the job.

Use similar terms and address every required qualification

Your experience needs to address every required qualification in the job announcement. Hiring agencies will look for specific terms in your resume to make sure you have the experience they're seeking.

For example, if the qualifications section says you need experience with “MS Project” you need to use the words “MS Project” in your resume.

Organize and format your resume to make it easy to understand

You need to organize your resume to help agencies evaluate your experience.

• Use reverse chronological order to list your experience—start with your most recent experience first and work your way back.
• Use either bullet or paragraph format to describe your experiences and accomplishments.
• Use plain language—avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood.

Customize your resume for each job application

You should tailor your resume to the job announcement rather than sending out the same resume for every job. Customizing your resume helps you match your competencies, knowledge, skills, abilities and experience to the requirements for each job. Emphasize your strengths and include everything you've done that relates to the job you're seeking. Leave out experience that isn't relevant.

Review your resume before you apply

Hiring agencies often receive dozens or even hundreds of resumes for certain positions. Hiring managers quickly skim through submissions and eliminate candidates who clearly are not qualified. Look at your resume and ask:

• Can a hiring manager see my main credentials within 10 to 15 seconds?
• Does critical information jump off the page?
• Do I effectively sell myself on the top quarter of the first page?
• Are there any spelling or grammatical errors?

Finally, have someone else, with a good eye for detail, review your resume.

Important facts about the federal hiring process

• Hiring agencies use the job announcement to describe the job and list the required qualifications and responsibilities.
• After applying, the hiring agency uses the information in your resume to confirm if you have the required qualifications stated in the job announcement.
• Once the hiring agency has determined who is qualified, they may use other assessments such as interviews or testing to determine the best qualified applications.

Learn more about the federal hiring process .

You can upload your resume into the documents section of your profile, or you can use our resume builder to create a resume.

Additional resources

• What should I leave out of my resume?
• How to build a resume
• How to create a resume

Still need help?

Writing a Federal Resume

Is your resume one page? That’s fine for a private sector job. Your government resume, however, will need to have more detail, and it’s likely to grow to about two to five pages.

Key Components of a Federal Resume

The best way to create a federal resume is to use the resume builder on the federal government’s jobs website, USAJOBS. The resume builder will guide you through the whole process. And you don’t have to stick with one. You can create a resume tailored to fit different positions you apply for. You can also create a searchable, master resume, so HR specialists can contact you if there’s an opportunity that fits your skills and experience.

Building a Federal Resume

Candidate Information A federal resume will ask your citizenship status and most, but not all, positions require you to be a U.S. citizen. You’re also asked if you’ve worked for the federal government before and if you qualify for veterans preference —that is, you’ve served on active duty in the Armed Forces.

Work experience Your resume should list all the relevant jobs you’ve held.

Required : Employer, location, title, start and end date, average hours worked per week, responsibilities and accomplishments for each job you list.

Optional : A supervisor(s) as a reference and salary, although not listing salary doesn’t exclude resumes from consideration.

Education Include information on the schools you attended and the relevant coursework you completed. Only list degrees from accredited schools, or programs that meet the Office of Personnel Management’s standards . Provide as much information as possible to support your case that you’re the best person for the job.

Required : Schools attended and degrees obtained.

Optional : Grade-point averages, relevant coursework, academic papers or projects, key presentations, honors received, other important accomplishments.

Optional Information

For the best shot at a position, provide as much pertinent information as possible in optional sections, including:

Job–related training 

This could include classes, seminars, coursework, certifications or training that relates to the skills and experience the position requires.

References 

Consider listing professional or personal references who can vouch for your character, work ethic and dependability—such as colleagues, classmates and mentors.

Language skills 

Include the languages you have experience in, and your level of proficiency.

Affiliations 

Use this to list professional associations, societies, clubs or other organizations you belong to and to highlight leadership roles and volunteer experiences you’ve had that relate to the position description.

Professional publications

If you’ve been published, include the outlets you’ve contributed to, the publication names and the date your submissions were published.

Additional information 

You can add other relevant information, including awards, leadership activities, public speaking engagements or volunteer experience. You can also add your availability, the type of work environment you seek and your desired location. Even if your interests and desires don’t match the position’s needs, your resume will stay in the running.

How to Write a Federal Resume in 2024 [3 Free Templates]

Creating a federal resume is a lot trickier than a conventional one.

For starters, you need to make it way more comprehensive (3-4 pages instead of the usual 1-2).

You also have to add very specific details, such as your GS rating, clearance, and more.

Want to learn how to create/build a federal resume the easy way?

• What’s a Federal Resume & How Does It Differ From a Conventional One
• How to Write a Federal Resume in 6 Easy Steps
• How to Look for Federal Jobs

So, let’s get started.

What’s a Federal Resume?

A federal resume, as the name implies, is the type of resume you need to make in order to apply for US federal positions.

It is similar to the conventional resume in the way you describe your experiences. You include all the must-have sections in your resume, and describe your skills and past experiences.

There are, however, some differences from a conventional resume that make creating a federal one a bit trickier.

Federal Resume VS Conventional Resume - Key Differences

The differences between the two types of resumes are as follows:

Sounds a bit complicated, right?

Worry not - once you’ve gotten the hang of it, writing a federal resume becomes a child’s play.

And you’re about to learn just how you can do that!

How to Write a Federal Resume [6 Easy Steps]

Step #1. start with a trusted format.

There are 3 typical resumes formats you can pick from:

• Reverse-chronological: this one’s the standard and it lists your experiences from most recent to the oldest one.
• Functional . This one doesn’t include work experiences and focuses solely on your skills.
• Combination , a mix of the other 2 formats.

Since you’re making a federal resume, though, you need to go with a reverse-chronological format .

It’s the most common format in the US and is recognized by every single federal recruiter.

• How Long Should a Federal Resume Be?

While a traditional resume is 1-2 pages max , the federal resume provides you with a LOT more freedom.

As we highlighted above, a federal resume includes a lot more detail than the conventional one. So, if you aim for 1-2 pages, you’ll just come off as lazy (and most likely unable to list all the information you need to land the job).

• Which Format Should You Use ForYour Federal Resume?

Unless the job ad specifically asks for a specific format, we recommend you stick to PDF.

A PDF resume maintains its original formatting and will look just like you intended regardless of which computer you open it with.

The same, however, can’t be said for a Word resume format. 

• Should I Use a Federal Resume Template?

Yep - if you use a resume template, your resume is going to be a lot more noticeable and at the same time, easier to create.

You can pick one of our hand-crafted CV templates and get started with yours in minutes!

Step #2. Include a Detailed Contact Information Section

Once you’ve picked your federal resume format, you should create a contact information section at the top of your resume.

That's where you include the typical information you’d put on a standard resume:

• Phone Number
• Email Address

For a federal resume, also include the following essentials:

• Citizenship.
• Mailing Address.
• Highest GS Score. You can find yours here .
• Veterans’ Preference (0, 5, or 10). Find yours here .
• Disability. Learn more about this here .
• Clearance (if any)
• Desired Location (if relevant)

202-555-0101

[email protected]

Citizenship: United States

Desired Job Type: Security Specialist

Highest Federal Pay Grade: GS-10

Desired Location: US, Massachusetts

Step #3. Create an Attention-Grabbing Resume Summary

Federal or not, a resume summary is essential.

Picture this: you’re a hiring manager and you’ve got 1,000 resumes to go through for a single position.

Are you going to 1) go through them in detail , one by one, and read them cover to cover?

Or 2) glance through them , find the ones that are relevant and give them in-depth attention.

You’d probably pick #2 (and so do hiring managers).

This is exactly where the resume summary comes in.

A resume summary is a short, 2-4 sentence paragraph that goes right on top of your resume (under contact information). As the name implies, it’s used to quickly summarize your work experience and give the hiring manager a snapshot of your application.

If you get the resume summary right, then you can rest assured that the hiring manager is going to read your resume start-to-end.

Federal Resume Summary Example

A well-written federal resume summary contains the following information:

• Your title & objective (i.e. the job you’re applying for)
• 2-3 of your most noteworthy achievements or key responsibilities
• 2-3 of your top skills
• Your areas of expertise

Here is a real-life federal resume summary example:

• Maintenance and Management professional with 10+ years of experience seeking the role of a Production Planning Manager. Past experience includes equipment maintenance and repair, policy enforcement, transportation coordination, and more. Seeking a GS-10 to a GS-11 position.

Step #4. List Your Past Work Experiences in Detail

Your work experience section is going to make or break your federal resume.

At the end of the day, this is what hiring managers really care about, while the rest of your resume is supposed to “support” this section.

Creating a convincing work experience section for a federal resume is a 2-parter:

First, you need to make sure that you include all the relevant work experience information.

Then, you need to present your path responsibilities and achievements in the most convincing way possible.

Let us teach you how to do both: 

What to Include in a Federal Resume Work Experience Section

For each entry in your work experience section, start off with the employment information. This includes:

• Employer name
• City & State
• Hours Worked Per Week
• GS Rating (If Relevant)
• Supervisor’s Name
• Supervisor’s Contact Information
• Whether It’s OK to Contact Supervisor

Supervisory Security Specialist

National Nuclear Security Administration

04/2015 - Present

Washington, DC

Pay Grade: GS12

Average Hours Per Week: 40

Supervisor: Michelle Doe (202-555-0180)

Yes, you may contact the supervisor.

Then, in plain text or in bullet points, describe all your responsibilities and achievements right underneath each work experience.

If you had several roles for the same employer, bold out each role and put the corresponding responsibilities and achievements underneath.

Here, It’s important to note that you want to be as detailed as possible, compared to when compiling a conventional resume.

For the latter, you’d list out 4-6 bullets of your top achievements and responsibilities and call it a day. With a federal resume, you need to include more information.

• Oversaw the Office of Defense Nuclear Security (DMS). Handled HR processes including classification, recruitment, training, workforce management, and more. Responsible for developing NNSA policies and guidance, as well providing guidance to NSSA headquarters, NNSA field organizations, and NSSA contract organizations.
• Exceeded sales KPIs by 20% for 3 months in a row
• Responsible for outbound cold calling, doing up to 100+ calls per day.

How to Write a Convincing Work Experience Section

Now, let’s talk about part 2:

How do you effectively communicate your past achievements and responsibilities?

The key here is to be as achievement-focused as possible.

Most job seekers, when writing about their past work experiences, tend to talk about their former responsibilities.

While this is OK (and will land you a job here and there), it doesn’t help you stand out much.

The hiring manager can probably figure out what your past responsibilities were - they’re hiring for your role, after all.

What they’re really interested to learn about you is how you excel compared to the rest of the job-seekers.

So, instead of saying:

• Managed 3 projects from start to finish over the last year.
• Helped implement a cutting-edge project management solution organization-wide, improving employee output by 20% for the year.

Step #5. Add Your Educational History

Next up in the federal resume is your educational history.

This one’s pretty straightforward - all you need to do is mention the following:

• College name
• Type of degree
• # of years attended (or semesters completed)

If specifically requested, you might also need to include the same information for your high school or GED.

Here’s what your education section would look like on your federal resume:

Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service

Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States

08/2014 - 05/2018

• Major: International Relations
• Minor: International Business
• Graduated Magna cum laude

Step #6. Top It Off With Optional Sections

If you have space left on your resume, you can add some of the following common resume sections to help you stand out:

• Awards & Accolades

Certifications

• Professional Associations
• Relevant Training
• Volunteer Experience
• Won first place in the Google Code Jam competition.
• Certification of Professional Achievement in Data Science (2019)
• English - Native
• French - Intermediate

Technical Skills

Federal Job Search Resources

There are a ton of useful internet resources to help you get a job in the federal government. Here are some of our top favorites:

• USA Jobs is the official government portal for federal jobs and careers.
• Learn how, exactly, the US government hires candidates .
• Discover the most in-demand government jobs here .
• If you’re a non-citizen, learn everything there’s to know about government jobs .
• If you’re looking for a job in a specific government agency, you can browse through the options here .
• If you’re a student looking for a government job, go here for entry-level positions .
• If you’ve served in the military, check out FedsHireVets.gov - it contains all the information you need about getting a federal job as a veteran.

And finally, in addition to USA Jobs, you can find federal work on the following websites:

• Careers in Government
• GovtJobs.com
• CareerOneStop
• GovernmentJobs.com

Other Federal Resume & Job Search Tips

At this point, your federal resume should be ready.

But before you go and start your job search, here are some of our top tips to help you succeed in landing your next job!

#1. Tailor Your Federal Resume to the Job

If you’re applying to several different types of jobs, make sure to tailor your resume to each of them.

A very common mistake job seekers make is that they create a single resume for dozens of positions.

This is effective at times, but it very rarely works for the type of job you’d LOVE to have.

So how do you tailor the resume? it’s pretty straightforward. Look up a job you’d like to apply for, and read the responsibilities and skills required in great detail.

Then, cross-reference it with your resume.

In many cases, you’ll see that you DO have a lot of the required experiences , you just didn’t mention them because you didn’t have space, or because you thought other types of experiences were more important.

Now all you have to do is add the relevant information to your resume, and you’re good to go!

#2. Mind the Additional Documents

Federal positions will commonly ask you for additional documents other than your resume.

If you miss one, chances are, you’re going to get disqualified (even if you have the most eye-catching federal resume in the world).

So, carefully read about the job you’re applying for and ensure that you have all the right documents.

Some documents required for federal jobs include:

• Cover letter
• Academic transcripts

#3. Are You Still Struggling? Hire a Federal Resume Expert!

If you’re still struggling with building an effective federal resume, you can always hire an expert to give you a helping hand.

Check out some of the best career coaches in 2024 here.

Federal Resume FAQ

Do you still have some lingering questions on how to build an effective federal resume? We’ll answer them here!

1. What should I include in my federal resume?

In your federal resume, include the following sections:

• Contact information
• Resume summary
• Work experience
• Optional sections like skills, languages, etc.

2. What format should my federal resume follow?

Definitely reverse-chronological.

The other 2 resume formats (functional and combination) are nowhere near as popular and are more likely to ruin your chances to land the job if the hiring manager isn’t familiar with them.

3. Should I include my picture on my federal resume?

No , you should not include a picture in your federal resume .

You should also avoid adding any sensitive personal information (age, date of birth, marital status, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.), as well as links to any websites.

4. How long should my federal resume be?

Your federal resume should be around 4 to 6 pages long, as opposed to the conventional resume which is 1-2 pages.

The reason for this is that federal resumes require a lot more background information about you than the traditional ones.

Key Takeaways

Phew, that was a lot to take in!

Now, let’s recap all the key points we’ve covered about creating a federal resume:

• A federal resume should be 4 to 6 pages long.
• It should be very detailed and include all sorts of essential information, such as GS codes, citizenship, hours worked per week, and more.
• In a federal resume, include the following sections: contact information, resume summary, work experience, education.
• If you have additional space left, you can also add things like volunteering experience, certifications, skills, etc.

Related Resume Examples

• Military Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Career Change Resume

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Federal Resume Samples

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More Sample Federal Resumes:

Two ways to write the outline format federal resume for usajobs – builder and upload both are very successful, readable by hr specialists and managers, about the outline format.

FIRST …. do you need to write your first Federal Resume? Use our easy Federal Resume Builder: click here .

How This Format Was Created

The Resume Place, Inc. and Kathryn Troutman, President and acclaimed author created the Outline Format in 1999. All of our book samples and services feature this format.

Is the Outline Format Recognized by the Federal Government?

YES! This is the Federal Resume format that human resources recruiters like to see. It is easy to read, and they can find the keywords and qualifications EASILY when they are reading hundreds of applications.

What Makes This Outline Format Work?

Writing a federal resume is very different from writing a private industry one. Most federal resumes are 3 to 5 pages long. The challenge is to present large amounts of information in a clear, organized way that is easily scanned by both people and computers. The OUTLINE FORMAT succeeds because both the federal human resources staff or the online application programs can effectively identify that the experience you have meets the desired job qualifications.

Our Federal Resumes Feature Accomplishments!

Write your accomplishment stories with our awesome CCAR Accomplishment Builder !

Check out our free 30-minute Federal Resume Writing Webinars – Especially Writing Your Corporate America Resume and Ten Steps to a Federal Job™.

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Federal resume examples & templates

Choosing the right resume format for the federal government 

Include your contact information, make use of a summary or objective, outline your work experience , include the relevant key skills that make you a great federal employee, detail your education & relevant certifications, pick the right resume layout and design for a federal resume, what type of salary you can expect in federal government.

Getting a federal job with the U.S. government can be a great way to start or continue your career. As with any formal job, the first step is to create an organized, powerful resume to land those high salaries and stable positions. 

State organizations are often famous for their formal requirements and bureaucracy, and there are lots of hurdles to clear. According to the official government website USAjobs.gov : “Whether you’re a current federal employee or new to the Federal Government, your resume is the primary way for you to communicate your education, skills and experience.”

Resume guide for a federal resume

Regardless of the type of federal job you’re targeting, you need an outstanding resume—and Resume.io can help. Our resources include resume examples for over 500 professions, and our resume builder makes it easier than ever to create a winning resume, even with the additional requirements from the government. 

This resume guide and corresponding federal resume example will cover the following:

How to write a federal resume

• Choosing the right resume format for federal jobs
• How to add your contact information
• Using summaries to introduce yourself
• Adding your relevant experience
• Listing education and other credentials
• Picking the right resume design/layout
• What the federal job market looks like and what salary you can expect

Regardless of occupation, this is the framework of elements that all resumes should incorporate:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

However, due to the unique requirements of the federal government, your federal resume will likely include more detail in each of these sections than on a standard corporate resume. 

Even with the federal government, a job application is a way of selling your unique value proposition to your future employer. You can do this in the following ways:

• While a federal resume requires you to list your job duties, you can also highlight accomplishments to give your resume more power. Anyone can list the tasks they were given, but what did you specifically accomplish in your past roles? What value did you bring?
• We recommend tailoring your resume to the specific employer, which you’ll be doing when you create a federal resume. Don’t just send your regular corporate resume; you need to follow the specific federal format.
• Ensure the design and layout of your resume are professional and easy to read. Federal resumes contain a lot of information, so make it easy to find what’s important!
• The federal government receives thousands of resumes, so be sure yours is optimized with the right keywords so it won’t be filtered out by ATS screening software .

Optimize for the ATS

ATS stands for applicant tracking system : a system used by companies, including the government, to collect and manage applications. Some advanced systems use algorithms to help scan and filter resumes based on how well they match the defined criteria.

Resumes that contain the desired keywords and phrases are green-lighted for further review. But when resumes fail the test, a human being may not even bother looking at them. And it turns out the official website for U.S. federal hiring actually addresses this issue under the helpful item “ What should I include in my federal resume? ” They suggest using the right terms to address each qualification from the job posting. 

For example, if a job calls for:

• Military experience
• Bachelor’s degree

You want to make sure those terms are covered on your resume. Putting them into the summary, for instance, could look like this: “Experienced project management professional with military background, bachelor’s degree in business administration, and extensive experience with MS Project.”

Federal jobs require a unique resume format. In fact, they have recommended templates and examples online. At its core, the federal resume is similar to a hybrid resume format . This means your resume opens by displaying your skills and competencies and then moves into your work history, presented in reverse chronological order . This work experience should include employer headings with the company name, job title, and dates worked.

When it comes to design, the best federal resumes use a simple layout that is clean, streamlined, and lacking distractions. 

An eye-pleasing resume header helps you stand out in the crowd of other federal government job contenders. Double your impact by making your resume and cover letter show off your personal brand with identical headers. Most important, the prominent placement of your name and contact information makes it that much easier for interested recruiters to get in touch with an interview invitation. 

Because federal resumes are unique, you might need to incorporate extra information into your header compared to other types of resumes:

• Full name & title . List your first and last name and the title of the job you’re pursuing.
• Professional email address . Use a professional email format like [email protected] .
• Phone number . Add the best phone number for them to call, ensuring you have a professional voicemail greeting set up.
• Location . While on most resumes you list only your city and state , federal resumes require a full address.
• LinkedIn . If your LinkedIn profile is active and relevant, feel free to include it.
• Citizenship status . List whether or not you are a US citizen and, if not, include your visa status.
• Special details . Add details like veteran experience, prior federal experience, or any government clearance you hold.

Don’t include:

• Date of birth : Even though federal resumes require more information, you can leave this off; it could potentially lead to age discrimination .
• Personal details : Marital status, passport number , etc. A social security number may be requested, but if it is not, you can leave it off.

Dave Salius

5004 Ingrid Lane, Washington D.C., 20016, United States

(202) 362-7188

[email protected]

Citizenship: US  

Special Hiring Authority: None 

Federal Experience: Yes, Federal

Clearance: None

You may not be running for office, but like any candidate for a government job, you need to make a clear, strong opening pitch on why you’re the right person to fill it. The resume summary—often referred to as an objective on the federal resume—is the first thing employers will see on your resume after your header.

A simple way to create a federal resume objective is to craft a basic statement including the agency and position you’re targeting. These few sentences are your opportunity to introduce yourself as the best person for the job. 

In general, any resume summary should do more than just reiterate the resume content. Instead, use this space to give an overarching narrative of your experience and qualifications. For example, “Professional statistician with 10 years of experience in expert-level research and data mining, as well as writing and information design skills to present results to the public.” 

Need inspiration for your summary? Check out our related resumes: 

• First selectman resume sample
• Correctional officer resume sample
• Federal resume sample
• City manager resume example
• Bank manager resume example
• Government resume example

You can find adaptable federal resume examples summary below:

Dedicated and hardworking HR professional seeking HR Coordinator role within US Health and Human Services. Strong understanding of HR practices and employment laws. Adept at providing optimal support to executives and officials in need. Committed to integrity and constantly securing the privacy of identities and documents. 

HR Generalist with five years of experience ensuring HR systems adequately support federal agencies in recruiting, hiring, and retaining an excellent and diverse workforce. Adept at providing optimal support to executives and officials in need. Committed to integrity and constantly securing the privacy of identities and documents. Proven track record of facilitating excellent workflow in HR departments. 

Experienced and dedicated HR Manager with over ten years of experience ensuring HR systems adequately support federal agencies in recruiting, hiring, and retaining an excellent and diverse workforce. Adept at providing optimal support to executives and officials in need. Committed to integrity and constantly securing the privacy of identities and documents. Proven track record of facilitating excellent workflow in HR departments.

Your resume's employment history section should list current and previous jobs in reverse chronological order. Like most resumes, you should include the company, title, and dates of employment. However, unlike standard resumes, federal resumes also require you to add the number of hours you worked per week, your level or federal grade, and sometimes your salary.

For example, directly from USAJobs :

Program Analyst GS-343-11 January 2009—Present 40 Hours/Week $63,000/Year

• Experience/Accomplishment

Include at least the last 10 years of experience. Don’t just list job duties (although those are important); make sure to list your specific achievements at each job. Avoid saying “Was responsible for” and use strong action verbs to describe what you actually did. Be as specific as possible, ideally citing any numerical evidence (facts and figures) for your accomplishments (alternatively, share project or team-based achievements). 

As an example, vague, duty-based statements might look like this:

• “Assisted in attracting and retaining workers.”
• “Handled HR procedures.”
• “Helped to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.”
• “Provided optimal administrative support and conducted yearly reviews.”

When you rephrase them to focus more on your specific impact and results , your resume becomes much more compelling:

• “Assisted in attracting and retaining a high performing and diverse workforce, contributing to a 30% increase in retention.”
• “Handled all HR procedures with confidentiality and ethics, leveraging expertise from PHR certification.”
• “Fostered a diverse and inclusive work environment, including execution of three programs that grew employee diversity by 10%”
• “Managed administrative oversight for location, including conducting annual reviews for 15 employees of various levels.”

Take a look at the federal employment history resume sample below:

Federal HR Manager at Federal Government, Washington D.C.  June 2006 - September 2018 

• Assisted in attracting and retaining a high performing and diverse workforce.
• Handled all HR procedures with confidentiality and ethics.
• Helped to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Provided optimal administrative support and conducted yearly reviews.

Your skills section should include a mix of hard and soft skills to paint the full picture of who you are as an employee.

Hard skills include advanced expertise in your field or technical skills like knowledge of specific systems. On the other hand, soft skills like cross-functional collaboration, communication skills , or problem solving talents are important as well. 

Our resume builder offers a myriad of pre-written skills to choose from, along with proficiency ranges you can set. You can also include your own skills.

Here’s what the skills box looks like in our federal resume template. 

• Computer Systems
• Interpersonal Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Positive Work Ethic

However, while a federal resume’s skills section is important, it’s not the only place to show your skill set. Instead, ensure your skills show up throughout your resume—especially in the summary and work history sections. 

For example, you might highlight things like:

• Specific role expertise by describing the knowledge you gained and leveraged in past roles, accomplishments specific to the role at hand, and impacts you’ve made in relevant positions
• Technical skills including any specific systems or software you’ve used. If you’re in a technical role, be sure to list coding languages, databases, or other technologies.
• Interpersonal skills such as leadership experience , cross-functional collaboration, or strong communication skills.

Look to the job description as a guide for what key skills to include.

The federal government hires workers from a broad range of educational backgrounds, from scholars with doctoral degrees to people who never finished high school. Study the requirements of government jobs in your field and make sure you have the required education before you apply. 

In your education section , list your educational credentials in reverse chronological order along with any special certifications in your field. For example:

• Training and certifications . Any courses, workshops, or even webinars that enhance your skills in the job you’re targeting.
• Internships . Include any relevant internships or training programs.
• Professional development . Memberships in related business or trade associations show your interest in your field and desire to continue growing your knowledge.

Be sure to include the name of the institution, your degree or credential, dates attended, and your GPA (if relevant). 

Bachelor of Communications, Georgetown University, Washington D.C.  August 2002 - May 2006 

High School Diploma, St. Rose's High School, Arlington  September 1998 - May 2002

You have likely heard you should keep your resume to one page, but with a federal resume, you should expect to write a longer resume. Don’t get too caught up in the number of pages since a multi-page resume is standard.

Do, however, keep your resume layout and design simple, straightforward, and elegant. Avoid gimmicks, splashy colors , or excessive decoration. Strive for a professional, eye-pleasing look, use a balance of white space and text, and choose a simple font . 

It may feel daunting to write a federal resume, but there are ways to make it easier. Check out our field-tested resume templates and let us handle the heavy lifting. 

Federal text-only resume example

Experienced and dedicated Federal Government HR Manager with over ten years of experience, ensure HR systems support agencies in recruiting, hiring and retaining an excellent and diverse workforce. Adept at providing optimal support to executives and officials in need. Committed to integrity and constantly securing the privacy of identities and documents. Bringing forth a proven track record of facilitating excellent workflow in HR departments. 

Employment history

Federal job market and outlook

Federal jobs remain highly coveted, and with good reason, as they often are some of the most recession-proof opportunities out there (relatively speaking, of course). The federal government is the largest employer in the United States : in 2023, there were 2.95 million employees working for the federal government. 

To a job seeker, these numbers add up to big opportunities. Not only are there lots of jobs, but federal workers generally enjoy exceptional pay and benefits, good hours, and extraordinary job security. Plus, over the long haul, government payrolls are relatively immune to political changes at the top.

• The fastest-growing jobs in the federal government are projected to be statisticians, medical workers, computer and data experts, and analysts.
• However, there is an anticipated decline in overall federal employment, estimated at 2% .
• The locations with the highest average federal salaries are Washington, DC, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. The lowest-paid are Utah, Wyoming, and South Dakota.

Due to the wide variety of federal jobs, the changing number of jobs, and the varying amounts of pay (all of which are moving targets), estimates differ on average salaries for federal employees. The short answer, however, is that the pay is good. 

According to USAFacts.org, the average annual pay for civilian federal workers exceeds $80,000 in all US states. The highest paid professions include medical officers ($269,735 per year), securities compliance examiners ($210,689), dental officers ($202,333), administrative law judges ($192,546), and ship pilots ($183,500). 

Key takeaways for building a federal resume

There are millions of federal jobs with excellent pay, benefits and job security, and the job outlook for this sector is fairly secure. For anyone seeking federal employment, building an outstanding resume is a crucial first step. Make sure each resume you send out is custom-built to specifically address the requirements of the job you’re seeking.

Spend some time with our online resume builder at Resume.io, choose one of our professional templates, and start crafting a bulletproof resume today. The jobs are there—all they’re waiting for is you.

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

• Federal Resume Example

Resume Examples

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Common Responsibilities Listed on Federal Resumes:

• Conduct research and analysis on federal policies and programs to provide recommendations and guidance to senior officials.
• Develop and implement strategic plans and initiatives to support the agency's mission and goals.
• Manage and oversee the budget and financial resources of the agency, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and guidelines.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other federal agencies, stakeholders, and partners to promote interagency cooperation and achieve common objectives.
• Draft and review reports, memos, and briefing materials for senior officials, providing accurate and timely information on key issues and developments.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of federal programs and initiatives, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes.
• Represent the agency in meetings, conferences, and public events, advocating for the agency's interests and promoting its mission and objectives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including Congress, industry representatives, and advocacy groups, to gather input and support for agency initiatives.
• Lead and manage teams of staff members, providing guidance, mentoring, and support to ensure the successful completion of projects and tasks.
• Stay informed about current trends, best practices, and emerging issues in the federal sector, attending conferences and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external audiences, effectively communicating complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ensure compliance with federal laws, regulations, and policies, conducting audits and reviews to identify and address any potential issues or violations.

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Federal Resume Example:

• Conducted in-depth research and analysis on federal policies and programs, providing senior officials with actionable recommendations that resulted in a 15% increase in program effectiveness and cost savings of $1 million.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive strategic plan to align agency initiatives with organizational goals, resulting in a 10% improvement in mission performance and recognition from senior leadership for exceptional strategic leadership.
• Led a cross-agency collaboration effort, fostering interagency cooperation and achieving common objectives, which led to the successful implementation of a joint program resulting in a 25% increase in program impact and visibility.
• Managed and oversaw a multi-million dollar budget, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and guidelines, resulting in zero audit findings and recognition from auditors for exemplary financial management.
• Coordinated and collaborated with federal agencies, stakeholders, and partners to promote interagency cooperation, resulting in the successful implementation of a joint initiative that received national recognition and increased program impact by 20%.
• Drafted and reviewed reports, memos, and briefing materials for senior officials, providing accurate and timely information on key issues and developments, resulting in informed decision-making and improved communication with stakeholders.
• Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including Congress, industry representatives, and advocacy groups, resulting in increased support for agency initiatives and successful advocacy for increased funding by 15%.
• Led and managed a high-performing team of staff members, providing guidance and support, resulting in a 20% improvement in team productivity and recognition from senior leadership for exceptional leadership skills.
• Stayed informed about current trends and emerging issues in the federal sector, attending conferences and professional development opportunities, resulting in the implementation of innovative strategies that improved program outcomes by 10% and received national recognition.
• Strategic Planning
• Policy Analysis
• Budget Management
• Interagency Collaboration
• Report Writing
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Team Leadership
• Knowledge of Federal Regulations
• Financial Management
• Program Development and Implementation
• Research and Analysis
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Project Management
• Negotiation Skills
• Decision-Making Skills
• Performance Management
• Knowledge of Current Trends in Federal Sector
• Advocacy Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Conflict Resolution Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Attention to Detail
• Public Speaking Skills
• Relationship Building Skills
• Change Management Skills
• Risk Management Skills

Top Skills & Keywords for Federal Resumes:

Hard skills.

• Policy Analysis and Development
• Budgeting and Financial Management
• Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement
• Regulatory Compliance
• Contract Management
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation
• Legislative and Legal Research
• Security Clearance and Classified Information Handling
• Crisis Management and Emergency Response
• Interagency Coordination and Collaboration

Soft Skills

• Leadership and Team Management
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Coordination
• Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
• Time Management and Prioritization
• Decision Making and Strategic Planning
• Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
• Analytical Thinking and Data Analysis
• Attention to Detail and Accuracy
• Integrity and Ethical Behavior
• Interpersonal Skills and Relationship Building

Resume Action Verbs for Federals:

• Implemented
• Collaborated
• Coordinated
• Facilitated
• Streamlined
• Investigated
• Communicated
• Strategized

A Better Way to Build Your Resume

Resume FAQs for Federals:

How long should i make my federal resume, what is the best way to format a federal resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a federal resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a federal, compare your federal resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Federal job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Federals:

• • Developed a robust network of highly qualified professionals resulting in a 20% increase in client satisfaction.
• • Formulated strategic recruitment initiatives aligning with company goals, resulting in a 15% reduction in time-to-hire.
• • Managed a portfolio of 30+ client accounts, efficiently addressing and resolving issues to maintain strong professional relationships.
• • Devised a targeted outreach program which attracted top-tier talent from diverse backgrounds, enhancing the company's reputation for inclusive hiring.
• • Utilized advanced analytics to monitor recruitment KPIs, making data-driven decisions that improved the efficiency by 18%.
• • Spearheaded a company-wide training on cultural competency, significantly improving team collaboration and cross-cultural communication.
• • Led a team of 8 recruiters, achieving a record-high placement rate of 95% for our IT sector clientele.
• • Designed recruitment campaigns for specialized IT roles, which increased the quality of applicants by 25% within 6 months.
• • Introduced a CRM system for tracking candidate interactions, which reduced administrative workload by 30%.
• • Negotiated with third-party vendors to streamline the background check process, improving turnaround time by 40%.
• • Organized and attended 15+ industry networking events per year to maintain high visibility and attract top talent.
• • Implemented a new applicant tracking system, increasing recruitment efficiency by 20%.
• • Fulfilled 100% of the recruitment targets for two consecutive years by proactively identifying and engaging with potential candidates.
• • Collaborated with department heads to forecast hiring needs, resulting in a more streamlined recruitment process.
• • Conducted comprehensive market research to align salary offers with industry standards, improving offer acceptance rates by 10%.

5 Federal Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your federal resume must showcase your work experience with precision and clarity. Ensure it aligns perfectly with the job announcement's requirements. Demonstrate measurable achievements that reflect your expertise relevant to the position applied for. Tailor your qualifications to the federal standards and utilize the appropriate keywords.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

One specific resume challenge faced by federal job applicants is tailoring their experience to match the strict and detailed qualifications outlined by government positions. Our guide provides step-by-step instructions and examples to help you fine-tune your resume, ensuring it resonates with federal hiring protocols and boosts your chances of selection.

• Which sections do you need to include in your resume to meet recruiters' requirements;
• How to write your federal resume experience section - even if you have don't have little to no work experience;
• Real-life professional examples to guide you how to write the most important federal resume sections;
• Adding even more sections so your federal resume stands out with professionalism and your personality.

We've also selected some of the best (and most relevant) resume guides for the federal role you're applying for:

• Grant Writer Resume Example
• Government Resume Example
• Canvasser Resume Example
• Regulatory Affairs Resume Example
• Policy Analyst Resume Example
• Military Resume Example

Optimize your federal resume format to pass the recruiters' assessment

What recruiters are looking for is systematised content that is clear and coherent. Thus, your federal resume needs to answer requirements and why you're the best candidate for the role from the get-go.

• Sorting your experience in the reverse chronological order - starting with your most recent and relevant roles. This is an excellent choice for more experienced professionals;
• Writing your contact information (e.g. personal phone number and email address ) and your portfolio or LinkedIn link in your federal resume header. If you're wondering to include a photo or not, always make sure that it's appropriate for the country you're applying in;
• Use the basic, most important federal resume sections - your experience, education, summary, etc. Use your resume's real estate wisely to tell a compelling, professional story and match job description's keywords;
• Don't go overboard with the length of your resume. One page is absolutely fine if you happen to have under a decade of relevant experience.

Are you still wondering if you should submit your federal resume in PDF or Word format ? The PDF has a few more advantages, as it doesn't change the format and the text can't be altered upon application.

Format matters most when your federal resume is assessed by the Applicant Tracker System (or the ATS).

The ATS parses resumes, looking for specific keywords, skills or experience that match the job description.

P.S. We recently did a study on how the ATS works and were able to demystify three of the biggest misconceptions about how it assesses candidate resumes.

To pass the ATS evaluation, select any of the serif or sans-serif fonts. Popular choices that would help your federal resume stand out include Raleway, Exo 2, Montserrat, etc.

Most traditionalists go for Arial or Times New Roman, but it's often the case that many candidates choose these fonts, and you'd thus lose points on the uniqueness front.

Upload & Check Your Resume

Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

Mention specific courses or projects that are pertinent to the job you're applying for.

Traditional sections, appreciated by recruiters, for your federal resume:

• Clear and concise header with relevant links and contact details
• Summary or objective with precise snapshot of our career highlights and why you're a suitable candidate for the federal role
• Experience that goes into the nuts and bolts of your professional qualifications and success
• Skills section(-s) for more in-depth talent-alignment between job keywords and your own profile
• Education and certifications sections to further show your commitment for growth in the specific niche

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Professional experience directly related to the specific position being applied for, including job duties and accomplishments.
• Evidence of specialized experience required for the position, including years of experience and level of responsibility.
• Clear demonstration of key skills and competencies relevant to the federal role, such as problem-solving, communication, and leadership abilities.
• Understanding of federal employment eligibility and citizenship requirements for the specific job title.
• Relevant educational background and certifications necessary for the position, along with any continuing education undertaken.

Guide to your most impressive federal resume experience section

When it comes to your resume experience , stick to these simple, yet effective five steps:

• Show how your experience is relevant by including your responsibility, skill used, and outcome/-s;
• Use individual bullets to answer how your experience aligns with the job requirements;
• Think of a way to demonstrate the tangible results of your success with stats, numbers, and/or percentages ;
• Always tailor the experience section to the federal role you're applying for - this may sometimes include taking out irrelevant experience items;
• Highlight your best (and most relevant) achievements towards the top of each experience bullet.

You're not alone if you're struggling with curating your experience section. That's why we've prepared some professional, real-life federal resume samples to show how to best write your experience section (and more).

• Successfully orchestrated the implementation of federal compliance regulations across 15 departments, ensuring adherence to government standards.
• Oversaw federal contract negotiations, resulting in a 20% increase in operational efficiency and a 10% reduction in costs.
• Directed a team of 30 federal program analysts, achieving a record-high employee satisfaction rate of 85%.
• Managed a portfolio of federal IT projects with a combined budget of $125 million, delivering all projects on time and under budget.
• Implemented innovative cybersecurity practices that decreased security breaches by 40% within one fiscal year.
• Developed and maintained strategic partnerships with key industry stakeholders, improving the agency's public-private collaboration efforts.
• Executed the federal procurement process for technology upgrades, efficiently managing contracts worth $95 million.
• Led cross-functional teams in the delivery of critical infrastructure projects, improving nationwide federal services.
• Championed the adoption of green technologies in federal buildings, cutting energy costs by 25% over 4 years.
• Facilitated federal audit procedures, significantly reducing findings by 60% through detailed risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Curated and streamlined internal control systems for federal programs that boosted operational transparency.
• Pioneered a departmental restructure that enhanced workflow efficiency by 15%, aligning more closely with federal objectives.
• Developed federal grant proposals that secured over $50 million in funding for community development projects.
• Cultivated a comprehensive training program for grant management that increased staff competency by 30%.
• Coordinated with multiple federal agencies to align project outcomes with national priorities.
• Efficiently managed a federal program budget exceeding $30 million, optimizing resource allocation to meet program goals.
• Innovated data-driven decision-making processes that improved program performance metrics by 20%.
• Fostered collaborative relationships with state and local governments, enhancing the implementation of federal programs at those levels.
• Initiated and led a strategic analysis for federal health initiatives, influencing policy that affected over 3 million beneficiaries.
• Deployed agile methodologies in federal program development, reducing time to market by 25%.
• Negotiated with healthcare providers to incorporate cost-saving measures that saved the federal program $10 million annually.
• Led a team responsible for developing federal cybersecurity policy, enhancing national security posture against emerging threats.
• Conducted comprehensive reviews of federal information systems, leading to the identification and remediation of critical vulnerabilities.
• Collaborated with private sector leaders to incorporate cutting-edge technology and practices into federal cybersecurity strategies.
• Oversaw federal energy programs, introducing sustainable practices that resulted in a 10% annual decrease in carbon emissions.
• Managed stakeholder engagements that informed the development of federal energy efficiency standards.
• Identified funding opportunities and authored proposals that secured $75 million for renewable energy projects.
• Analyzed and interpreted federal legislation to provide strategic guidance to senior management, ensuring compliance across the organization.
• Led a cross-agency initiative to digitize records management, improving access to information for federal employees and the public.
• Coordinated an inter-departmental task force that successfully integrated innovative data analytics techniques into federal reporting systems.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the exact number of team members you've led or projects you've managed to demonstrate leadership and management skills.
• Specify the percentage by which you increased efficiency or productivity in a previous role to showcase process improvements.
• Highlight the dollar amount of the budget you've managed to illustrate financial responsibility and strategy.
• Present the numerical figures of sales growth or revenue increase to exhibit your contribution to business growth.
• Detail the number of training sessions conducted or participants trained to underline your mentoring capabilities.
• State the exact number of reports you've designed or databases managed to show your technical proficiency.
• Mention the quantifiable scale of events or campaigns you've organized to demonstrate your planning skills.
• Report the measurable reduction in costs or expenses from initiatives you've implemented to highlight your cost-saving efforts.

Action verbs for your federal resume

No experience, no problem: writing your federal resume

You're quite set on the federal role of your dreams and think your application may add further value to your potential employers. Yet, you have no work experience . Here's how you can curate your resume to substitute your lack of experience:

• Don't list every single role you've had so far, but focus on ones that would align with the job you're applying for
• Include any valid experience in the field - whether it's at research or intern level
• Highlight the soft skills you'd bring about - those personality traits that have an added value to your application
• Focus on your education and certifications, if they make sense for the role.

Recommended reads:

• How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume
• Perfecting the Education Section on Your Resume

If you failed to obtain one of the certificates, as listed in the requirements, but decide to include it on your resume, make sure to include a note somewhere that you have the "relevant training, but are planning to re-take the exams". Support this statement with the actual date you're planning to be re-examined. Always be honest on your resume.

Balancing hard and soft skills in your federal resume

Recruiters indeed pay close attention to the specific hard and soft skills candidates possess. Hard skills refer to technical abilities or your proficiency in technologies, while soft skills are the personal attributes and qualities developed over your lifetime.

If you're unsure about effectively quantifying these skills on your resume, follow our step-by-step guide. It's crucial to first understand the key job requirements for the role. Doing so enables you to accurately list your:

• Hard skills in sections like skills, education, and certifications. Your technical expertise is straightforward to quantify. Most organizations find it sufficient to mention the certificates you've earned, along with your proficiency level.
• Soft skills within your experience, achievements, strengths, etc. Defining interpersonal communication traits in your resume can be challenging. Focus on showcasing the accomplishments you've achieved through these skills.

Remember, when tailoring your federal resume, ensure that the skills you list match exactly with those in the job requirements. For instance, if the job listing specifies "Microsoft Word," include this exact term rather than just "Word" or "MSO."

Top skills for your federal resume:

Regulatory Compliance

Policy Analysis

Legal Research

Public Administration

Data Analysis

Budgeting and Finance

Grant Writing

Project Management

Government Procurement

Information Security

Communication

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Organization

Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Time Management

The more trusted the organization you've attained your certificate (or degree) from, the more credible your skill set would be.

How to include your education and certifications on your resume

We're taking you back to your college days with this part of our guide, but including your relevant higher education is quite important for your resume.

Your degree shows recruiters your dedication to the industry, your recent and relevant know-how, and some form of experience in the field.

Your federal resume education should:

• Include your applicable degrees, college (-s) you've graduated from, as well as start and end dates of your higher education;
• Skip your high school diploma. If you still haven't graduated with your degree, list that your higher education is ongoing ;
• Feature any postgraduate diplomas in your resume header or summary - this is the perfect space to spotlight your relevant MBA degree ;
• Showcase any relevant coursework , if you happen to have less professional experience and think this would support your case in being the best candidate for the role.

As far as your job-specific certificates are concerned - choose up to several of the most recent ones that match the job profile, and include them in a dedicated section.

We've saved you some time by selecting the most prominent industry certificates below.

The top 5 certifications for your federal resume:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) - International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)²
• Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer's Representatives (FAC-COR) - Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI)
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) - Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) - Microsoft

List all your relevant higher education degrees within your resume in reverse chronological order (starting with the latest). There are cases when your PhD in a particular field could help you stand apart from other candidates.

• How to List Expected Graduation Date on Your Resume

Professional summary or objective for your federal resume

federal candidates sometimes get confused between the difference of a resume summary and a resume objective.

Which one should you be using?

Remember that the:

• Resume objective has more to do with your dreams and goals for your career. Within it, you have the opportunity to showcase to recruiters why your application is an important one and, at the same time, help them imagine what your impact on the role, team, and company would be.
• Resume summary should recount key achievements, tailored for the role, through your career. Allowing recruiters to quickly scan and understand the breadth of your federal expertise.

The resume objectives are always an excellent choice for candidates starting off their career, while the resume summary is more fitting for experienced candidates.

No matter if you chose a summary or objective, get some extra inspiration from real-world professional federal resumes:

Resume summaries for a federal job

• Seasoned Financial Analyst with over 12 years of experience, proficient in using advanced Excel features and ERP software. Spearheaded a budget reduction initiative that trimmed departmental expenses by 30%, significantly impacting the bottom line. Motivated by challenges in high-stakes fiscal environments and adept at long-term strategic financial planning.
• Experienced IT Project Manager who has successfully led complex cybersecurity infrastructure overhauls for a large federal agency over the past 10 years. Recognized for exceptional leadership in managing cross-functional teams and implementing state-of-the-art IT solutions that increased system reliability by 40%.
• Dedicated secondary education teacher transitioning to the Information Technology sector, bringing a unique perspective from 8 years of developing analytical thinking in young minds. Competent in foundational IT concepts and coding languages such as Python and Java, eager to apply educational techniques to foster technological advancement in government operations.
• Accomplished Mechanical Engineer with a decade’s experience in the aerospace industry, pursuing a new direction in Environmental Science. Holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Engineering and actively volunteers with conservation groups. Committed to contributing technical expertise to develop environmentally sustainable practices within federal programs.
• Aspiring to leverage my exceptional organizational skills and passionate commitment to public service, I aim to embark on a career in government administration. While my background is in community volunteer coordination, I'm keen to bring my 5 years of experience in fostering community relationships to support federal initiatives and programs.
• Eager to contribute a fresh and innovative mindset to the advancement of federal healthcare initiatives. With a background in public health education and a strong belief in the value of community wellness programs, I am determined to apply my skills and newfound knowledge to support the delivery of quality healthcare services.

Taking your federal resume to the next level with these four additional resume sections

Your federal resume can feature a variety of skills (both hard and soft) in diverse sections . Choose those that align best with the job requirements and reflect your suitability for the company culture.

Consider these four additional resume sections recommended by our experts:

• Languages - State any languages you are proficient in and your level of proficiency. This demonstrates your commitment to communication and potential for international growth.
• Projects - Highlight up to three significant projects you've completed outside of work, showcasing skill development. Include a link to your project portfolio in the federal resume header, if applicable.
• My Time - How you allocate your time outside work can indicate your organizational skills and cultural fit within the company.
• Volunteering - Detail causes you're passionate about, roles you've held, and achievements in volunteering. Such experiences likely have honed a range of soft skills crucial for your dream job.

Key takeaways

Writing your federal resume can be a structured and simple experience, once you better understand the organization's requirements for the role you're applying to. To sum up, we'd like to remind you to:

• Always select which experiences, skills, and achievements to feature on your resume based on relevancy to the role;
• In your resume summary, ensure you've cherry-picked your top achievements and matched them with the job ad's skills;
• Submit your federal resume as a one or two-page long document at the most, in a PDF format;
• Select industry leading certifications and list your higher education to highlight you have the basis for technical know-how;
• Quantify your people's skills through various resume sections (e.g. Strengths, Hobbies and interests, etc.) to show recruiters how your profile aligns with the organizational culture.

Looking to build your own Federal resume?

• Resume Examples

The Stay-At-Home Parent Resume: Transferable Skills & Getting Your Career Back on Track

How to make resume margins the right size, getting hired in the blockchain and cryptocurrency world, resume critique like a pro: 11 steps walkthrough, how to use freelance work to add value to your resume, should i mention lack of experience in cover letter.

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6 Federal Resume Examples for 2024

Writing a federal resume requires specific details. This article shares examples of effective resumes and essential advice. Learn how to highlight your experience, use the right keywords, and follow the correct format. Our insights come from experienced hiring managers and real-life success stories. Focus on how to meet federal job requirements and improve your chances of getting hired.

• 21 Aug 2024 - 5 new sections, including 'Position education smartly', added
• 21 Aug 2024 - 5 new resume templates, including Federal Aspirant (Varied Experience), added
• 19 Aug 2024 - Article published

  Next update scheduled for 29 Aug 2024

Here's what we see in the best federal resumes.

Show Impact With Numbers : The best resumes show impact by using numbers. Metrics common in this field include budget management , project completions , compliance rates , and efficiency improvements .

Include Relevant Skills : Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are policy analysis , program evaluation , data analysis , government regulations , and contract management . But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

Tailor For Senior Vs. Junior Roles : For senior roles, focus on leadership in projects . For junior roles, focus on supporting team tasks and learning initiatives .

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Federal Resume Sample

Find out how good your resume is.

ummm here it is

Get your federal resume scored

Want to know if your resume stands out for federal jobs? Our resume scoring tool gives you instant feedback on how well your resume meets federal hiring standards. You'll get a clear score and specific tips to improve your chances of getting noticed by government recruiters.

Upload your resume now for an unbiased assessment. This free tool will show you exactly what to change to make your federal resume stronger and more competitive.

Position education smartly

For your federal job pursuits, strategy in organizing your resume is vital. Place your most relevant schooling near the top. If you just finished a major educational feat, like a master's degree, put that before your work history. This shows you are up-to-date with recent academic advances that can aid your work performance.

Junior Federal Program Coordinator Resume Sample

Keyword usage.

Make sure to include keywords from the federal job posting in your resume. This can improve your chances of passing through applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Review the job description carefully and match your qualifications and experience with the required skills and duties listed.

Senior Federal Program Manager Resume Sample

Ideal resume length.

Your resume should be easy to read and not too long. If you have less than 10 years of work experience, aim to keep your resume to one page. This shows you can prioritize important information. Focus on recent and relevant job roles and skills. If you have more experience, especially in senior roles, a two-page resume is okay. Put your strongest points on the first page as hiring managers may not read every word.

When you write your federal resume, remember length is not a sign of how strong your skills and experiences are. Keep the layout simple and clean. Use good spacing and a sizeable font. If the resume is becoming too long, it is better to cut less important things than to shrink the text to fit everything in. This is how you show you understand what details matter most for the jobs you are applying for.

Federal IT Specialist Resume Sample

Format and presentation.

Federal resumes often have more detailed requirements than standard resumes. Ensure your resume includes sections for job titles, dates, and specific duties and accomplishments for each role.

Use a clear, professional format and avoid using graphics or images that may not be compatible with government hiring systems.

Federal Aspirant (Varied Experience) Resume Sample

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Resume sample #1, resume sample #2, junior federal program coordinator, resume sample #3, senior federal program manager, resume sample #4, federal it specialist, resume sample #5, federal aspirant (varied experience), resume sample #6, additional resources, questions get in touch.

• Federal Resume Templates
• Federal Resume Guide

Do You Need an Eye-Catching Resume That Quickly Communicates Your Skills and Qualifications?

Examples of federal resumes will provide guidance that increases your chances of landing an interview. The following samples of federal resumes display proper formats that will meet the standards of government job recruiters. 

When you study resume samples for federal government jobs, look for ones geared toward your career field and the government department where you’re seeking work. Government agencies perform thousands of different functions, and you’ll want a federal government resume template download that highlights the topics pertinent to the job that you want.

You’ll need to tailor a resume so that it fits the posted job requirements. A resume that addresses the needs of government hiring managers will help them satisfy their administrative guidelines for screening candidates. 

In these examples of a federal resume, you’ll note that it focuses on professional accomplishments, education, and training. Simple lists of job duties lack the impact of strong statements about your successes and capabilities.

You don’t have to confine your federal resume to a single page either if you need more space. A long resume is not necessarily a detriment when applying for a government job, unlike in the private sector that generally prefers single-page resumes. 

Government Resume Template

Federal resume templates simplify the process because you can focus on describing your job qualifications instead of sweating every detail of the document’s format. When filling in a free federal resume template, select statements that stress your talent for managing details and multitasking. Your statements should also convey strong knowledge of the government regulations applicable to the job opening. 

You’ll have to consider your personal background when looking for the right federal government resume template download.

• A military veteran seeking a civilian job should study examples of federal resumes that explain how military duties translate into civilian job requirements.
• A civilian professional looking to switch from the private sector to the government sector should seek inspiration from resume samples that describe service for a public mission.

Federal Government Resume Example

As you look at each example of a federal resume, note how action-oriented verbs dominate the language. This is a powerful technique for attracting attention to your career accomplishments and unique qualities. Don’t hesitate to include statements that highlight critical values, like your integrity and honesty. 

Describe your greatest accomplishments first when organizing your work history. Use as many specific details as you can, like:

“Managed 20 volunteer teams during a fundraising event that exceeded goals by 58%.”

Many sample federal resumes clearly show how to present your experience and education effectively. 

Proper paperwork is essential to the functioning of federal agencies, and job applications are no exception. To connect with hiring managers who can advance your career, you need to base your resume strategy on proven resume samples for federal government jobs.

These government resume samples will allow you to write a resume that helps you stand out from other candidates. Although a free federal resume template is not hard to come by, keep in mind that you can hire a professional government resume writer when you need extra assistance with the task. 

No matter how professional, efficient, and effective your firefighting protection competencies are. You won’t be able to get employed without showing off your reliability to an employer.  We’ll do our best to explore what looks good on a firefighter resume, and provide the best firefighter resume examples with detailed descriptions for each element.  Creating a Perfect Firefighter Resume Objective The

Overall, the role of paralegals lies in assisting attorneys and law firms in preparations for court cases, dealing with witness interviewing, drafting trial notes, consulting and guiding clients, and so on. Whether you are in the category of entry-level, mid-level, or senior candidates and wonder how to create one of those excellent paralegal resume samples individually, you’ve come to the

Work in the field of law is always considered prestigious. However, if earlier this profession was not so accessible, today, almost every second university in the country graduates legal specialists. Therefore, competition among lawyers is growing exponentially.  For the last few years, a well-written resume for attorney began to play the most critical role in the selection of candidates for

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An entry-level resume of any specialty is always complicated to write. The main challenge is to describe short work experience as advantageously as possible. Nowadays, recruiters are full of those who are seeking work. They are looking through hundreds of resumes per day, so it is almost impossible to surprise them. Anyway, you shouldn’t surprise anyone with an entry level

These examples of military resumes will allow you to overcome mental roadblocks to writing your resume. The resumes possess similar sections, particularly summary, work experience, skills, and education. Except for starting with the summary, you can place other sections in the order that makes the most sense for your situation. Don’t try to compose your resume completely from the beginning.

After years of military life, you might find it difficult to explain your job qualifications to civilians. The military resume examples for civilian jobs presented here offer clear guidance for translating military skills into a civilian style. Writing a resume isn’t easy for anyone, but veterans have to overcome extra hurdles. The jargon and acronyms that you’re familiar with might

Salary negotiation letters should avoid being longer than one page unless someone has an extraordinary list of credentials to highlight. A short letter that quickly makes its point will show respect for the hiring manager’s time and ensure effective communication.  Templates for salary negotiation letters all follow a standard format. At the top, the job applicant enters contact information. This

The FBI has developed a specific resume template for people who want to become FBI special agents. Job postings for these positions will include access to the FBI federal resume template. Applicants must complete every section on the template with the exception of the Military Experience section, which is only necessary for veterans. The template sections are: Summary Statement Professional

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