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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.

Before you get started

Read the entire job announcement. Focus on the following sections to understand whether or not you qualify for the position. This critical information is found under:

  • Duties and Qualifications
  • How to Apply (including a preview of the assessment questionnaire, if applicable)
  • How You Will be Evaluated

Make sure you have the required experience and/or 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 period of time. You 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

Don't forget to add current contact information. Most job applications require this information:

  • 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 you list, make sure you include:

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

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

  • Experience/Accomplishment

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 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.

More resume writing tips

Customize your resume.

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.

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 your resume to make it easy to understand

You need to organize your resume to help agencies evaluate your experience. If you don't provide the information required for the hiring agency to determine your qualifications, you might not be considered for the job.

  • Use reverse chronological order to list your experience—start with your most recent experience first and work your way back.
  • 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 particular skill.
  • 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.

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?

Review your resume before you apply

Check your resume for spelling and grammatical errors and have someone else, with a good eye for detail, review your resume.

Important facts about the federal hiring process

  • The federal government does have a standard job application. Your resume is your application.
  • 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 verify 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 .

Additional resources

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

Still need help?

Get the Reddit app

This subreddit is for all those interested in working for the United States federal government. Since the application process itself is often nothing short of herculean and time-consuming to boot, this place is meant to serve as a talking ground to answer questions, better improve applications, and increase one's chance of being 'Referred'. This subreddit is not affiliated, sponsored, or in any way supported by the US Federal Government.

Federal Resume Writing Guide

This might have already been posted, but I wanted to post this resume writing guide. I used this guide, and similar guides from other agencies, to write my resume and I’ve been getting referrals and interviews. It’s kind of outdated but still a good resource for the examples. And to think I was considering paying someone hundreds of dollars to do it. I hope this helps someone!

https://www.archives.gov/files/careers/jobs/forms/resume-guide.pdf

Edit: This one helped me the most. Take this with a grain of salt as some of the information might not work for you but it’s a good starting point.

https://www.jobs.irs.gov/sites/default/files/wysiwyg-uploads/files/Resume%20Tips(2).pdf

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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.

FederalJobs.net

  • Job Outlook
  • Education Requirements
  • General Schedule
  • Qualifications
  • Job Hunters Checklist
  • Federal Employee Info
  • Agency Listings
  • Job Listings
  • Resume Services
  • Federal Executive Boards
  • FAQ’s
  • Resume Preparation
  • Agency Links
  • Job Hunter’s Checklist
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  • Law Enforcement Jobs
  • Cybersecurity
  • Healthcare Jobs
  • Jobs for the Disabled
  • Student Employment
  • Jobs By Occupation
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  • Introduction
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  • Border Patrol
  • Investigative Group
  • Police & Corrections
  • Employment Options
  • Postal Exams
  • Postal Clerks
  • Getting Started
  • Required Info
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  • Job Interviews
  • Veterans Preference
  • Mandatory Testing
  • Clerical Test
  • 473 / 473E Exam
  • Available Jobs
  • Job Locations
  • Student Loan Payoff
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  • Keys To Getting Hired
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usajobs resume writing tips

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.

Federal Job Resume

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

Federal Resume Tips

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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How to Write a Federal Resume and Apply for a Federal Job

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Customers Interviewed by:

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The US federal government employs over 2 million people, not even counting military service branches. Federal jobs are highly contested thanks to great benefits, role longevity, and social importance. While USAJobs , the prime job board for federal jobs, is a great place to find opportunities, applying for federal jobs and writing a federal resume can be confusing, overwhelming, and counter-intuitive to those job seekers who have only applied in the private sector.

We spoke with federal resume experts for their insights to help first-time federal applicants learn to understand a job vacancy announcement, how to write a federal resume , how to apply through USAJobs, and what to expect from the lengthy federal job application process:

  • Lex Levin of Lex Levin LLC
  • Nancy Segal of Solutions for the Workplace
  • Karol Taylor, co-author of Find Your Federal Job Fit
  • What the government wants
  • Federal job descriptions vs private sector JDs
  • The Occupational Questionnaire
  • Federal resumes vs private sector resumes
  • Writing your federal resume
  • Federal resume tips

The Government wants demonstrated experience

For federal jobs, experience trumps almost everything. Hiring agencies aren’t interested in potential, or as Segal says, “It’s not about your journey. You should have already arrived.” Federal HR wants to see proven success, role mastery, and expertise.

The entire federal job application process is about demonstrating that you are the ideal candidate by showing your experience and success. Experience even outweighs education for most jobs unless an applicant’s education is part of the value proposition, such as scientist or mathematician jobs.

Federal HR will not make any assumptions about your resume. Even things that seem very straightforward need to be explicitly spelled out. Federal hiring practices are highly regulated, so federal HR personnel can’t make those assumptions. Every assumption could risk an EEO complaint or even a call from Congress.

As Segal puts it, “From a federal perspective, if it’s not on the resume, you didn’t do it.”

How is a federal job description different?

When a job is posted on USAJobs, it’s called a ‘job vacancy announcement’ (JVA). This job description contains far more than the basic list of responsibilities and requirements of a private sector job description.

federal resume guide - federal job vacancy announcement compared to job description from Monster.com

Segal recommends spending at least an hour thoroughly reading through the JVA. Understanding the JVA is key to structuring your resume to not just fit the job but to also demonstrate how you’re perfectly qualified.

You should use the same language that appears on the JVA on your resume to draw those lines even more clearly. Jobscan helps automate this process to make it go faster, letting you identify the most important keywords and skills.

Important sections of the JVA

Who may apply.

Not all JVAs will have this section, but make sure you fit the specifications if you see this section. These specifications usually involve citizenship, protected groups, etc.

How to Apply

Pay close attention to this section. Some jobs will require you to apply through the USAJobs resume builder.

Agency Contact Information

Segal advises that if you have further questions, pick up the phone and call the agency. Taylor explains, “The best times to call an agency are at 8:30 AM, 11:30 AM, and 4:30 PM EST. To really connect with agency employees, you have to target times when they aren’t as busy – first thing in the morning, right after lunch, and just before they head home.”

federal resume guide - screenshot of the Job family (series) section of a federal JVA

Score at least 70 on the Occupational Questionnaire

Many federal applications include a very important step called an occupational questionnaire . This questionnaire requires you rate to your knowledge, skills, and abilities that are relevant to the job you’re applying for.

While federal resumes are reviewed by humans, the questionnaire is scored by computers. If you don’t score high enough based on your questionnaire, your resume will end up in the ‘no’ pile before anyone has even seen it. A high score (70 at minimum) on the occupational questionnaire is the best way to ensure that a human will see your resume and review it.

However, don’t take that as a reason to lie or exaggerate your self-ranking. If you don’t feel like you can score yourself highly for each question, it’s a good indication the job isn’t a good fit for you. The occupational questionnaire is a likert scale, starting at A and going to the highest ranking of E.

Levin describes how occupational questionnaire questions are valuable to the job seeker: “If you’re looking at the questions and your stomach is sinking because you realize you’re not able to answer most of them at the E level, that should tell you that the job is not a good fit for you.”

Segal adds: “If you do not have what they are looking for, don’t bother to apply, because you’re unlikely to get any traction.”

The occupational questionnaire gives you even more understanding of what the hiring agency is specifically looking for in the role. Take the opportunity to prove your expertise not just by rating yourself E, but by demonstrating how you used the skill to succeed.

What’s the difference between a federal and a non-federal resume?

Writing a resume to apply for a job in the federal government is extremely different from applying in the private sector. Federal HR may look for some of the same things that a private sector recruiter will, but their perspective is completely different.

Taylor likes to tell her clients, “Leave everything you know about resumes at the door.”

How long should a federal resume be?

Federal resumes are much longer than a standard private sector resume. Federal resumes usually range from 6 to 8 pages depending on the applicant’s level of experience and the seniority of the job. Even entry-level applicants should furnish resumes of 4 to 6 pages.

“Federal resumes are so much longer, dense, and complex than private sector resumes,” explains Levin. “This is because federal HR wants to see that you have the actual experience that they’re looking for.”

The length of federal resumes comes from the amount of detail each resume section needs to contain. Since federal HR personnel are precluded from making any assumptions of what your prior work entailed, you’ll need to list out each responsibility and the details associated with it. While a list of responsibilities is important, even more importantly, you’ll have to detail how your skills allowed you to succeed with each of these responsibilities by giving specific examples.

“You specifically have to use the keywords from the federal job announcement to show that you are absolutely the best fit and the right person for this job because you have already done this kind of work before,“ adds Levin.

One way you can find those keywords is by scanning the JVA and your resume with Jobscan .

feder resume guide - Jobscan match report from federal JVA

You don’t need to include information that doesn’t relate to the job you’re applying for. Keep details about prior jobs that don’t relate brief or omit them entirely – the government doesn’t care about employment gaps.

Federal Resume Requirements

Federal resumes have strict requirements, and not following these requirements is a great way to get passed over. While agencies are not required to eliminate candidates who do not follow the rules, they can. As Segal explains, “If I’m sitting there as an HR person facing a thousand resumes and only a few days to go through them, I want to figure out how to winnow my pile. What’s the best way to do that? Eliminate those who didn’t follow all the rules.”

Hours Worked

Federal HR uses hours worked to determine your amount of experience, so federal resumes require your average weekly hours for each job in your work experience section. The government often requires at least 52 weeks of experience in the skills on the JVA.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information

List your immediate supervisor and their contact information for each job you list. Make sure to denote whether your current supervisor can be contacted or not.

To avoid putting yourself in an awkward position at your current job, Taylor suggests requiring you be asked before your supervisor is contacted. If asked, find out if the hiring agency is ready to offer you the job as soon as they contact your current supervisor.

References aren’t always required – it depends on the hiring agency. However, it’s a good idea to include them if you have space.

Despite the controversy over disclosing prior pay in the private sector, salary is commonly included on federal resumes. Whether it’s required in your resume depends on the hiring agency.

‘GS’ or ‘ General Schedule ’ is the pay scale for most of the federal government. If you’re already working in the government, use your GS level instead of your salary.

Writing Your Federal Resume

There are three good methods for creating your federal resume:

  • Write it yourself
  • Build it with USAJobs’s own federal resume builder
  • Hire a federal resume writer

Some JVAs may actually require you to apply through the USAJobs resume builder, but it might not be obvious in the JVA itself. For this reason, among others, both Taylor and Segal suggest applying through the USAJobs resume builder instead of creating a resume from scratch.

No matter what choice you make, do not procrastinate on applying if you find a JVA you’re interested in. The application process is much more time consuming than a private sector job application, and JVAs have a strict close time. There may also be unexpected requirements once you’re finished applying through USAJobs.

Federal Resume Format

Levin recommends building your own resume, because although federal resume formatting is very conservative, there are a few things you can do to make your resume stand out. Additionally, you control the content and don’t have to worry about the character limits of fields on the USAJobs resume builder.

The official font of the US government is Times New Roman, size 12. Some JVAs will actually require you to use this. If it’s not required, you can use different fonts, but nothing too modern. Jobscan’s guide on appropriate resume fonts can help you choose the best fonts. Levin’s favorite font to use on a federal resume is Calibri, with Arial Black used for section headings and contact information.

You can use tables and columns in your resume, but be sparing with them. Bullet points are also acceptable, but avoid other special characters. You can upload multiple documents, so be sure to upload your resume as both a PDF and a DOCX to cover all of your bases.

Using the USAJobs federal resume builder

Using the USAJobs resume builder is a great idea if you’re new to the federal job application process. The resume builder requires all of the important information that could get you disqualified if omitted, so there’s an extra level of safety in using it. There is, however, a lot of information to include in the builder, so it does require a good deal of attention to detail. Make sure you don’t accidentally skip any fields.

The biggest drawback of using the resume builder is that the fields for prior job experience have a 5,000 word character limit. While that seems like a generous limit, it’s something you might hit given the length of federal resumes.

However, Segal keyed us in a great way to deal with that character limit: “There is a section in USAJobs called ‘additional information.’ This is a free form block of 20,000 characters.”

The additional information section is where you should put further details you weren’t able to fit in throughout the rest of the process. It’s also where you should put certifications or awards.

Professional Federal Resume Writers

Your third option is to hire a federal resume writer. Since federal resumes are so complex, having an expert help you can be a great asset. Many experts don’t just write your resume, they’ll teach you how to tailor your resume for each position you’re interested in or even show you the best ways to leverage the USAJobs resume builder.

Do thorough research when selecting resume writers . Levin cautions, “There are a lot of opinions out there about federal resumes. Take them with a grain of salt. Look at that person’s experience. Do they do this professionally or is this just their opinion? Be mindful of who’s telling you what and what their background is.”

Federal Resume Tips

  • “Digitized company’s internal microfilm library of more than 5,000 files”
  • “Steered company through a complicated re-organization, resulting in a 75% increase in profits with minimal employee turnover.”
  • Use the same language as the JVA and occupational questionnaire
  • Use Jobscan to match and optimize keywords
  • Make your qualifications for the role straightforward and obvious
  • Take advantage of how long federal resumes are expected to be (4-8 pages)
  • Only list your responsibilities and not show measurable results
  • Assume that anything about your prior experience is self-explanatory
  • Include personal pictures such as a headshot
  • Include personal information such as your SSN or hobbies
  • Finally, we asked each expert what they thought some of the most important things federal job seekers should know:

Nancy Segal : “You have to understand the process. If you do the process right, you should consistently get to the hiring manager.”

Lex Levin : “Federal hiring is very much a marathon, not a sprint. It takes on average about a hundred and six days to go from application to onboarding, which is over three months. Many people wait longer than that. If you are getting referred [to the hiring manager], that means the resume is working for you – keep applying!”

Karol Taylor : “Don’t struggle with no results. Invest in your future, invest in yourself. This is your career, it’s your future, it’s worth the time and money.”

Useful Resources:

  • USAJob’s resume writing video tutorial
  • Pathways – recent grad federal job program
  • Free virtual events from USAJobs including resume writing workshops
  • AskFedWeek.com
  • How to write executive core qualifications

Scan your resume for new resume formatting checks.

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Building a Federal Resume: Tips and FAQs

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. Learn more below on how to tailor your resume and the do’s and don’ts.

Read the entire job announcement. Focus on the following sections to understand whether or not you qualify for the position. This critical information is found under:

  • Duties and Qualifications
  • How to Apply (including a preview of the assessment questionnaire)
  • How You Will be Evaluated

Make sure you have the required experience and/or 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 period of time. You must show how your skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job.

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

For each work experience you list, make sure you include:

  • Start and end dates (including the month and year).
  • The number of hours you worked per week.
  • The level and amount of experience–for instance, whether you served as a project manager or a team member helps to illustrate your level of experience.
  • Examples of relevant experiences and accomplishments that prove you can perform the tasks at the level required for the job as stated in the job announcement. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.

Management Analyst GS-343-11 January 2009 - Present 40 Hours/Week $65,000/Year

  • Experience/Accomplishment

Resume Writing Tips:

  • Customize your resume to each job
  • State the facts. Avoid belief or judgement statements
  • Provide sufficient detail, but use concise language
  • Avoid information that does not add substance
  • Use headings to guide the reader

Resume Writing Do’s and Don’ts

 Resume Writing Do's  Resume Writing Don'ts
 Be thorough, detailed, and clearly depict experience, qualifications, and accomplishments Don’t only state duties; showcase your accomplishments
 Use action verbs Don’t attach position descriptions to document your experience
 Use relevant words, descriptions and phrases from job announcements, duties, and job classifications Don’t assume HR Specialists know who you are and/or what you have done at previous positions
 Modify the resume to match position requirements Don’t use civilian industry jargon, acronyms, or company specific terminology. Military jargon may be okay if relevant to the job 
 Highlight key points or headings using capital letters, asterisks, and/or dashes Don’t use acronyms unless they are spelled out initially

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:   Can I use volunteer experience in my resume? A:  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.

Q: Do I need the specific date of when I started a position and when I finished? A: Start and end dates should include the month and year.

Q: Is there a standard Federal Government job application? A:  Your resume is your application.

Q: Should I use the resume builder on usajobs.gov or upload my resume? A: Both options are available to use on www.usajobs.gov . It is up to the applicant as to which one he/she prefers.

Q: What is the difference between eligibility and qualifications? A: Eligibility, in the federal hiring process, refers to being part of a particular group of people that an agency wants to hire – whether it’s a current federal employee, a veteran, or a recent graduate. Your eligibility has nothing to do with your work experience, skills, and other qualifications. Qualifications include your work experience (years, type of work), skills, education level and your overall knowledge of a particular field of study.

Q: Do I need a degree to work at FDA? A: No, if you have been in the job market for a while and have accumulated an extensive work history, you may be well qualified for many positions even without a college degree. Except for certain professional and scientific positions, a college education may not be necessary.

Q: What is specialized experience? A: “Specialized experience” is a type of work experience that is directly related to the position which you are applying. This means, for example, to qualify for a GS-12 grade (or equivalent) level, you must have had a minimum of 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to a GS-11 grade (or equivalent) level.

Additional Resources:

  • OPM’s Classification & Qualifications
  • What should I include in my federal resume?
  • How to create a resume on usajobs.gov
  • What should I leave out of my federal resume?
  • How do I set up notifications for future job announcements?
  • USAJOBS Resume Builder
  • Federal Resume Guide
  • UsaJobs Tips

Last Updated on 02/08/2024

Before you start creating a brand new resume to apply for a federal government position, you need to choose the way to build it. You can either make use of the USAJOBS resume builder or upload your own resume. The former has a number of advantages over the latter.

First of all, by using the USAJOBS resume builder, you will create a document in a standard federal resume format. It will make searching and evaluating your resume easier for federal human resources specialists.

Second, the USAJOBS resume builder allows you to duplicate your resume, which is very helpful when you need to upgrade the document or tailor it to a specific position. Offering you to use its federal resume builder, USAJOBS provide you with a professional resume writing instrument, which is worth trying out.

Table of Contents

  • 1.1 1. Searching for Jobs
  • 1.2 2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Specific Position
  • 1.3 3. Do Not Leave Blank Fields
  • 1.4 4. Proofread
  • 1.5 5. Keyword Research
  • 1.6 6. Consider Your Audience
  • 2.1 Step-by-Step Guide on USAJOBS Resume Builder
  • 2.2 Should I Use USAJOBS Resume Builder or Upload My File?
  • 3 Wrapping It Up

USAJOBS Resume Builder Tips

For your resume to be searchable and efficient, take your time to learn the subtleties of the federal resume builder USAJOBS has created. We have come up with the top 4 tips that will help you avoid the common mistakes that often prevent the candidates from being recognized as qualified for the job.

1. Searching for Jobs

The USAJOBS search engine can be tough. To speed up your job searching process, use OPM Job Series. It’s one of the effective methods to find the right job in your field.

Read the announcement carefully! Before appl ying for a position, go to the Qualifications section in the vacancy announcement and preview the vacancy announcement questions.

Let’s compare a basic Qualifications list for a Marketing Assistance position : 

And more detailed Qualifications list for a Strategic Marketing Analyst position : 

As we can see, Qualifications requirements may vary depending on GS position, education, expert level skills or other specific knowledge relevant to a job announcement. So make sure to select a corresponding answer to each question prior to appl ying for a job posting. 

2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Specific Position

This is indeed a tedious task but it is totally worth the effort. USAJOBS allows the employee to have 5 resumes created and uploaded via the USAJOBS resume builder.

Tailoring your resume for each specific federal job announcement can be the key to your success.

Although having similar titles, the different job announcement will be using different keywords to describe their requirements for the candidate. Keep your resume brief, describe your work experience and education relevant to the position you apply for.

The advantage of the resume builder is that you get a consistent federal cv, which can be found by a recruiter using a keyword search. Building a resume that is perfectly in tune with the specific announcement will help your application score more points in the competition.

Information for Veterans: The Saved Documents section on USAJOBS allows to save up to 10 supporting eligibility documents as recommendation letters, cover letters or performance reports.

3. Do Not Leave Blank Fields

It is true that a resume should normally be kept brief but with the federal government resumes, it is all about the perfect balance between being concise and being informative. The technical trick about the USAJOBS resume builder tool is to use all the fields it provides.

4. Proofread

Believe it or not but such an obvious step in the resume writing process is often neglected by the applicants. Typographical errors, not to speak of grammatical and spelling mistakes, will seriously impair the impressions of the federal HR specialist even about a seemingly perfect resume.

As a practice task, you can take any USAJOBS resume builder sample and evaluate it in terms of the points described above. This will train you to be more critical and attentive when you start building your own federal resume.

5. Keyword Research

Don’t forget that there is no automated sorting out of resumes — your qualifications will be checked and analyzed by real people. Given that they read through dozens of submissions, your task is to boost your application’s informational strength. Highlight crucial keywords — place yourself in the potential reader’s shoes.

Make your USAJOBS resume format clear and precise. Although it contains long paragraphs describing your skills or job-related accomplishments, add proper keywords to fit into the target position’s frames.

The keyword research as a process should fail into these two categories:

  • General — “teamwork”, “communication”, and something like “leadership” commonly have a universal appeal in making your resume get noticed among other applications. Still, it is better to see what requirements your position stays on to avoid overly general terms.
  • Specific — nonetheless, industry-specific keywords will help you nail it and showcase your professionalism and expertise in the target field. When applying for a government position, enrich your resume with the right content in headers, work experience, skills, and accomplishments sections. You don’t have to allocate them evenly throughout the text — the beginning of paragraphs or resume’s new sections are quite good for the task.

6. Consider Your Audience

When working on your federal resume’s content, conduct a thorough research about the hiring agency and its standards. You can focus on the most widespread expectations and format preferences in your field and adhere to them. Following a typical resume structure and using USAJOBS resume builder without much creative customization will help you stay on the safe side.

Consider your industry of expertise. Attorneys, budget analysts, human resources specialists, and civil engineers as a few examples of federal government jobs will have their distinctive storyline formats.

How to Create a Resume with USAJOBS Resume Builder

If you do not know what to start with, read through the instructions on How To Create and Develop USAJOBS Profile . We provide all the necessary basic technicalities of the resume building process. If you have a vague idea about what to write in each section, we highly recommend examining at least one USAJOBS resume builder example to see how a well-built final document should look like. Do not forget that all the information you put in your resume should not only be up-to-date and 100% correct but also demonstrating the level of your qualification for the job to the full extent.

If you want to get the best federal employee compensation package with benefits like taking part in the FSAFEDS or long-term care and health insurance, it is crucial to raise your resume’s potential. The easiest way is to include all the crucial details in the document and choose a template that caters to the interests of several agencies in the market. That’s why using the services of the official employment website of the federal government is such a lucrative opportunity.

Step-by-Step Guide on USAJOBS Resume Builder

Let’s check the step-by-step guide on your course of action on the USAJOBS:

  • Sign in or sign up. Provide your valid email address and select your language preference. You can choose from English, Spanish, and French newsletters.
  • Acknowledge the platform’s terms and conditions to complete the registration.
  • Check your mailbox for a confirmation letter from USAJOBS.

Once the registration is completed, confirm your account. The system will let you select the desired authentication method: security key, backup codes, voice or text message, authentication app, face or touch unlock.

Don’t leave blank fields — it will simplify your interaction with the platform. You can add hiring paths, citizenship, languages, experiences, and further details. The system lets you save up to five resumes and up to ten documents of other types (DD214, for instance).

  • Open the Documents tab to be able to upload a finished and polished resume to start your job search. If not ready yet, create a custom version matching the target position’s requirements.
  • Fill in the fields. Click “Add Work Experience”, “Add Education”, and “Add Reference”, enter the data, and hit the “Save” button for each section. For more detailed descriptions of your skills, you will have a field with 5000 characters available.
  • To move your ready paragraphs and adjust the storyline’s order, use the web’s arrows.
  • Click “Add” to provide other pieces of information, including your academic accomplishments or training. Although you have to be open about your experiences, there is a list of exceptions of what data is insufficient for a federal resume on the website: – in-depth personal information, including your religious preferences, sexual orientation, etc.; – personal photos (another difference between federal resumes versus private ones); – Social Security Number; – government and classified sensitive data (only approved files of general use). If your GPA is below 3.5, it isn’t a compulsory detail to include in your resume. Besides, make sure you double-check the qualification of educational establishments on your list — OES and NCOES military schools won’t be considered as high education institutions to apply for a federal position.
  • Review the provided data and proofread the document. Once you submit the application, no further changes will be possible.
  • Hit the “Finish” button to complete your resume for USAJOBS.gov.

Should I Use USAJOBS Resume Builder or Upload My File?

Both options can help you deliver top-notch resumes and prove your worth as a federal worker. Still, creating such a document from scratch requires certain skills and experiences. If it is your first time, there is nothing wrong with relying on ready-made templates from USAJOBS resume builder.

“Should I use USAJOBS resume builder?” is one of the most typical concerns of novice applicants. The key advantage of taking the most out of the website’s functions is that you minimize prospective risks.

Wrapping It Up

By taking a closer look at USAJOBS resume builder examples, it is easier to understand what format to pursue to get the best results. Follow the tips and suggestions from this guide to ensure your value as an ideal applicant in the eyes of the target hiring agency in the federal market. Make sure to customize your resume for every position with proper keywords, job-related training, and other facts that match up to its requirements. Good luck in finding the job of your dreams!

Still unsure about how to make federal resume? Read our USAJOBS Tips articles:

How long does USAJOBS take to review applications

How to delete USAJOBS account

How to fill out USAJOBS questionnaire

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Quick Guide to Preparing a Resume For Federal Government Positions

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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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National Park Service Federal Jobs Webinar - Mastering the Federal Job

Hosted by National Park Service

National Park Service Federal Jobs Webinar – Mastering the Federal Job Application Process:  How to Make Your Federal Resume Work for You!

You’ve been invited to our National Park Service (NPS) Federal Jobs Webinar - Mastering the Federal Job Application Process: How to Make Your Federal Resume Work for You. Space is limited and you won’t want to miss this!  Please make sure to reserve your spot today and take the first step towards getting your dream career with the National Park Service.  https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/3b9e60e7-4da7-4ae7-b331-ee4388ee9f14@0693b5ba-4b18-4d7b-9341-f32f400a5494

In this webinar, the National Park Service Recruitment Team will share amazing tips and strategies for navigating the USAjobs application process as well as crafting compelling federal resumes, how the federal hiring process works, why your USAJobs profile is so important, and so much more!

See more details

Treasury's - Writing Your Federal Resume

Hosted by Department of the Treasury

Come Grow With Us! This presentation was designed to help applicants understand the federal resume. The briefing explains each section of the job opportunity announcement (JOA) in an effort to better inform applicants and to assist them in selecting in or out of the job. The main part of the briefing uses a 3-part process to assist applicants in writing their resume. Attendees are shown a real JOA and walked through a process that helps them review the JOA to determine qualifications and interest, identify the important requirements and then they are shown how to properly tailor their resumes to the JOA. Lastly, we will do a quick overview of the resume builder within USAJOBS.

Kickstart your federal career: Interviewing techniques

Hosted by Patent and Trademark Office

Learn how to ace your next job interview! Join the USPTO on Tuesday, August 27, 1-2 p.m. ET for an informational webinar to gain insights on having a successful interview.

By attending this event, you’ll hear from one of our Office of Human Resources team members and learn:

  • How to prepare for an interview
  • Effective interviewing techniques
  • Best practices for on-demand video interviewing

Register today

We hope to see you there! For more information, contact [email protected] .

Browse current vacancies at USPTO via USAJOBS .

Accessibility If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please submit your request to the contact information listed above.

Virtual Information Session: Federal Resumes and Application Tips

Hosted by Internal Revenue Service

Join us to learn how to create your federal resume.

During this event we will provide you information on federal resumes, application tips and the application process.

Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024

This session begins at: 4:00 PM Eastern Time, 3:00 PM Central Time, 2:00 PM Mountain Time, 1:00 PM Pacific Time

Click the Register button to RSVP

For additional information about our open positions or to request any reasonable accommodations, send an email to [email protected], along with your name and inquiry and we will be happy to answer your questions.

WRITING AN EFFECTIVE RESUME

Hosted by Office of Personnel Management

Preparing a résumé for federal jobs is unlike creating one for jobs in the private and nonprofit sectors. To do so requires an understanding of the nuances of federal hiring. We invite you to join a representative of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management to learn strategies on developing and writing a résumé when you apply for federal jobs. By the end of this session, you will know the importance of the résumé in applying for federal jobs and why preparing a thorough résumé is the single best step you can take towards obtaining federal government employment; gain critical tips and guidelines for improving your résumé; and learn how to use the USAJOBS Résumé Builder to create a new résumé.

This is an online event. You must register in order to participate.

Closed captioning will be made available for all participants. Note: If you require an accommodation, please contact us at [email protected] no later than one week before the session.

Department of the Treasury's - Writing Your Federal Resume

Come Grow With Us! This presentation is designed to help applicants understand the federal resume. The briefing explains each section of the job opportunity announcement (JOA) in an effort to better inform applicants and to assist them in selecting in or out of the job.

The main part of the briefing uses a 3-part process to assist applicants in writing their resume. Attendees are shown a real JOA and walked through a process that helps them review the JOA to determine qualifications and interest, identify the important requirements and then they are shown how to properly tailor their resumes to the JOA. Lastly, we will do a quick overview of the resume builder within USAJOBS.

Navigating the Federal Hiring Process Series: Interview Tips

Hosted by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

As the nation’s preeminent public health promotion, protection, preparedness, and prevention agency, CDC works 24/7 to conduct critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against public health threats, both foreign and domestic. Join us for this informative session to hear directly from CDC Recruiters to gain expert knowledge on how to prepare for your interview, learn best practices to use during your interview, and discover ways to becoming the most competitive applicant during your federal job application process. Please contact [email protected] for any accommodation requests.

FHWA Navigating the Federal Employment Process

Hosted by Federal Highway Administration

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is hosting a virtual session open to job seekers at all levels.

Attendees will learn about FHWA's career opportunities, internship programs, and how to prepare for the application process. The session will discuss USAJOBS, how to search for opportunities, and brief tips on building a federal resume. Attendees will also be able to hear from agency staff about their career experiences at the FHWA.

Register here at: https://usdot.zoomgov.com/j/1617702867?pwd=xSIvkqsH42tzsUk8ZQYgH04apWbaci.1

Department of the Treasury's - Interviewing Techniques

Come Grow With Us - This presentation introduces the audience to the interview process within the Federal government. It explains the types of interviews (structured/unstructured), different delivery methods, types of common questions, responding utilizing the S.T.A.R (Situation/Task, Action, Result) method and how to prepare for an interview.

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  1. 45+ Usajobs resume builder tips For Your Needs

    usajobs resume writing tips

  2. 45+ Usajobs resume builder tips For Your Needs

    usajobs resume writing tips

  3. Resume Format For Usa Jobs

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  4. Usajobs Resume Template Federal Resume Government & Military Transition

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  5. Federal Resume Writing Using USAJobs

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  6. DVIDS

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COMMENTS

  1. USAJOBS Help Center

    Include dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience. For each work experience you list, make sure you include: Start and end dates (including the month and year). The number of hours you worked per week. The level and amount of experience—for instance, whether you served as a project manager or a team member helps ...

  2. Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

    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.

  3. PDF writing An EFFECTIVE FEDERAL RESUME

    A guide to understanding and writing an effective Federal resume. Your resume is your marketing tool in which to describe why you may be the best candidate for the position for which you are applying. When writing your resume, you should consider your accomplishments, making your resume is results-driven. It is best to break your resume down ...

  4. Federal Resume Writing Guide : r/usajobs

    what is the difference between a resume and the 10 activities we list on the app. ·comments. r/usajobs. This subreddit is for all those interested in working for the United States federal government. Since the application process itself is often nothing short of herculean and time-consuming to boot, this place is meant to serve as a talking ...

  5. Your session is about to expire!

    Your session is about to expire! Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the butto

  6. USAJOBS Help Center

    More resume writing tips Customize your resume. 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 ...

  7. PDF Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

    Tips for Writing a Federal Resume Resumes used for Federal Government jobs differ from those used in the private sector with regard to both content and purpose: A federal resume is typically multiple pages and includes a detailed description of your work experience and ... OPM's video on Resume Writing USAJOBS Guidance on what to include in ...

  8. How To Write a Federal Resume (Plus Tips and Example)

    Here are some tips on how to write a federal resume: 1. Identify the role. Before your contact information, consider identifying the role you're applying for. It's sometimes appropriate to include the formal name of the role, its General Schedule (GS) grade and its identification number. You can usually find this information in the job description.

  9. Writing a Federal Resume • Go Government

    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 ...

  10. Federal Resumes

    USAJobs. 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.

  11. How to Write a Federal Resume

    Cover Letter Guides Guides, tips, and advice for writing a convincing cover letter that makes you stand out from the crowd. ... Using the USAJobs resume builder is a great idea if you're new to the federal job application process. The resume builder requires all of the important information that could get you disqualified if omitted, so there ...

  12. PDF WRITING A FEDERAL RESUME

    WRITING A FEDERAL RESUME ... the USAJOBS resume builder to create one. Each federal resume should be tailored to a specific job announcement. Up to 5 resumes can be saved using the resume builder. ... OTHER TIPS TO CONSIDER • Tailor your resume to each specific job that you are applying for. • In addition to your resume, you may need to ...

  13. Where can I get help with writing my resume?

    Where can I get help with writing my resume? The FedsHireVets.gov website has a Resume Writing guide posted at. Resume Writing Participant Handout PDF (PDF file). USAJOBS.gov Help Center: OPM: Welcome to opm.gov.

  14. PDF Federal Resume Tips

    U.S. Department of Labor - Tips for Writing a Federal Resume. General Services Administration- TTS Handbook. USDA, Forest Service - How to Build a Federal Resume. ... a Federal Resume. Using USAjobs.gov. Resume Builder. YOUR FEDERAL. RESUME. IS. YOUR JOB. APPLICATION. Seek a diverse range of resources, and then.

  15. Federal Resume Tips

    Resume Checklist. We encourage you to use the USAJobs online Resume Builder. If you use your own resume, you must include the following information: Contact information. This includes your name, address, day and evening telephone numbers, and email address; Citizenship (if other than the U.S.) Relevant work experience. This includes paid and ...

  16. Building a Federal Resume: Tips and FAQs

    Resume Writing Don'ts. Be thorough, detailed, and clearly depict experience, qualifications, and accomplishments. Don't only state duties; showcase your accomplishments. Use action verbs. Don ...

  17. USAJOBS Resume Builder: Tips and Examples

    For your resume to be searchable and efficient, take your time to learn the subtleties of the federal resume builder USAJOBS has created. We have come up with the top 4 tips that will help you avoid the common mistakes that often prevent the candidates from being recognized as qualified for the job. 1. Searching for Jobs.

  18. 3 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Federal Resume for USAJobs

    Resume writing for any job is a big task, but federal resumes are their own beast. ... In this post, I'll walk you through how to avoid making three common mistakes when writing your federal resume for USAJobs in order to get your resume in front of the right person. ... Finish By Getting Your Resume Reviewed. For more general tips on how to ...

  19. Federal Resume: Example, Template & How to Write

    Here's a resume template with everything you need to build a resume for uploading to USAJOBS: 1. Resume Heading. FIRST AND LAST NAME. Address: your street, city, state, zip code | Email: [email protected] | Phone: xxx xxx xxxx. Desired job: Title, grade (GS #), announcement number. Citizenship:

  20. Quick Guide to Preparing a Resume For Federal Government Positions

    Federal agencies advertise vacancies online at USAJOBS. The USAJOBS website is an online database that enables job seekers to search for positions by location, job categories, etc. The website offers the option to upload an existing resume or use their resume builder tool to create a new resume. It is recommended that you use the resume builder.

  21. How to Build a Federal Resume

    Writing Tips. Customize your resume to make sure it matches your competencies, knowledge, skills, and experience to the duties listed in the job announcement. Leave out experience that isn't relevant. Include qualifications you have that are specifically listed in the qualifications section. Use the same words that are in the announcement if ...

  22. PDF Federal Resume Format

    resume to USAJobs that provides a general overview of your skill sets and experience that HR specialists can find when they are actively recruiting for positions. Tips. Example Federal Resume Sample TANYA TIGER 123 Namey Street, Apt 5, Washington, D.C. 20001 ... Writing and editing: Reports, correspondence, academic, web/social media content ...

  23. USAJOBS

    Join us to learn how to create your federal resume. During this event we will provide you information on federal resumes, application tips and the application process. Date: Thursday, August 29, 2024. This session begins at: 4:00 PM Eastern Time, 3:00 PM Central Time, 2:00 PM Mountain Time, 1:00 PM Pacific Time.