usajobs resume guide

• 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

Thank you for your help!

very helpful

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

USAJobs Resume Builder Preparation The Ultimate Guide

Section 1: Create a USAJobs.gov Account and Profile

Getting started.

Let's create an account on usajobs.gov and sign in.

You will need to create a login.gov account to sign into USAJobs.gov. It’s pretty simple, but you need a very strong password, so have one ready.

Set Your Credentials

Step 1: Enter your email address .

Tooltip: Don't use an unprofessional address, (like [email protected] ). If necessary, create a specific usajobs email address. Keep out span by only using it for employment purposes. ( [email protected] for example)

Step 2: You must Confirm your email address to proceed.

Step 3: Select a primary authentication method .

Tooltip: Some of these security options may be new to you. You may learn about Authentication Applications here . If you have a security key, it must support the FIDO standard. These methods are the most secure. Using any method you prefer will be acceptable.

Example: If you chose to authenticate by phone, enter a phone number . You will receive a one-time security code via text.

Step 5: Déjà vu? Go ahead and choose a backup method .

You've Created an Account with Login.gov!

Write down the email and password you used to create this account. You don't want to forget your user ID or password. You may now Sign in to usajobs.gov . It might take 5 tries and 3 password resets, so be patient!

Create Your Profile:

Important: USAJobs.gov may sign you out before you can save anything. It may be best to prepare in a Word document and paste onto the form. You don't want your session to expire before you save.

Click on “Guest” and it takes you to the Legal Name field. Use the name you would like hiring officials to see.

Remember if you use nicknames, they will be visible to others. I prefer full first name (formal) middle name, full last name.

Enter your full address . Use official abbreviation of street codes (ST, AV, DR). Enter the Zip code, city and state (state from drop down).

You may enter up to 2 phone numbers.

Be sure to enter your cell phone number if you have one. Hiring officials don't want to speak to a family member. Cell phones eliminate the problem.

Click on “Save Contact Information” to go to the next step.

Citizenship

Answer the citizenship question.

Click “Registered” or the correct exempt choice. Since January 1, 1960, many register for selective service in 11th grade.

Click “Save Citizenship” to continue.

Hiring paths

This information narrows down job searches that apply to you. Click on all that pertain to you.

IMPORTANT: Veterans receive 5 to 10 extra eligibility rating points. This will help you be placed at the top of the list. Include your DD-214 with your application package.

List your federal, military, and professional experience here. Make your profile searchable. Agencies can find you based on your experience.

Do you have Federal experience? Enter the type and Series and the highest grade achieved . Then enter the pay scale and your federal occupation (title).

Create a Biography by listing the federal jobs you had.

Federal Service: US Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau. 1998-2000 ACE Team Supervisor, Philadelphia 2005-2008 Field Representative/Senior Field Representative Los Angeles Regional Office 2008-2011 Regional Technician/Area Manager Census 2000, Los Angeles Regional Census Center 2014-2015 Government Contractor/Sabre Systems/Technical Writer

You don’t need to go into detail at this time. When you enter work experience, you have space to enter duties, skills, etc.

At this point they signed me out. I had to sign in again and re-enter the Biography. Good thing I saved it!

Military Service – Have you served in the US Military? Claim Veteran's Preference. This is very important. Veterans receive 5 to 10 extra points on your eligibility rating.

Veterans may be placed at the top of the list. Be sure to include your DD-214 with your application package. Aslo, Have your D-214 ready to answer the questions in this section. Skip to Demographics – Answer or decline by clicking the first box.

Section 2: Build Your USAJobs.gov Federal Job Search

Here is what you do to find a list of federal government jobs:.

Tooltip: Use your USA Jobs login or create your usajobs.gov account if you'd like to save your job search later! For step-by-step guidance, see the "Create Your USAJobs.gov Account and profile" section above.

Before you start looking at USAJobs resume examples, let's find your first list of government jobs. You will use www.usajobs.gov for your Federal government job search.

USAJobs.gov provides a complete list of Federal Government Jobs (Vacancies). We recommend this resource for finding a federal job.

Build Your First Federal Job Search

• Go to www.usajobs.gov on your desktop
• If you do not see a search bar, click the "Search" icon (top right)
• Enter a Location
• Click the blue "search" button next to the search bar to submit

You've completed your first Federal Job Search. Great job!

Look through your search results. You will see Vacancies available in the location you entered. Many of these vacancies may be outside of your career path.

Next, let's filter out the jobs you don't fit.

How to Filter Your Federal Job Search:

Filter by location.

First, let's set how far we are willing to travel within this location. The default is 25 miles.

When I used the 25 mile radius, it returned 44 Results. When I expanded to a 60 mile radius, I had 579 results! That's a huge difference.

Setting A Travel Radius

Tooltip: You can enter multiple locations and click search again. This is helpful if there are multiple places you are willing to work.

• Click “More Filters" .
• Use the slider to set the distance you are willing to travel .

The "More Filters" section

Look under “More Filters”. You will also find limits like Work Schedule, Appointment Type, and more. I do not find these filters necessary.

Additional Resources: Here is the Official Documentation for filtering results by: Location , Work Schedule , Appointment type , Security Clearance , and Travel Percentage .

How to Use "Top Filters" to gain an edge:

Tooltip: Current/former Federal Employee can leave filters unchecked. This will maximize your result options.

Top filters give you access to vacancies exclusive to certain groups. These vacancies may have less competition.

I only use these filters to add vacancies to your list of results. Try not to limit yourself to only one filter.

• Click "Top Filters"
• Click "Open to the Public"
• Click each additional filter for which you are eligible.

Filtering by Pay

Before you filter by pay, remember that what's important is getting in.

Changing Jobs within the Federal Government is Easy.

Have you served 90+ days after competitive appointment as a Federal employee? You may typically apply to ANY "status" position.

That means you get more opportunities with much less competition, so you can move up or move around very quickly. I recommend non-federal employees apply to EVERY relevant job. If qualified, just get in somewhere and figure it out from inside.

Use Pay Filters to Match Your Work Experience

If you have no Federal Experience:

Tooltip: Want to find the positions for which you most likely to be qualify? Start with the highest salary you've earned. Subtract 10-15k for your minimum salary. Add 10-15k for your maximum salary.

• Scroll down to "Pay"
• Click the radio button next to "Salary"
• Click the $ amount next to "Min" to type a minimum salary
• Submit using the "Enter" key
• Click the $ amount next to "Max" to type a maximum salary

If you have Federal Experience:

Tooltip: Even Federal employees should apply to every grade level. Look at the the 2021 Pay Schedule . A step-10 for one grade level may pay more than the step-1 of a higher grade level!

• Click "grade"
• Click to add each grade level for which you qualify

How to Filter Jobs by Keywords

Non-veterans.

Non-veterans might have a better chance using "Direct Hire" as a keyword. These jobs are critical to fill.

Many direct-hire jobs do not offer Veterans preference. This may level the playing field for you.

Student or Recent Graduate

You might have a better chance if you use "Pathways" as a keyword. These vacancies may value education over experience. Pathways are often excellent entry level government jobs.

• Under “Keywords” in the search bar, enter your interests .
• Click Search

Example: Do you want to work for a specific agency? If you like the Census Bureau, enter "Census Bureau". If you have IT experience, enter "IT Experience". I entered “Manager” and it returned 124 jobs. I would look at each one to see if I qualify.

Nice work! Now you have a well filtered job search.

Look at the job titles and save all that match your qualifications.

Is this your first time working for the government? Pay particular attention to any "assistant" position. These jobs are usually entry level. Many do not even require a degree or experience in that field. Be sure to save every job that has "Assistant" in the title. You face less cometition moving up to a higher grade level from inside.

Saving Searches

How to create a saved search.

Tooltip: To create "Saved Searches", You'll need to Create an account first and log in.

With saved searches, any time new jobs become available, you will receive an email. This ensures you are always up-to-date on new opportunities.

• Click on the “save search bookmark.”
• Name the search (Keyword and Date)
• Select how frequently you want to be notified
• Select how the jobs should be sorted (I like to sort by job title)

Final Thoughts on Job Searches

You can create up to 10 Saved Searches. They will appear on your usajobs.gov dashboard.

Once you have saved the jobs to your dashboard, you can determine which ones fit you. You are allowed to save up to 25 job vacancies. Don’t forget to delete the one’s you don’t want.

Section 3: Understand Your Vacancy

Tooltip: Read "Build Your Federal Job Search" to select a vacancy.

Why is the vacancy important?

Ready to learn the secret that every USAJobs Resume Builder tutorial leaves out? The Vacancy Announcement has what you need to customize your resume. The trick is to understand what they want, give it to them, and back it up.

Where to Start

Use the job search tool on www.usajobs.gov to find your vacancy announcements. Simply cut and paste, and edit every part that applies. This will satisfy the job requirements to get through the initial screening.

Open a vacancy announcement on the www.usajobs.gov website. You'll find a lot of information you need to review. This is how to find out about the job that is being offered.

How do I use the Vacancy?

First, you translate a vacancy announcement into understandable terms. This helps you decide if you are even qualified for the job. Then, later, you can review for additional information about the job.

How do I read the vacancy?

Government terminology can be complicated and hard to understand. They also use acronyms that may not be familiar to you.

There is a secret to understanding government Human Resource Specialists. Break every sentence down comma to comma . The sentences can be long and complicated. They take 30 extra words to make a point.

Look specifically for what you need be qualified for the job .

Finding The Qualifications

Start out by looking for 4 main headings :

• Proficiency Requirement
• Qualifying Experience
• Specialized Experience
• KSA's (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Look for these headings in the announcement. You need to determine if you have that experience and meet those requirements . Often, this information is listed by Grade Level.

Here are the salary equivalents for each grade level .

Let's review the qualifications and evaluations of a vacancy. I am going to highlight the specific qualifications needed for the job. I have added notes next to any that need "translation".

Follow an Example Vacancy

Qualifications required:.

GS-5: You qualify at the GS-5 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to perform successfully the duties of the position.

• Entering information into a computer system ;
• Answering routine questions from other employees ;
• Distributing information to appropriate personnel .

GS-6: You qualify at the GS-6 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience , equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to perform successfully the duties of the position.

• Assisting analysts with interpreting and analyzing data . (Helping a supervisor compare information with expected results.)
• Assisting in the performance of ongoing reviews of documentation and verification of status . (Helping a Supervisor make sure documents are complete and accurate.)
• Assisting in the development of methodologies and plans for system utilization activities . (Helping plan and use tools and manuals to achieve results.)
• Assisting in compilation of statistical information from automated resources to be used in past, current and future evaluations of data quality . (Helping a Supervisor use programs like Excel to compare information.)

GS-7: You qualify at the GS-7 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills necessary to perform successfully the duties of the position.

• Interpreting and analyzing data. (Comparing incoming information against what is expected)
• Performing on-going reviews of documentation and verification of status . (Reading documents and making sure they are complete and accurate)
• Developing methodologies and plans for system utilization activities with analysts . (Helping to plan and use tools and manuals to achieve results.)
• Compiling statistical information from automated resources to be used in past, current and future evaluations of data quality . (Using Microsoft Excel or other programs. Comparing information so that others can decide if the quality of the data meets the requirements.)

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION:

GS-5: You may substitute 4 years of education above high school for the experience required at the GS-5 level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university.

One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school.

Appropriate combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience also may be used to meet the total qualification requirements for the GS-5 grade level.

All requirements for this position must be met by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement (Wednesday, June 01, 2015).

You qualify for this position at the Grade 5 level if you have a Bachelors degree. You may also combine education and experience to meet the requirements.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application packet.

You will be evaluated for this position based on your resume. Your resume must support your responses. This includes job specific assessment questions. Include level of education claimed, experience, and training.

To be considered for this position, be sure your resume is compliant. Your resume must be submitted as part of your on-line application.

You must completing the online assessment questions. You must also upload your resume with any required supporting documents.

How to know if you are qualified

Review the "Finding the Qualifications" Section. Highlight the qualifications required to apply for the position. Next, you can decide if you have those qualifications.

Look at the highlighted items , one by one, and ask yourself, "have I done this?" .

Do you meet all qualifications under one grade level? This qualifies you at the next higher grade level. Can you answer yes to each of the requirements for Grade 4? You are qualified for Grade 5. Can you answer yes to each of the requirements for Grade 5? You are qualified for Grade 7, etc.

Pay attention to the closing date! At 11:59 PM (Midnight) Eastern Time (9PM Pacific Time) the job will close. After this, your application package will not be accepted. In fact, the job will no longer appear on the screen.

If you are qualified for the position, you will click on "Save Job." Once the job is saved, you can go back to your USAJobs.gov account page. Click on "Saved Jobs" when you are ready to apply for the job.

Section 4: USAJobs Resume Builder process

Federal resume guide.

IMPORTANT: Your resume must make it through the federal screening process. Do not apply to Federal Jobs with a non-compliant resume.

What is a Basic Federal Resume?

Your basic resume is a starting point. You will use it as a foundation for all of your job applications. Remember, only qualified applications will pass the screening. You may use the USAJobs resume builder or upload a customized resume in the official USA Jobs resume format.

You can use the USAJobs Resume Builder to apply for a federal job. To build the basic resume yourself, continue below.

If you prefer, you can Hire a USAJobs Resume Writer [$399] from our team. Just click the button that says "Write My Resume".

As a shameless plug, our customized resumes are compliant with all Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Standards. They are provided in the official USAJobs resume builder format ready to be uploaded. The service include the necessary USA Jobs resume keywords and phrases specific to your vacancy. Targeting your experience to the specific vacancy gives you a huge edge and allows us to confidently offer our 100% money-back guarantee .

Thank you for your interest and patience.

Get started with the USAJobs Resume Builder

Tooltip: If at any time you have questions, email me at [email protected] . I will be happy to try to clarify.

Go directly to Documents and click on “Upload or Build Resume” . Select “Build Resume.” Your profile information should carry over.

Experience does not carry over. There is no need to enter experience twice. Enter it only in the USAJobs Resume Builder. Do you already have a private sector resume? Keep both windows open so you can copy and paste.

Name and date the resume. Example: Basic Resume 8/2018

Work Experience

This is one of the most critical sections in your resume.

You will customize this section for each application. You may enter work experience 3 different ways.

1. Did you have only one position in a company ? Enter the company name and the position you held, most recent first.

2. Did you have several positions in the company ? Enter the company name once. Enter the dates employment began and ended . List each position in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Include the dates you held each job within the narrative. This gives the hiring official the details of your term with the employer. It also lets them know that you were promoted.

3. Did you do freelance, consulting or volunteer work? Did you have gaps in your employment? You will enter it differently. In the "Company" field, enter the type of work you did.

(example: Administrative Consultant, Volunteer Work, Set Designer) .

In the field for "position", enter the company you worked for and the dates . These dates do not have to be chronological. Perhaps you had several consulting jobs at the same time.

Here is an example of the how to enter three different types of work history into the USAJobs Resume Builder:

Adelphia Cable Positions Held: Title: Metro Area Sales Manager From: 08/2000 To: 03/2002 Salary: $90,000/year Supervisor: Phone Number

Work History Example 2:

US Census Bureau Positions Held: Title: Area Manager Then, in the narrative, enter: Title: Area Manager From: 09/09 To: Present Salary: $65,000/year Title: Regional Technician From: 03/08 To: 09/09 Salary: Grade 12 Title: Senior Field Representative From: 02/2006 To: 03/2008 Salary: Grade 6 Title: Field Representative From: 01/2005 To: 02/2006 Salary: Grade 5 Title: Team Supervisor From: 10/1998 To: 05/2000 Salary: Grade 12 Supervisor: Assistant Regional Census Manager Phone Number

Work History Example 3:

Self-Employed Positions Held: Title: Truly Unique Web Administrative Consultant From: 3/2002 To: 3/2004 Salary: Volunteer Title: Benefits Plus Administrative Consultant From: 03/2002 To: 03/2006 Salary: Commission Title: Say Cheese Photography Administrative Consultant From: 03/2004 To: 03/2006 Salary: Commission Supervisor: Phone Number

Things To Keep in Mind

Have the addresses of your employers ready to enter . Did you work from more than one place? Enter the mailing address of the company , or the most recent address.

if you are still employed select “present” as the end date for that company.

When you enter the salary information, use "$" and commas . Enter the annual rate if possible (ex: $40,000/year – do not abbreviate.)

Duties, accomplishments, and related skills

Important: You will need to customize this section. This targets your experienc to each vacancy announcement you select.

At this time you can briefly enter duties, accomplishments, and related skills . You will add to this section later to customize it. Don't write a book .

You may enter your highest salary here. Label it as yearly, monthly, or hourly under salary rate. This tells hiring managers the grade level for which you will qualify.

Average hours per week

Enter your average weekly hours worked.

May we contact your supervisor

If at all possible, answer yes . You will be prompted to enter the supervisor name and phone # .

Is this a federal Civilian position

If you have not worked fro the government, enter no . Otherwise, enter yes. Select the Department & Agency, Series, Pay Scale and Grade Level . Also, you can select the Employment Type .

Save your work experience!

Then click on “Add work experience” to add the next job you held . Continue until you have listed your work history to the year 2000. Enter jobs in reverse chronological order. Include all military experience, even prior to year 2000.

Educational History

It is usually optional to enter your education. Check if the vacancy requires a specific educational level. Enter your degrees , most recent first.

Example: Doctorate; Masters; Bachelors; Associates; High School. Enter certifications, licenses, additional coursework. Click on “Save Education" for additional fields.

You will be asked to list name, phone number, Email. Select a reference type (professional or personal). Include the employer and the title of the reference.

Job Related Training

List the titles and completion dates of training courses you have attended. List certificates you have earned.

If you are bilingual , answer these questions . It is always helpful to speak more than one language. It is a requirement for some jobs.

Organizations and Affiliations

List any professional organizations to which you belong.

Professional Publications

Enter any professional publications in the space provided.

Additional Information

This section of the USAJobs Resume Builder will be customized for each job application. This is where you will add:

Specialized Experience required in the job announcement.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities required in the job announcement.

Any continuation of work experience.

Anything else you haven’t entered but want them to see.

Congratulations! You have a basic federal resume.

At this point you are ready to start looking for a government job!

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

How to complete any task on USAJOBS, step by step.

Manage Account

• Create a login.gov account
• Use login.gov if you have limited access to a phone or cell service
• Change the phone number you use to sign in
• Enter an international phone number when creating a login.gov account
• Update your primary email address
• Change or reset your password
• Sign into your account if you can't access your primary email
• Create a profile
• Delete a profile
• Fill out your education
• Answer questions about federal service
• Choose hiring paths in your profile
• Add languages in your profile
• Answer questions about military service
• Fill out your work experience
• Make your resume and profile searchable

Job announcement

• Understand a job announcement
• Understand announcement closing types
• Save a job announcement
• Remove a saved job announcement
• Contact an agency

Application

• Create an application
• Save an application
• Update an application
• Continue an application
• Check on the status of an application
• Archive an application
• Cancel an application
• View job applications
• Create a resume
• Build a resume
• Edit a resume
• Upload a resume
• Make a resume searchable
• Print a resume
• Upload documents
• Manage documents
• Fax documents
• Search by your preferences
• Save a search
• Sort search results
• Understand search results
• Unsubscribe from a saved search

Filter results by...

• Appointment type
• Hiring path
• Mission critical career field
• Security clearance
• Travel percentage
• Work schedule
• Zero job openings

Keyword and location

Get started.

USAJOBS posts all federal job opportunities with a position description and instructions how to apply. With USAJOBS.gov tools and resources, you can find the right federal job faster.

About USAJOBS

As the federal government's official employment site, USAJOBS has attracted over 16 million job seekers to create accounts to date.

An official website of the United States government.

Here’s how you know

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• American Rescue Plan
• Coronavirus Resources
• Disability Resources
• Disaster Recovery Assistance
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Guidance Search
• Health Plans and Benefits
• Registered Apprenticeship
• International Labor Issues
• Labor Relations
• Leave Benefits
• Major Laws of DOL
• Other Benefits
• Retirement Plans, Benefits and Savings
• Spanish-Language Resources
• Termination
• Unemployment Insurance
• Veterans Employment
• Whistleblower Protection
• Workers' Compensation
• Workplace Safety and Health
• Youth & Young Worker Employment
• Breaks and Meal Periods
• Continuation of Health Coverage - COBRA
• FMLA (Family and Medical Leave)
• Full-Time Employment
• Mental Health
• Office of the Secretary (OSEC)
• Administrative Review Board (ARB)
• Benefits Review Board (BRB)
• Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB)
• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)
• Employees' Compensation Appeals Board (ECAB)
• Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
• Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ)
• Office of Congressional & Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA)
• Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP)
• Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)
• Office of Inspector General (OIG)
• Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS)
• Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM)
• Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy (OASP)
• Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO)
• Office of the Solicitor (SOL)
• Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP)
• Ombudsman for the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOMBD)
• Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)
• Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS)
• Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
• Women's Bureau (WB)
• Agencies and Programs
• Meet the Secretary of Labor
• Leadership Team
• Budget, Performance and Planning
• Careers at DOL
• Privacy Program
• Recursos en Español
• News Releases
• Economic Data from the Department of Labor
• Email Newsletter

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.

• 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.

REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION

Enter your information to request your free consultation and receive our email series on the secrets to a successful career change.

Free 1 on 1 Consultation

• I accept terms and conditions
• What GS level are you targeting for your next role? * --- Please Select --- GS 7 or lower GS 8 to GS 10 GS 11 to GS 15 SES
• What is your current title or position level? * --- Please Select --- C-Level Vice President Director Manager Partner/Principal Founder Other Executive Other Non-Executive Level
• What is your current income level? * --- Please Select --- less than $50K $50K-$100K $100K-$150K $150K-$200K $200K+
• Immediately
• 6-12 Months
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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)

indianaffairs.gov

An official website of the U.S. Department of the Interior

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.

• What is an Affinity Community?
• International Students
• Students of Color
• Veteran Students
• NCAA Student Athletes
• Students with Neurodiversity & Dis/ability
• Adult Students
• First Generation Students
• Prospective Students
• Undergraduate Students
• Graduate Students
• What is a Career Community?
• Exploration & Discovery
• Education, Cultures & Human Services
• Multimedia, Marketing, Communication & Creative Arts
• Policy, Law & Public Service
• Management, Consulting, Sales & Finance
• Life & Physical Sciences
• Environment & Sustainability
• Engineering
• Computing, Information & Analytics
• Exploring Careers
• Exploring Graduate School
• Internships
• Interview Prep
• Research, Volunteering, & Fellowships
• Resume Prep
• Skill Development
• Contact + Team
• Career Resources

Federal Resume Writing: USAJOBS and Resume Builder

• Share This: Share Federal Resume Writing: USAJOBS and Resume Builder on Facebook Share Federal Resume Writing: USAJOBS and Resume Builder on LinkedIn Share Federal Resume Writing: USAJOBS and Resume Builder on X

USAJOBS.gov is the official job-search website of the US Government. You have likely used it before if you have applied for a federal position. Along with listing the vast majority of open US government positions, USAJOBS also has an extensive library of resources that provide useful information about various positions and agencies within the government and a database of terminology and FAQs to assist the federal job seeker. The ability to navigate this site goes hand-in-hand with the importance of leveraging key information provided in vacancy postings to maximize the impact of your federal resume.

How do I use USAJOBS and What is Resume Builder?

An important first step to utilizing USAJOBS is creating an account. Make sure you provide accurate contact information and enable the “Make Your Resume Searchable” feature so that agencies can find your resume. When crafting your federal resume, be sure to review the USAJOBS vacancy posting and questionnaire for knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) and key phrases to align your resume with the job posting.

After writing a tailored and effective federal resume with a sleek and streamlined design, the next step is to adapt the content for potential entry into the USAJOBS Resume Builder, a feature of USAJOBS that allows users to build components of their resume online rather than providing a full document for submission.

Adapting the Federal Resume to the USAJOBS Resume Builder

It may seem tedious to have to adapt your resume for entry into Resume Builder, a text-only interface. However, some agencies require the use of Resume Builder when submitting your application so it’s essential to write a federal resume that is easily adaptable in terms of formatting and basic design. To streamline the submission process, you should create your federal resume as a standalone document (essentially a USAJOBS resume) that meets all federal resume formatting and content requirements for easy entry into Resume Builder.

When building your standalone USAJOBS resume for Resume Builder, it is crucial to use simple formatting without text styling or bullets. In addition, detailed information about each position regarding employment dates, hours worked, and pay grade will need to be entered manually.

Content that needs to be adjusted to use Resume Builder: • To ensure that your Career Summary appears at the top of the resume, you will need to enter it as the first job entry. • Bold and italics should be substituted with all caps, and any special symbols such as ampersands should be avoided unless they are part of an organization’s title. • Bullets should be substituted with a + sign as this is recognized by Resume Builder. • You are only allowed 5000 characters for the main body of the resume, so if you exceed this you will need to enter any additional material into the Additional Information section. Federal resume writers generally consider this to be less than ideal, so it’s best to limit your document to fewer than 5000 characters.

The process of writing a federal resume can be time-consuming and requires attention to detail in order to ensure that all requirements regarding resume content, formatting, and submission are achieved. Along with learning how to successfully navigate USAJOBS and crafting a federal resume tailored to your ideal position, there is the additional hurdle of adapting your federal resume to the Resume Builder. To discover more strategies leveraged by experienced government resume writers for effectively managing the federal resume writing and application process, review our comprehensive  USAJOBS Resume Guide .

Find out about insurance programs, pay types, leave options, and retirement planning.

Discover resources to have a balanced career at NIH.

Resources for training to develop your leadership and professional skills.

Access your personnel information and process HR actions through these systems.

Information for managers to support staff including engagement, recognition, and performance.

Discover what’s next at the NIH.

Federal Resume Tips

Federal and private sector resumes.

Federal resumes differ from resumes used in the private sector with regard to both content and purpose.

• multiple pages long
• detailed description of work experience and qualifications
• used to determine if you meet requirements/qualifications for a job announcement. Be sure to list all your experiences (including non-paid).
• generally limited to two pages 
• brief summary of work history
• used as a marketing tool to get an interview

In the Federal Government, your resume is your application. There may be an additional component called an assessment questionnaire . The assessment questionnaire asks you to rank yourself on your qualities necessary to do the job being advertised. It must support the experiences listed in your resume.

Curriculum Vitaes

An academic curriculum vitae does not provide enough information to determine if you meet eligibility requirements. If you use one, please be sure to add the information listed below.

Resume Content

Resumes must thoroughly describe how your skills and experiences align to the criteria in the job announcement. It must also support your responses to the assessment questionnaire. To do this, be sure to include detailed examples in your resume.   

Why? We operate under various federal employment laws, rules, and regulations. We are prohibited from drawing conclusions or making assumptions regarding your experience or qualifications.

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 unpaid experiences. For instance, volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social)

For each employment listed, include the following information:

• Dates of employment . Include beginning and end dates in the following format: month/day/year
• Hours per week . We assume fulltime unless otherwise stated. Employment will be prorated in crediting experience.
• Include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable). This information helps determine if you meet minimum eligibility requirements for the position.
• Review the qualifications section in the job announcement closely and directly address the education, skills, and experience required in your resume.
• Series and grade or equivalent (if a Federal position)

Education R equirement

If the position has an education requirement or you are qualifying on the basis of education, include the following:

• Education history .  Specify the type of degree and major of study. 
• Relevant courses . This information is needed if the position requires credit hours.

Do NOT Include

On your resume and cover letter, you should not include any of the following:

• A photograph or video of yourself
• Any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, protected health information, religious affiliation, social security number, etc.)  
• Links to web pages
• Spell out all acronyms .
• Projects worked on
• Specific duties and tasks
• Tools, software, or systems
• Results and outcomes (i.e. saved money, time, consolidated resources, etc.)
• Example: an individual in the budget field has "worked with disseminating budgets for small projects." To make the description more relevant, the applicant describes the experience with numbers, "disseminated budgets for small projects amounting to $450,000."
• Example: When a recruiter reads the keyword "analyst," he or she might assume you have experience in collecting data and evaluating effectiveness.
• If a job announcement uses a keyword such as "develops," use it in your resume. It is representative of independence in work assignments and the range of responsibility for the available position.
• Be honest . Be honest in describing your accomplishments, but not modest.
• Use reverse chronological order to list experience . Start with your most recent experience first and work your way back. An exception: when it is more appropriate to list your most relevant work experience first (e.g. if you are changing careers).
• Tailor your resume to include information relevant to the specific position you are applying to. Education and work experience that is indirectly related can be excluded if the resume begins to grow too long.
• Be concise and keep paragraphs short. To make your resume easier to read, add a brief, relevant heading to paragraphs to maximize readability.
• Use bullets to describe your experiences and accomplishments.
• Ensure correct grammar and no spelling errors . Your resume is your first impression – make it a good one!
• Resume Builder
• Resume Writing
• USAJOBS Guidance  

Contact us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• A–Z Index
• Operating Status

Questions and answers

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 .

USAJOBS.gov Help Center: Resume Creation Guide

This website is an independent educational resource and NOT affiliated with any official U.S. government agency.

Special Agent Hiring Guidance & FAQ

Finding a vacancy and making yourself the best qualified applicant can appear to be quite a challenge at times.  Explore this section to learn more. 

Special Agent Federal Resume

Critical first step - tailor for federal govt. application system.

It is critical that you tailor your resume to the federal government application system and thoroughly ignore the typical guidance for private sector resumes.  The 1811 resume failure rate is close to 50%!  In general, the government application system rewards extensive detail and relevant experience.  You should have a robust resume ( minimum 2-3 pages in length ) in USAJobs that incorporates ALL the advice provided by HR government officials.    If you are well qualified, and have repeatedly applied to 1811 vacancies without result, chances are your resume is deficient in critical components.  HR will routinely avoid forwarding resumes of qualified candidates because they are not sufficiently detailed to pass later audits.  Check out my Resume Failures Blog Post and the below links to resume resources to help draft a proper Curriculum Vitae (CV).    You must put in the hard work & develop a detailed resume! 

Resume Failures Blog Post  

A Special Agent is a federal law enforcement criminal investigator. They are typically categorized in the GS-1811 job series.  Special Agents have the statutory authority to carry firearms, conduct searches & seizures, and make arrests. Special Agents work for a number of federal agencies such as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and U.S. Secret Service (USSS), etc.

Federal Resume

See this Federal Resume Template & Fed Resume Guide to help you get started.

See the official USAJobs Resume Guide YouTube Video made by HR pros.

Here are some official USAJobs tips & resources on how to build your resume.

See the official Gov. Vets page to learn more about different hiring programs.

Here is another official resume guide posted by DHS that provides simple tips to improve.

See the official NIH Resume guide for additional advice & guidance.

Here is the direct link to the USA Jobs Resume builder.   Start your resume draft here!

Federal Govt. Jobs has an excellent Resume Resource Page to help applicants draft resumes.

College Students

1811 Hiring

Resume Failure

1811 jobs list.

For new applicants, half the battle is finding the correct entry level vacancies.  This 1811 Hiring List link is an amazing  resource and will take you to a summary of some of the SA positions that are currently available.

SA Blog Youtube

By popular request & recognizing that people learn in different ways; the Special Agent Blog YouTube Channel is now live.  The YouTube site consolidates videos into agency Playlists.  I have selected useful content.

Online Security

Most applicants appear to be unaware of the basic steps they should take to maintain their online security.  The two areas that need vital protection are your credit profile and physical address .  Taking preventative measures over a lifetime will provide numerous security benefits during your law enforcement career.  Read below post to learn more:

" Basic Security Tips for ALL Special Agents "

SA Exam Handbook

A Great Handbook to get you started.

Federal Resume Guide

Federal Resumes are very unique.  This has great technical information for success.

Among the more expensive options, but this has become the "gold standard" for federal law enforcement test prep.

The most competitive special agent applicants are those with degrees AND relevant work experience.

Special Agent INTERNSHIPS

Undergraduates are also HIGHLY encouraged to participate in internships with federal agencies. The DEA, Secret Service, FBI, DSS, HSI, and many OIG agencies all have internship programs, some are even paid. Students that complete internships often gain invaluable experience and professional networks. In many cases, they quickly become the preferred candidates when vacancies are posted and end up with a huge advantage during the application and background process. An internship is also often times creditable work experience. An applicant with limited work experience and no internship is at a huge disadvantage and will likely not even be invited to the interview phase. To learn how to apply for an internship, contact your local agency office directly or view the USAJobs Internship Portal .

Special Agent VACANCIES

Half the battle is finding the right entry level vacancies (GS 5 - 10). As a potential applicant, I would encourage you to sign up for email alerts with the specific agencies you are interested in applying and routinely check their websites for updates. Another option is to go to the USA Jobs Advanced Search page and specifically search for the Criminal Investigation Occupational Series – 1811 (see link below). This will show all special agent vacancies.

Note: Most Office of Inspector (OIG) special agent vacancies are targeted for those who are currently senior special agents (GS 13). In the rare occasion that they post a GS 7-9 entry level job, experience has shown that the internal internship applicants are usually given preference ( hint, hint ). 

Federal Hiring Myths:  Read More

Partnership for Public Service

The nonprofit Partnership for Public Service recently released a new Federal Internship Finder Tool .  This is a fantastic resource for students that are looking to start a career with the federal government.  Students and recent Graduates can now see all the different types of entry level programs ( i.e. Pathways, Internships, Recent Graduates ) in one portal, which saves the hassle of searching dozens of sites.  This site also provides great resources for resume writing and applying to federal positions. 

Uniform Officer Experience Blog

Official Hiring Site

*Most* agencies post vacancies here.  Pro Tip:  Type in "1811" in the Series Search bar to quickly find Criminal Investigator vacancies. 

Lack of FBI Applicants

The current applicant shortage is an opportunity for savvy candidates!  The FBI applicant pool declined from a peak of 68K to 11,500 (2018). 

S ecret Service Hiring

The Secret Service has started an unprecedented hiring surge for entry level   SA positions.    Recent college graduates are encouraged to apply.! 

Special Agent Automatic Disqualifiers

If you fall into any one of these categories, your chances of becoming a Special Agent are virtually ZERO .  Don't waste your time by applying.  These are often non-negotiable requirements that cannot be waived:

• Over the age of 37 ( Except prior military )
• Non U.S. Citizenship
• Conviction of a felony, sex crime and/or a domestic violence misdemeanor.
• Currently have a federally funded student loan in default.
• Failure to file income tax returns.
• Once holding a security clearance that was revoked.
• Failure to pay court-ordered child support or alimony payments.

Special Agent Hiring Process

With limited exceptions, the application process is incredibly lengthy (average 2 Years) and often exhausting.  It can be further disheartening to read forums about how the process is "rigged" in favor of one type of candidate or the other.  Please do yourself a solid, take a deep breath and read through the available information on this site.    I am constantly amazed to see applicants make the same repetitive mistakes & expect a different result.  Don't be that guy/gal!

In general, a person seeking an entry level 1811 position should tactically apply to EVERY position for which they have the best chances of success.   After all, did you apply to only one "reach" college after high school?  In 2020, qualified entry level candidates have a better than average chance of obtaining a position with the Secret Service.  Additionally, the savvy candidate will pursue opportunities with less public agencies that are often overlooked.   The current 1811 applicants may be the best qualified candidate for some these vacancies but if you are willing to accept Alaska as your assignment or perhaps an Indian Reservation in Montana; you could be an instant 1811 special agent.  The opportunities for the "go-getters" have always been there; remember, I used to be an applicant just like you!

Finally, I cannot stress this enough but your professional networking should involve finding current federal opportunities within these agencies ( i.e. uniformed federal officer, staff assistant, forensic examiner, admin specialist, internship ) while waiting in the pipeline.  In the past three years I have seen support staff from each one of these admin or uniformed positions become special agents within my agency.  They simply used their time valuably, gained the early inside track to various vacancy announcements and quickly grabbed opportunities as they became available!   

I would also highly advise all applicants to understand the various *types* of vacancy announcements and ensure they are even eligible to apply, to avoid wasting their time.  There are many 1811 vacancies that are NOT open for the general public but are reserved for current or former federal employees.  Read More at USAJOBS-Eligibility Page .    I would also advise applicants to check out the USAJobs National Security Portal for potential entry level positions. 

1811 Criminal Investigator Position

Most (but not all) federal agencies post special agent job vacancies at USAJobs.gov.  

Check frequently.

How to Get Hired?

This is an excellent article in which a supervisory agent clearly lays out the selection process.  

OPM 1811 Job Series

This is the official OPM Job Description for the 1811 Criminal Investigator Position and should be reviewed. 

1811 Vacancy List

I would recommend applicants regularly check this list to see an overview of 1811 vacancies. 

My Interview Experience

Panel interviews - no mystery.

I applied to several 1811 agencies in order to maximize my chances for success; consequently I completed the Panel Interview process for DEA, DSS, FBI, and HSI.  The panel interview process was ( and still is ) the typical format for most 1811 agencies.  Read my Interview Experience Blog Post to learn more. 

Special Agent Polygraph

Dreaded & misunderstood.

The polygraph examination is simply a tool to gauge your honesty & suitability as an adult applicant.  It is also a subjective process so mistakes can happen ( Personally, I failed by 1st DEA poly, passed the second DEA poly and later passed my FBI poly. ).  I would advise all applicants to be well rested before the polygraph interview & simply answer all questions truthfully ( yes, it is that simple ).  Do NOT read about how to cheat the poly or attempt to use any deception techniques as it will negatively impact your results.  In general, as long as you are NOT a spy or criminal, you should be ok.  In many instances, you are given a second chance & worst case scenario, you can re-apply and/or apply to another agency without prejudice.  I am constantly amazed at the misinformation & rumor that is endlessly debated on various forums.  If you must know more, I would simply refer you to the DOJ report titled " Use of Polygraph Examinations in the DOJ " that goes in-depth about the poly and is an official source; which you should disclose as basic research during the interview.    

My Special Agent

 academy experience.

There is always a certain amount of anxiety when preparing to attend an 1811 criminal investigator academy.  That is normal!  Preparation for your academy starts with carefully reading the orientation packet.  Each agency has different policies & procedures for their trainees. 

Review My Academy Experience Blog Post to learn more.     

ATF Academy Article

Secret Service Training

FBI Academy Article

DSS Training

FLETC Facilities

FLETC Locations

Federal Govt. Hiring Authorities OPM Site

F ederal Agencies are able to use a variety of Hiring Authorities in order to fulfill their workforce needs.  It is important to understand the authorities to determine if you qualify .  Below are the common Hiring Authorities used: 

Traditional Authority

I.  Delegated Examining Unit:  Veteran Preference Applies; Open to all U.S. Citizens

II.  Merit Promotion:  May be used for Federal Employees Only; Other authorities such as Schedule A, Veteran Spouse, Peace Corps may be added if open to the public (i.e. Career Transition Assistance Plan). 

III.  Direct Hiring Authority (DHA):  No veteran preference given, all applicants on an even playing field; Selection of any qualified applicant can be made; Applicants can be considered without applying to vacancy but resume must be received during open announcement period.

Non-Competitive Authority

I.  30 Percent Disabled Veteran:  No Job Announcement required; VA documentation required; Qualifications must be met.

II.  Schedule A (Individuals With Disabilities):  No Job Announcement required; Qualifications met; Proof of disability.

III.  Peace Corps (NCE):  Applicants must provide proof of eligibility; Qualifications must be met.

IV.  Schedule B :  Typically used to attract attorney's, law clerks and fill fellowship programs (technical, medical).

V.  Military Spouse & Family Member:  This enables a hiring manager to non-competitively appoint a military spouse who meets certain criteria to any position in the competitive service for which he or she is qualified.

VI.  Veterans Recruitment Authority:  Excepted authority, appoint eligible veterans without competition so long as all job qualifications met.

VII.  Veterans Employment Opportunity Act of 1998 (VEOA):  Allows veterans to apply to announcements that are only open to "current competitive service employees."

Do yourself a favor and ignore the various ( often incorrect ) explanations posted on forums about the hiring authorities and read through the Official OPM Hiring Authorities Webpage yourself!

General Minimum 1811 Criminal Investigator OPM Qualifications

Below are generally the typical basic qualifications for the criminal investigator (1811) position. - If you clearly do not meet the minimum qualifications, I would advise a candidate to re-evaluate their chances of actually being selected:

1.  U.S. Citizen ( Non-Negotiable )

2.  Be at least 21-23 years of age to be appointed ( depends on agency ).  Special Agent candidates must be appointed prior to their 37th birthday ( certain waivers may be available for prior military personnel ).

3.  Must be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance ( more on this later ).

4.  Must obtain the appropriate medical clearance ( No major medical problems ).

5.  Available for assignment anywhere the agency has offices.

6.  Ability to maintain a valid drivers’ license ( all special agents are required to operate government vehicles ).

7.  Register with Selective Service.

8.  Pass a Drug Test

9.  Be in excellent physical fitness

10.  Possess sharp hearing acuity ( hearing aids are disqualifying ); Distance Vision: 20/20 or better in one eye, 20/40 or better in the weaker eye.  If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet these standards, then you should also have distance vision of 20/200 or better in each eye without glasses or contact lenses; Near Vision: 20/30 or better ( can be with corrective lenses ); Normal color vision; and Are able to carry 45 pounds or more, capable of heavy lifting.  Waivers are possible on a case by case basis.

11.  Applicants for a Special Agent position must not have been convicted of any felony charge.  In accordance with the Lautenberg Amendment to the Gun Control Act, a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not possess a firearm.  Applicants must be able to certify that they have not been convicted of any such violation, and that they are not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms.

12. Must not have defaulted on a student loan insured by U.S. Government.

Remember, these are the minimum eligibility qualifications in order to be appointed as a special agent.  Every agency additionally has preferred criteria in order to recruit and ultimately select the most qualified applicant. 

The Criminal Justice

 degree question.

In today’s job market, the competition to become a special agent is very intense.  A recent college graduate with no work experience and simply an undergraduate degree in criminal justice will NOT be competitive ( I cannot stress this enough! ).  The special agent career has evolved dramatically in the 21st century and a number of specialized critical skills are now highly sought. There are many other degrees that will make you just as if not more competitive as an applicant; however, if you choose to pursue a criminal justice degree I would recommend checking out these sites for a list of the best programs:

US News Graduate School Rankings-C J

Top CJ Schools in America – Blog

Most importantly, an undergraduate criminal justice degree from a for-profit college (i.e. University of Phoenix, ITT Tech) will NOT help your chances and is highly discouraged .   In my opinion , they are generally low ranked programs (not to mention very expensive) and have reputations as diploma mills.  It is cheaper and better to do the same programs at state community colleges & universities. 

Criminal Investigator Academic Preferences

Most agencies are NOW looking for candidates with degrees in computer science, information technology, accounting, finance, engineering; and/or foreign language proficiency, law experience (JD), investigative experience, military experience, physical sciences expertise ( i.e., biochemistry, forensics) .  Additionally, certain agencies may value one academic background over another.  For example, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division highly values an accounting degree since they mostly deal with tax evasion cases.  On the other hand, Army CID and FBI often exclusively hire special agents with computer related degrees in order to specifically staff their Computer Crimes Investigations Unit.  Conversely, the Diplomatic Security Service may favorably rank a candidate with a degree in international relations since they have lengthy overseas careers, whereas the DEA may have zero interest in the same applicant.  Also, agencies such as HSI have a selection process that treats all degree subjects equally; whereas the FBI intentionally limits their applicant pool by degree background and skills.  There is no single answer to this question as it varies at each agency.   

Special Agent Competitive Critical    Skills

Generally speaking, a candidate with any one of the skill categories listed below would be competitive for most entry level special agent positions. Any person seriously considering this career should strive to obtain the combination of experience listed below ( I took this description from one of the major agencies .).  Most applicants tend to be in the Diversified Category; consequently, the candidates with the other skills are often moved to the front of the line & get a better chance of being selected. 

01 Accounting

03 computer/it.

To qualify for the Computer Science/Information Technology Critical Skill:  Have managed a corporate network; installed & maintained server systems;  maintained an ISP P; maintained and monitored performance on a TCP/IP or other protocol network; or maintained and performance tuned servers or IT Information Services.

04   Diversified

To qualify for the Diversified Critical Skill, a candidate must have a BS or BA degree in any discipline, plus three years of full-time work experience, or an advanced degree accompanied by 2 years of full-time work history.

(An applicant with a 4-year criminal justice degree and some work experience would be in this category.)

05   Language

The following is a list of language skills that are currently deemed critical: Arabic, Chinese – all dialects, Farsi, Hebrew, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Pashtu, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, and Vietnamese.  Also, majoring in any super critical foreign language (i .e., Arabic or Chinese ) wouldn’t be a bad idea as are in constant demand.

06   Intelligence

To qualify for the Intelligence Critical Skill, a candidate must possess two years of substantial, full-time work experience in an intelligence area. Candidates who have undergraduate or advanced degrees in International Studies, International Finance, or a closely related discipline would also qualify.

07   Law

08   leo.

To qualify for the Law Enforcement Critical Skill, a candidate must have at least two years full-time investigative experience in law enforcement.

09   Military

10   sciences.

To qualify for the Science Critical Skill, a candidate must have a degree in a scientific field such as Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Forensics, Mathematics, Medical Specialties, Nursing, Physics, etc.

11   Engineering

To qualify for the Engineering Critical Skill, a candidate must have a degree in an Engineering related discipline. A degree in Architecture would also qualify.

Work Experience

I cannot stress this enough but all applicants should be working in a position that gives them creditable work experience.  Rather than waiting tables or working as a cashier to pay the bills, I highly encourage applicants to find and accept an entry level federal position . Virtually all federal law enforcement agencies have support positions such as uniformed officer, evidence custodian, surveillance team member, technical officer, classified courier, mission support, investigative analyst, etc.  By working in these positions, a graduate is able to receive creditable work experience while simultaneously earning retirement service time.

Special Agent

 physical fitness.

Physical fitness examinations are a non-negotiable component of most hiring processes within the federal law enforcement community.  I highly encourage all applicants to routinely practice and take the specific physical fitness exam outlined by the agency to which you are applying.  It is important that you practice this fitness exam in the proscribed order so as to get acclimated with the required exertion .  Failure to pass the physical fitness test is one of the leading causes of disqualification in the special agent screening process! 

Physical Fitness is part of a true special agent's lifestyle!

Narcotics Abuse

A great special agent disqualifier.

The abuse of both legal and illegal narcotics will likely be an instant disqualifier.  Additionally, ongoing use of marijuana (ie within 2 years) is typically not looked upon favorably, regardless of its legal status in your state.  The best advice for serious candidates is to avoid this lifestyle and/or stop immediately if want to have a shot at a law enforcement career.

Special Agent Candidates - Adderall Abuse

Top Secret Background Investigation

Fact vs. rumor  .

Security Clearance Podcast :  Listen to this official podcast that helps dispel the rumors and myth behind federal background investigations. 

 Note:  Having a current security clearance will NOT help you get an interview quicker; however, it may expedite the background process.

Read Top 10 Reasons for Denial

Background FAQ :  Read about the background investigation process from the Defense Counterintelligence & Security Agency (DCSA).   Read More.

A  fter you complete the initial application and interview process & receive a conditional offer of employment as a special agent, the next step is to begin the background investigation process. Generally speaking, all candidates must receive or be eligible for a Top Secret Clearance before they can begin employment.

As soon as the agency you applied to receives a complete set of background investigation forms, the the hiring agency will assign a background investigator and commence with your background investigation. You will be contacted by the office that is processing your background to schedule your interview, drug test, and polygraph examination.  In the next phase of the process, the investigators will perform extensive records checks (e.g., credit checks, police records checks, etc.), and will interview current and former colleagues, neighbors, friends, professors, etc.

Be truthful.  If you foresee problems that may arise during the background process, your best option is to be forthcoming and honest; candor is your best friend.  I cannot stress this enough!  Any attempts to conceal negative information will likely result in dismissal from the application process.  USAJobs Backgrounds 

The SF-86 is a comprehensive form that a potential applicant will need to fill out in order to start the application process.  Take a look at the form and start collecting the information in advance to avoid delays. T he Defense Counter -  intelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is now the ultimate authority for federal background investigations.  Review the DCSA Official Website to obtain the most accurate & updated information about federal background investigations. 

Background Investigation  Post

Additional References Security Clearances

Some applicants simply have complex issues in their background and require additional guidance.  There are a few publications available ( referenced below ) to further research the federal background investigation process.  If you are in this category, it will take additional effort on your part to navigate these issues ethically and without legal consequences.  Do your research and keep in mind that some random dude on an online forum ( who is likely just another applicant ) is not the best source of advice on any topic. 

Security Clearance

Attorney Ronald Sykstus

Access Granted

SA Kevin Crane

Issue Mitigation

Consultant 

Security Clearance Stories

Commercial career sites buyer beware  .

Type in "special agent" and you are likely to end up with a "myraid" of sites by various commercial entities peddling you all forms of nonsense, with the ultimate goal of making money.  Some like " balancecareers " have done a marginally decent job of putting together basic information ( albeit with errors ); others like " careerexplorer " and " zippia " (also geteducated ; study ; Excite ) are just plain junk that have cut & pasted generic information.  Often you might see an article ( ms.jd )or two ( princeto n ) w ith some legit sounding advice; more often than not it is similarly superficial.  Some even start off as having legitimate content but soon become outdated ( FedLeo ), irrelevant or or just plain garbage (i.e. deablog ).  Remember, most of these commercial sites are often designed by paid employees who are trying to build content concerning a wide array of careers.  Virtually none of these sites are authored by *actual* special agents.  Similarly, the "interview coach" scam has appeared to have taken off and I would carefully vet before selecting their services.

The "Veteran's Preference" Debate

There a number of virulent forums where rejected applicants will claim there is absolutely no way to get hired as an 1811 without military experience and subsequent "Veteran's Preference" points.  This is pure fiction . 

If you have the aptitude, skills and desire to serve your country , the military is indeed a great way to gain relevant work experience for any career.  Upon an honorable discharge, you will have several available benefits ( i.e. GI Bill, VA Loans, Medical, etc .).  Joining the military after high school ( Enlisted Corps ) or via a college program ( Officer Corps ) is a challenging & rewarding experience, and should be sought out on its own merits. 

However, you can also gain creditable work experience (key word folks)  with an accounting background, high demand IT skills or even a critical language.  My academy class had a mix of backgrounds ( i.e., teachers, CPAs, military, LEO, lawyers, nurse, counselor ).  The 1811 workforce is composed of a compilation of professions and great candidates from ALL backgrounds go on to become SAs!

Special Agent Online

 blogs and forums.

There are four major online blogs in which users share information & advice about the law enforcement hiring process.  Like anything in life, use your judgment in accepting this information. Unfortunately, t here truly are a number of unstable personalities that regularly post junk information and endlessly quibble over stupid details.  Oftentimes it is applicants or rejected candidates sharing "rumor intelligence."  Additionally, I have noticed that most posters aren't even special agents and their advice is usually not credible.   

This is a text area

Criminal Investigator OPM Job Description

Familiarize yourself so you understand the scope of this position, the office of personnel management defines the 1811 criminal investigator series as follows:   .

This series covers positions which supervise, lead, or perform work involving planning, conducting, or managing investigations related to alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal laws. The work involves:

• recognizing, developing, and presenting evidence to reconstruct events, sequences, time elements, relationships, responsibilities, legal liabilities, and conflicts of interest;
• conducting investigations in a manner meeting legal and procedural requirements; and
• providing advice and assistance both in and out of court to the U.S. Attorney’s Office during investigations and prosecutions.

Work in this series primarily requires knowledge of criminal investigative techniques, rules of criminal procedures, laws, and precedent court decisions concerning the admissibility of evidence, constitutional rights, search and seizure, and related issues in the conduct of investigations.

Criminal investigative work is characterized by the types and scope of crimes investigated and the organization and sophistication of the criminals. Additional characteristics of criminal investigative work include: planning and conducting investigations extending over protracted periods of time; assignments made primarily on a referral or case basis; and an emphasis on identifying and apprehending individuals for criminal prosecution. During the course of their careers, criminal investigators may rotate through various assignments to include protective details, asset forfeiture investigations, and multi-jurisdictional task forces.

The basic title for positions in this series is Criminal Investigator .

General Occupational Information:   

Criminal investigators conduct investigations of alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal laws. The Federal statute or law which may have been violated does not determine whether a position should be classified in this series. The actual process and the knowledge and skills used to investigate crimes determine the appropriate series of the position. Classification into the 1811 series should not be an automatic process but should be based on the work of the individual position.

Work requires knowledge of:

• pertinent statutes, regulations, policies, and guidelines, including the Code of Federal Regulations or the Uniform Code of Military Justice;
• Federal Rules of Criminal Procedures, Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and Federal guidelines on the conduct of criminal investigations;
• criminal investigative techniques, such as protective surveys and assignments, surveillance, & undercover work;
• the evidence required to prove a crime was committed;
• the jurisdiction of various agencies;
• sources of information and how to develop them (e.g., informants, surveillance, and undercover work);
• electronic countermeasures and the latest technological advances used by criminals and investigators;
• decisions and precedent cases involving, but not limited to, rules of evidence, search and seizure, and detention and arrest.

OPM Criminal Investigator

Some criminal investigators perform or oversee undercover assignments as a regular and recurring part of their assigned duties. Criminal investigator positions will normally be found in organizations whose primary purpose includes functions typically performed by criminal investigators, such as organizations responsible for performing inspection, compliance, enforcement, prevention, or deterrence functions.

Criminal investigations are influenced by a number of legal and technological factors including:

• sophistication and complexity of electronic and technological devices used by the criminal element;
• globalization of the economy and businesses;
• changing policies and priorities of prosecuting officials, courts, and administrations;
• changing composition and diversity of the criminal element (e.g., diverse socio-economic, ethnic, transnational, and organized crime groups); and
• domestic and international terrorism.

Major Criminal Investigation Areas

Criminal investigators may investigate one or more different types of crime. Some of the major criminal investigation areas include:

• financial and electronic crimes such as money laundering, identity theft, telecommunication fraud, and currency violations;
• fraud (i.e., deliberate deception to secure unlawful gains);
• smuggling of items or individuals such as narcotics, firearms, aliens, or protected species;
• strategic crimes such as treason, terrorism, or violations of international agreements (e.g., on arms and technology export);
• environmental crimes; and
• health-related crimes such as intentional distribution of adulterated food.

Distinguishing Criminal Investigation from Other Occupational Series: 

Employees in other occupations, both in this job family and in other families and occupational groups, may use some of the tools and techniques used in criminal investigations work. For example, police officers and detectives serve warrants, travel across state lines, and contact local and State authorities to obtain and/or provide background information on suspects. Work in the Police Series, 0083, primarily focuses on crimes committed on Federal property such as breaking and entering, larceny, willful damage of government and private property, aggravated assault, and illegal possession of controlled substances. In contrast, criminal investigators are not typically concerned with independent individuals or small, local groups of individuals committing crimes on Federal property unless they are germane to larger investigations. Rather, 1811-Criminal Investigators focus on suspected major offenses or violations of Federal laws where the investigative assignment requires an extended period of time, i.e., days, weeks, or months, for completion.

An official website of the United States government

MANAGEMENT ANALYST

Department of the air force.

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to advise senior leaders, peers and colleagues on difficult problems, conducts special studies as a wing representative, and proposes options and alternatives in the same capacity. Use LEAN methodology in order to effect continuous improvements and innovations that eliminate inefficiencies and improve productivity on a broad scale.

• Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

04/25/2024 to 05/01/2024

$103,409 - $134,435 per year

Pay scale & grade

• Eglin AFB, FL

Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required

Not required

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type.

Permanent -

Work schedule

Full-time -

Competitive

Promotion potential

Job family (series).

0343 Management And Program Analysis

Supervisory status

Security clearance, announcement number.

AFMC-12398410-397502-8I-JEJ

Control number

This job is open to, career transition (ctap, ictap, rpl).

Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

Family of overseas employees

Family members of a federal employee or uniformed service member who is or was, working overseas.

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current or former competitive service federal employees.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current excepted service federal employees.

Land & base management

Certain current or former term or temporary federal employees of a land or base management agency.

Military spouses

Clarification from the agency.

Eligible NAF employees are considered under Hiring Path - "Federal employees-Excepted service"

• Research, interpret, analyze and apply lean thinking principles, wing material management and administrative policies and regulations.
• As the recognized Wing technical authority in CI2, serve as Black Belt coach, facilitator and/or negotiator in coordinating team initiatives and in consensus building activities among team members.
• Represent Wing Airmen by serving as a confidential advisor to wing leaders on feedback received from all levels within the wing.
• Responsible for enterprise strategic communication and Air Force Instruction (AFI) compliance.

Requirements

Conditions of employment.

• Work may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station on military or commercial aircraft.
• U.S. Citizenship Required
• Males must be registered for Selective Service, see www.sss.gov
• Selectee is expected to be granted with and/or maintain the appropriate security clearance required for the position.
• Selectee may be required to serve a probationary or trial period.
• Relocation costs or other incentives may be available and considered by the organization.
• This posn is subject to provisions of the DoD Priority Placement Program
• Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays
• Shift work and emergency overtime may be required
• Employee must maintain current certifications
• Disclosure of Political Appointments
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and skill in applying qualitative and quantitative techniques to the identification, consideration and resolution of issues or problems concerning efficiency and effectiveness of program operations to devise organizational structuring options for complex, diverse organizations.
• Knowledge of CI2 techniques such as Lean Six Sigma qualitative and quantitative methods for process improvement projects and innovation assets, design thinking and pitch development for innovation projects.
• Skill in applying analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to a broad range of functional areas related to CI2.
• Skill in certifying trained Green Belt Practitioners to certified level and conducting interviews with all levels of individuals to obtain information about organizational missions, functions, work procedures and develop innovative and feasible solutions to complex issues.
• Ability to integrate and coordinate multiple and related missions, functions, subjects, issues, and situations across the wing to present and recommend solutions in a logical, cohesive format.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to gain cooperation from others through tact, courtesy and diplomacy.
• Ability to obtain and demonstrate training principles, techniques, and tools to instruct, evaluate, and make recommendations to improve training/course content.

IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.

Additional information

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an ICTAP eligible click here . To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated well qualified or above for this position. You must submit a copy of the agency notice, your most recent performance rating, and your most recent SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. Employed Annuitants (Reemployed Annuitants): Applicants in receipt of an annuity based on civilian employment in the Federal Service are subject to the DoD Policy on The Employment of Annuitants. Click here for more information. 120-Day Register: This announcement may result in a 120-day register that may be used to fill like vacancies for 120 days after the closing date. Applicants may be referred for consideration as vacancies occur. Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, if determined best qualified, must be selected at the full performance level and placed at the full performance level. You must include a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference. Click here to obtain a copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist. If you have questions regarding this announcement and have hearing or speech difficulties click here .

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment. The resume/documents you submit must support your responses to the online questionnaire. If your application contradicts or does not support your questionnaire responses, you will receive a rating of "not qualified" or "insufficient information" and you will not receive further consideration for this job. For additional information on what to include in your resume, click here . Applicants who meet the requirements for and apply as a non-competitive eligible that meet minimal qualifications and other requirements of this position, may be given consideration as a non-competitive candidate and will be referred unless blocked by an individual with priority/preference. APPRAISALS/AWARDS: Hiring Managers use objective methods and consider previous performance appraisals and awards in the selection process. Current Federal Civilian employees should list any relevant performance related rating and/or awards in your resume. Applicants who disqualify themselves will not be evaluated further.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

• Online Application: Questionnaire
• Resume: For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week and dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position. If you are a current Federal employee or previous Federal employee, provide your pay plan, series and grade, i.e. GS-0301-09. Current Federal Civilian Employees should list any relevant performance related rating (given within the last three years) and/or incentive awards in your resume. Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn ), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., on your resume. To ensure full consideration of your experience and education we encourage you to use the USAJOBS resume builder to prepare your resume or to guide you in preparing your resume. See http://www.usajobs.gov/Content/pdfs/Tutorials-Resume.pdf for more information.
• Transcripts/Registration/License: If qualifying on education/position requires education, you must submit copies of your transcripts and if required for the position, submit an active, current registration/license.
• Veterans: If claiming VEOA, VRA or 30% Disabled Veteran - Submit VOW certification memo or copy of the official DD Form 214, which must include the character of service (i.e., with an honorable or general discharge). This will be annotated in block 24 on member copy 2, 4, or 7 of the DD Form 214. If claiming 30% Disabled Veteran, you must also submit a VA Letter or a disability determination from a branch of the Armed Forces. NOTE: All veterans claiming 10-point preference must also submit a SF-15 form.
• Current or Former Federal Civilian Employees (includes current Air Force employees): You must submit a legible copy of a SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action . The SF-50, block 24 must contain "1" or "2" AND block 34 must be a "1". Employees eligible under an OPM approved interchange agreement , block 34 may contain a "1" or "2".
• Promotion Consideration: If you wish to be considered as a promotion candidate and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one-year time-in-grade requirements. You will need to provide additional SF-50s which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-Grade, Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old).
• Name/Rank/Grade of Service Member
• Branch of Armed Forces
• Dates of Active Service (Start and End Date(s)
• Expected Date of Discharge/Release from Active Duty
• Terminal leave start date (if applicable)
• Expected character of service/discharge and type of separation (i.e. separation or retirement)
• Must be certified within 120 days of anticipated discharge
• Signature by, or by direction of the adjutant, personnel office, unit commander, or higher headquarters commander.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• It is your responsibility to check the status and timestamp of all documents you submit as part of your application.
• If your resume includes photographs (or links to social media), inappropriate material, inappropriate content, or personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc., you will not be considered for this vacancy.
• For qualification determinations your resume must contain hours worked per week (if part-time) and dates of employment (i.e., hours per week and month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as insufficient and you will not receive consideration for this position.

Agency contact information

Total force service center.

1-800-525-0102

[email protected]

Once your application package is received an acknowledgement email will be sent. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility and qualifications for consideration. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration. To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select My Applications, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. If you do not provide an email address, you are responsible for checking status updates and notifications in USAJOBS. Hard copy notifications will not be sent to you.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Financial suitability
• Selective Service
• New employee probationary period
• Signature and false statements
• Privacy Act
• Social security number request

Required Documents

How to apply, fair & transparent.

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov . For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/788366100 . Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

Please wait while map is being generated.

Learn more about

Air Force Materiel Command

• AF DCIPS Interchange
• AF Internal Employee
• DoD Transfer (Excluding Air Force)
• EO 12721 Certain Former Overseas Employees
• EO 13473 Appointment of Certain Military Spouses
• Former Federal Employees (Reinstatement)
• Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
• Land Management Employee
• Military Spouse Preference
• Non-DoD Transfer
• PPP DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians
• PPP DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
• PPP Mil Res (MR) and Nat Guard (NG) Pref Eligible Technician Receiving Disability Retirement
• Veterans Employment Opportunities Act

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in eight minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.

How To Apply

Don't hesitate, apply today.

USAJOBS is an official website of the United States government and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) where all IRS job opportunities that are open to the public are posted and where you will apply for our positions. This is where you will begin and be able to track your application’s progress through the IRS’ hiring system. If you have already found the position that interests you, you will be prompted to take these steps after hitting the Apply button. If you have already created a USAJOBS account, you will be prompted to log in. 

Here is a quick summary on how the federal application process works on USAJOBS: 

Create an account with login.gov

First, you need to  create an account with login.gov .

Create a USAJOBS profile

With a USAJOBS profile you can:

Apply to any job on USAJOBS .

Save jobs you're interested in.

Save and automate job searches.

Upload and save resumes or create one using our resume builder.

Upload and save required documents.

Have a more personalized experience.

Prepare your application

Before you click the Apply button to start your application, check out our Application Preparation page, which provides tips for writing an effective resume, and much more!

Once you begin the application process, you can review, edit, and delete your information. We'll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won't lose any changes.

Submit your application

When your application is ready in USAJOBS, USAJOBS will send you to the IRS’ agency application system to submit your application. Before you submit, you may need to complete other agency-required steps such as:

Providing more personal information.

Providing more documentation.

Answering eligibility questions.

Completing an occupational questionnaire—look for a preview of the questions under the Required documents section.

It may take you longer to apply to some jobs than others, because some jobs require more information than others.

After you submit your application, go back to the Application section of your USAJOBS account and make sure the IRS received your application. Your application status will say you applied with the date you submitted your application and if it went through.

You can always  check the status of your application  in your USAJOBS profile with the Track This Application link.

How long will it take to receive an updated status?

It may take a few hours, after you submit your application, for the IRS to update your status. You may also receive an email confirmation from the IRS application system.

So now that you have applied, what’s next? Click here  to learn the next steps in our hiring process. 

Featured Jobs

• Appeals Officers
• Contact Representatives
• Criminal Investigators
• Revenue Agents
• Tax Examiners
• Tax Specialists

Learn more about upcoming IRS Events

How do I update my resume to help land that job? Ask HR

Johnny C. Taylor Jr. tackles your human resources questions as part of a series for USA TODAY. Taylor is president and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management, the world's largest HR professional society and author of "Reset: A Leader’s Guide to Work in an Age of Upheaval.”

Have a question? Submit it here .

Question: Since leaving a job I have had for almost a decade, I have primarily conducted my job search online. I have used the same resume design since I started working 12 years ago. Should I update my resume design to be more effective? What do you recommend for building a modern resume? – Sandra

Answer: Updating your resume design can indeed be a wise move, especially if you've been using the same format for a long time. A fresh, modern design can help your resume stand out and leave a positive impression on recruiters and hiring managers. Here’s what I recommend for building a modern resume:

◾ Clean, professional layout: Opt for a layout that’s visually appealing and easy to read. Avoid cluttered designs and overly decorative elements that may distract from your content.

◾ Font selection: Stick to standard, easy-to-read fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are widely accepted and compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), ensuring your résumé is easily scannable by both humans and software.

◾ Incorporate keywords: Tailor your resume to each job application by incorporating industry-specific keywords and phrases relevant to the position. Many companies use ATS to screen résumés, so this will increase the likelihood of your resume being noticed.

◾ Organized sections: Structure your resume into clear sections, including Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Work Experience, Skills, Education and any additional relevant sections such as Certifications or Volunteer Work. This organization makes it easy for recruiters to quickly find the information they need.

◾ Summary/objective statement: Start your résumé with a summary that highlights your key qualifications and career goals. Keep it concise, focusing on what sets you apart and what you aim to achieve in your career.

◾ Accomplishment-oriented experience: When listing your work experience, focus on highlighting your accomplishments, rather than just listing job duties. Use quantifiable achievements whenever possible, to demonstrate your impact, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or leading successful projects.

◾ Skills section: Dedicate a section to showcasing your key skills and competencies, including both technical skills and soft skills relevant to the job. This section provides recruiters with a quick overview of your capabilities.

◾ Proofreading: Before submitting your resume, thoroughly proofread it to ensure there are no grammatical errors, typos, or formatting issues. Consider having someone else review your resume for feedback and additional insights.

By updating your resuméewith a modern design and incorporating these key elements, you can increase your chances of making a strong impression in today’s competitive job market. Good luck with your job search!

Ghosting a job Is it bad to ghost low priority potential employers? Ask HR

I've been denied PTO requests on multiple occasions, which is becoming increasingly frustrating. Most of them are denied on the grounds of staffing needs. Do I have any recourse in fighting these denials? What can I do to ensure PTO approvals? – Chanette

You may indeed have some recourse in addressing these denied paid time off requests. Start by reviewing your company's PTO policy and procedures. Many employers have specific guidelines regarding PTO requests, including deadlines for submission and limits on the number of employees who can be on leave simultaneously, to ensure adequate staffing levels.

First, check if your PTO requests were made in accordance with company policy. If they were not, ensure that you adhere to the established procedures for future requests, to increase the likelihood of approval.

However, if you followed company policy and your requests were still denied, consider discussing the matter with your manager or the human resources team. Seek clarification on the reasons for the denials and inquire about potential strategies to improve the approval rate for your requests.

It's also essential to consider whether your state mandates sick leave, and if your company uses PTO to fulfill those requirements. If so, your employer may be obligated to approve leave requests that align with qualifying reasons for sick leave under the law. If you’re uncertain about your state’s sick leave requirements, consult your HR team for clarification.

Ultimately, unless there is a contractual agreement or policy stating otherwise, employers typically have discretion in managing PTO usage. However, by following company procedures and addressing your concerns with management or HR, you may increase the likelihood of having your PTO requests approved more frequently.

Salaried, nonexempt What does that mean? Ask HR

10 Best Resume Builders to Create A Great Resume – 2024 Guide

A re you exhausted from investing endless hours into creating an impeccable CV? This article introduces the top resume builders that will revolutionize your job application approach. Bid farewell to monotonous formatting and greet a remarkable resume that distinguishes itself from the rivalry. Prepare yourself to secure your dream job with self-assurance effortlessly!

>> Unlock Your Career Potential With Super Star Resume

10 Best Resume Writing Services

• Super Star Resume - Best overall
• ZipJob - Best for guarantees
• Resumeble - Best with custom bundles
• Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best for range of career service
• ResumeSpice - Best for job seekers of any level
• TopResume - Best customer service
• Resume Writing Services - Best for affordability
• Craft Resumes - Best for quick turnaround
• Resume Companion - Best value resume writing service
• Resume.com - Best free service

When creating this compilation, we considered different elements such as affordability, ease of use, accessibility, the privacy policies of the companies involved, and more. The highest-rated services offer advice, templates, and tools and allow you to consult with experts who can help you craft an impressive resume highlighting your strengths to potential employers.

Our collection comprises free services and those that make use of professional writers’ skills. Some options require a subscription or one-time payment.

>> Secure Your Dream Job With Super Star Resume

Super Star Resume - Best Resume Builder Overall

Star Rating: 4.9/5

Super Star Resume is an innovative resume builder that completely transforms creating professional resumes. By offering a user-friendly interface and a range of powerful features, Super Star Resume enables individuals to produce exceptional resumes that effectively showcase their abilities, accomplishments, and work history.

• Skilled and seasoned writers
• Customized strategy aligned with unique career objectives
• Timely delivery of resumes
• More significant expense compared to certain other resume writing services
• Restricted selection of additional services
• Availability may be restricted depending on demand and geographic location
• Intuitive resume builder: An intuitive interface that simplifies the resume creation process, offering modern templates for a professional look.
• Customization choices: Users can personalize their resumes by selecting from various font styles, colors, layouts, and sections to align with their unique style.
• Comprehensive content suggestions: Access to a collection of expertly curated bullet points, action verbs, and industry-specific phrases to craft impactful resume content.
• Real-time previews and editing: Real-time previewing and editing capabilities ensure a visually appealing and error-free final resume.
• Integration with professional networking platforms: Integration with LinkedIn allows users to maintain consistency between their online presence and resume.
• Tailored resumes for different job applications: The duplication feature facilitates the creation of multiple resume versions, each customized for specific job applications or industries.
• Resume analytics and tracking: Users can monitor the views and downloads of their resumes, gaining valuable insights to optimize their job search strategies.
• Professional Resume : $169
• Resume With Cover Letter : $199
• All-Included : $199

>> Use Super Star Resume to Secure Your Dream Job

ZipJob - Best Resume Builder for Guarantees

Star Rating: 4.7/5

ZipJob is widely regarded as an excellent option for resume creation, especially for those who value guarantees. Their impressive 60-day assurance ensures that individuals searching for employment will experience a surge in interview invitations within this period.

If this desired outcome cannot materialize, ZipJob proactively offers a complimentary review and revision of your resume. This guarantee highlights their commitment to client contentment and showcases their unwavering belief in the superior quality of their resume writing services.

• The starting package is cost-effective
• Complimentary ATS check included
• 60-day interview assurance with higher-tier packages
• The design and layout made it challenging to read the resume
• The summary section was overly lengthy and filled with clichés
• The formatting of the education and training sections was subpar
• Expert resume writers: ZipJob provides access to a team of expert resume writers with the skills and knowledge to review, evaluate, and optimize your resume for compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and hiring managers.
• ATS optimization: Meaning they ensure your resume is structured and formatted to navigate and succeed in ATS filters effectively. Employers commonly use these filters to assess and rank resumes during the initial screening process.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder online offered by ZipJob assists you in identifying and integrating pertinent keywords and industry-specific terminology. This practice heightens the visibility of your resume, making it more likely to capture the attention of hiring managers.
• Job-specific content suggestions: ZipJob provides valuable advice regarding the most relevant and influential content to include in your resume for different job titles and industries. This guidance is invaluable in customizing your resume for specific roles.
• Cover letter writing assistance: ZipJob supports the creation of impactful cover letters that complement your resume, strengthening your overall job application.
• Unlimited revisions: One noteworthy feature of ZipJob is the option for unlimited revisions and updates to your resume. This ensures that your resume not only meets but continues to meet your specific requirements and mirrors your professional growth.
• Collaboration with resume writers: the platform facilitates direct collaboration with the resume writers, enabling you to share additional information, discuss specific requirements, and seek clarifications at any stage of the resume creation process.
• Launch Package: $139 (or $48/mo)
• Fast Track Package: $189 (or $65/mo)
• Premium Package: $299 (or $27/mo)

>> Use ZipJob to Secure Your Dream Job

Resumeble - Best Resume Builder With Custom Bundles

Star Rating: 4.3/5

Resumeble is a highly efficient and user-friendly resume builder that empowers individuals to create professional and compelling resumes. With Resumeble, crafting a standout resume becomes a streamlined process thanks to its intuitive interface and extensive range of customizable templates.

Whether you’re a recent graduate, a seasoned professional, or someone looking to change careers, Resumeble caters to all needs and skill sets. It offers helpful suggestions and expert advice to ensure your resume showcases your unique qualifications and achievements in the best possible light.

• A 60-day interview guarantee is included
• Budget-friendly package deals are available
• It’s more established than some other websites
• Keyword optimization: This feature helps optimize your resume by suggesting relevant keywords aligned with your target industry or job, enhancing your visibility to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and recruiters.
• Content import: Resumeble allows you to import your existing resume or LinkedIn profile, saving you the time and effort of manual data entry.
• Real-time editing: You have the convenience of editing and modifying your resume in real time, providing the flexibility to experiment with various formats, sections, and content.
• ATS compatibility: Resumeble ensures your resume is ATS-compatible, essential for better visibility and a higher chance of being shortlisted by employers using Applicant Tracking Systems.
• Download options: The platform offers various download formats, including PDF, Word, and plain text, ensuring compatibility with diverse application processes.
• Cover letter builder: Resumeble features an integrated cover letter builder, streamlining the creation of professional and personalized cover letters that complement your resume.
• Career Pro Package : $159.00
• Professional Package : $299.00
• Premium Package : $399.00

>> Use Resumeble to Secure Your Dream Job

Let’s Eat, Grandma - Best Resume Builder for Range of Career Service

Star Rating: 4/5

Let’s Eat, Grandma is an inventive and progressive tool for creating impressive resumes. The platform streamlines the resume-building process, making it easier for job seekers to craft exceptional resumes. With Let’s Eat, Grandma, individuals can create unique resumes that catch the eye of employers and set them apart from the competition.

This user-friendly platform offers a range of customizable templates that allow users to tailor their resumes to showcase their specific skills and experiences. Let’s Eat, Grandma also provides expert advice and recommendations to help ensure that your qualifications and achievements are effectively highlighted in your resume.

• Complimentary resume evaluation
• Choices available for individuals from entry-level to executive-level positions
• Extensive collaboration opportunities
• Not specialized in academic CVs or federal resumes
• Relatively higher pricing compared to some other services
• Potential for a longer turnaround time compared to competing services
• Expert choice: You can save your resume in multiple formats (PDF, Word, plain text) or easily share it with potential employers via email or a link, simplifying the distribution of your resume.
• Error highlighting: The builder can identify potential errors, inconsistencies, or missing information within your resume and provide suggestions or alerts for improvement.
• Section prompts: Pre-written prompts for various resume sections (e.g., work experience, education, skills) can help you structure your resume effectively and ensure you include essential details in each area.
• Customizable sections: You can add, remove, or rearrange sections to tailor your resume to emphasize your strengths and relevant experiences.
• Keyword optimization: The resume builder can recommend industry-specific keywords based on the job description, enhancing your resume’s chances of passing through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and grabbing the attention of hiring managers.
• Starter Package : Priced at $439, but there is an anti-inflation sale price of $389.
• Accelerated Package : $549.
• The premium Package : $689, but the anti-inflation sale price is $614.
• Executive Concierge Service : $1,899 or as low as $119/month.

>> Use Let’s Eat, Grandma to Secure Your Dream Job

ResumeSpice - Best Resume Builder for Job Seekers of Any Level

Star Rating: 3.8/5

ResumeSpice , a renowned online resume builder, streamlines crafting professional resumes. This platform provides job seekers with a user-friendly interface and a wide selection of templates, enabling them to create impressive resumes that align with their career objectives.

With ResumeSpice’s seamless experience, users are guided through each resume section effortlessly while receiving valuable tips throughout the process. From personal details and work history to skills and accomplishments, this platform ensures that all crucial aspects of a resume are comprehensively addressed.

• Additional assistance
• Timely service
• ATS optimization
• Guaranteed interviews
• Restricted revisions
• Insufficient customization options
• Restricted refund policy
• User-friendly interface: ResumeSpice boasts an intuitive and user-friendly platform, simplifying the resume creation process and offering a seamless experience to users.
• Extensive template library: The platform offers a vast selection of professionally designed templates tailored to various industries and job positions. Users can explore different styles and layouts to find the perfect match for their needs.
• Import and export options: ResumeSpice enables users to import their existing resumes in formats like PDF or Word for easy editing and updates. Users can conveniently export their finalized resumes in multiple formats, facilitating sharing with employers or uploading to job portals.
• Mobile-friendly design: ResumeSpice is optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to create and modify their resumes using smartphones or tablets.
• Cloud storage: The platform provides secure cloud storage for users’ resumes, ensuring accessibility and updates from any device with an internet connection.
• Resume tracking: ResumeSpice includes tools for tracking the performance of submitted resumes, such as monitoring views, downloads, and application outcomes. These features empower users to evaluate their progress and make data-driven enhancements to their job search strategies.
• Entry Level Resume : $479
• Professional Resume : $589
• Executive Resume : $699

>> Use ResumeSpice to Secure Your Dream Job

TopResume - Best Resume Builder for Customer Service

Star Rating: 3.6/5

TopResume is an outstanding resume builder explicitly tailored for customer service professionals. It offers a seamless and user-friendly experience, enabling users to create exceptional resumes effortlessly. The platform goes beyond just providing a basic resume template, offering valuable suggestions and tips to optimize the content.

This ensures that each resume created on TopResume is unique and attention-grabbing in the highly competitive job market.

Besides its user-friendly interface, TopResume provides expert review services. These services allow skilled professionals to provide personalized feedback on resumes, helping enhance their overall quality further. By leveraging this feedback and incorporating attention to detail, customer service professionals can create compelling resumes that effectively capture the attention of potential employers.

• Streamlined registration process
• Well-designed and formatted one-page resume
• The summary and Job Scope sections were overly extended
• The training section needed to have prominence
• Skill-based sections: The resume builder features dedicated sections highlighting essential customer service skills, including communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and relationship building.
• Expert review services: TopResume provides expert review services where experienced professionals offer personalized feedback and recommendations to enhance the overall quality of your resume.
• ATS compatibility: The platform ensures that the resumes created are compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which employers commonly use for scanning and filtering resumes.
• Download and sharing options: Users can download their resumes in various formats, such as PDF or Word, and easily share them with potential employers or upload them to job portals.
• Industry-Specific Tips: TopResume offers industry-specific tips and guidance to assist users in tailoring their resumes to the customer service field, helping them stand out among competitors.
• Cover letter builder: Besides resume building, TopResume provides a builder that empowers users to craft professional and compelling cover letters customized for customer service roles.
• Mobile accessibility: The platform is mobile-friendly, allowing users to create, edit, and update their resumes while on the go, using their smartphones or tablets.
• Entry level : Up to 200$.
• Professional level : Up to 200$-400$.
• Executive level : Up to $350-$700.

>> Use TopResume to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Writing Services - Best Resume Builder for Affordability

Star Rating: 3.3/5

While Resumewritingservices.org may be a different size than its competitors, it stands out due to its team of talented and experienced resume writers. The website is user-friendly and provides exceptional service. However, this service’s true strength lies in its writers’ expertise.

Resumewritingservices.org sets itself apart by offering a comprehensive consultation process and goes beyond expectations by providing unlimited calls with its resume writers. This personalized approach distinguishes them from other companies and guarantees each client receives individual attention and support.

• Experienced resume writers of the highest caliber
• Unlimited phone consultations and revisions
• More expensive than rival services
• A limited range of products
• Skilled and experienced resume writers: Resumewritingservices.org takes pride in its team of highly trained and professional resume writers who possess a deep understanding of crafting effective resumes.
• Personalized service: Resumewritingservices.org offers a personal touch by providing unlimited calls with their resume writers. This unique feature allows clients to engage in direct communication and close collaboration with the writers throughout the resume creation process.
• Competitive job market expertise: The writers at Resumewritingservices.org have knowledge of current job market trends. This ensures that the resumes they create are optimized to excel in today’s fiercely competitive job market.
• Quality Assurance: The service maintains a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee that the resumes delivered to clients meet the highest standards and align with their expectations.
• Timely delivery: Resumewritingservices.org is committed to delivering resumes within the agreed-upon timeframe, ensuring clients receive their documents promptly.
• Client satisfaction guarantee: Resumewritingservices.org offers a client satisfaction guarantee, assuring clients are fully content with the final resume. The service is ready to provide revisions if necessary.
• Affordable pricing: Resumewritingservices.org provides pricing options that are competitive and transparent, making professional resume writing accessible to a wide range of job seekers.

Resumewritingservices.org employs a pricing system that is clear and easy to understand for their resume-building services. The initial package begins at $270 , including a comprehensive consultation with a skilled resume writer and developing an individualized resume.

They offer extra options that enable customers to personalize their packages based on their unique preferences. This adaptable pricing strategy guarantees that clients can choose the services that align with their requirements and financial constraints.

>> Use Resume Writing Services to Secure Your Dream Job

Craft Resumes - Best Resume Builder for Quick-Turnaround

Star Rating: 3/5

Craft Resumes stand out as a well-established writing and editing service known for its ability to deliver effective outcomes. Our dedication to providing a 24-hour turnaround guarantees you’ll receive the initial version of your resume promptly.

Navigating our user-friendly website is effortless, making it easy to use our services. At Craft Resumes, we specialize in crafting customized resumes to match your skills, qualifications, and aspirations for your career.

• Speedy completion
• Customized CVs
• Intuitive site
• Insufficient details
• Absence of assurances
• Quick turnaround: Craft Resumes commits to delivering the initial draft of your resume within 24 hours, ensuring a speedy and efficient service.
• Expert Writers: Craft Resumes prides itself on its team of experienced writers who possess expertise across various industries and stay up-to-date with current hiring trends. They’re dedicated to making your resume stand out and catch the attention of potential employers.
• Unlimited revisions: We provide unlimited revisions to guarantee your complete satisfaction. If you have specific changes or additions in mind, our team will collaborate with you closely to implement the modifications.
• Confidentiality and Privacy: At Craft Resumes, we prioritize the confidentiality and privacy of your personal information. You can trust that your data will be handled securely and with the utmost discretion.
• Tailored resumes: We specialize in tailoring resumes to align with your career objectives, industry, and job requirements. Each resume is personalized to accentuate your unique strengths and qualifications.
• Resume Writing : $229.00
• Basic : $279.99
• Optimal : $339.99
• All-In-One : $499.99

>> Use Craft Resumes to Secure Your Dream Job

Resume Companion - Best Value Resume Builder

Star Rating: 2.8/5

Resume Companion is a virtual platform and service that specializes in aiding individuals in creating resumes that are professional and impactful. It offers an array of resources and tools to assist job seekers in crafting interesting resumes that effectively showcase their skills, experiences, and qualifications.

A prominent feature of Resume Companion is its user-friendly resume builder. This tool allows users to select from various professionally designed templates and personalize them based on their specific requirements.

Users can effortlessly incorporate their personal information, employment history, educational background, skill set, and other pertinent details to produce a customized resume tailored to their needs.

• Intuitive user interface
• High-quality templates
• Efficiency-boosting functions
• Cost-effective choice
• Restricted editing features without subscription
• Absence of extensive customization options
• Limited availability of extra services
• Cover letter builder: Resume Companion goes beyond resumes and provides users with a tool for crafting customized cover letters tailored to specific job applications. This feature guides users through the process, helping them effectively present their qualifications and make a compelling case to prospective employers.
• ATS optimization: In today’s job market, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes. Resume Companion helps users ensure their resumes are ATS-friendly. The platform offers valuable tips and insights on incorporating relevant keywords, formatting the document correctly, and increasing the likelihood of passing through the ATS screening process.
• Educational resources: Resume Companion extends its services by offering an informative blog and educational materials that cover various aspects of resume writing, job search strategies, interview techniques, and career development guidance. These resources provide users with valuable insights and advice to help them create impressive resumes and enhance their job search efforts.
• Download and sharing options: Upon completing their resumes, users can conveniently download their documents in multiple formats, including PDF and Word. Resume Companion also makes it easy for users to share their resumes online or print them offline.
• Customer support: Resume Companion values user satisfaction and offers customer support to assist with users’ questions or concerns while utilizing the platform. Users can access support through email or the platform’s contact form.

Resume Companion provides a cost-effective solution for individuals seeking an all-inclusive service. It’s vital to remember subscription renewal is required to access future editing services. In summary, Resume Companion offers a wallet-friendly option for those who desire a user-friendly resume-building experience without needing advanced writing abilities.

>> Use Resume Companion to Secure Your Dream Job

Our Ranking Methodology for Best Resume Writing Services

To comprehensively and objectively rank the top resume writing services, it is essential to have a thorough methodology. The first step in this process was conducting extensive research and analysis. This involved gathering a comprehensive list of reputable resume-writing services from multiple sources such as online searches, customer reviews, industry directories, and personal recommendations.

• Feature analysis: Evaluate the functionalities provided by each resume builder, considering elements like template variety and quality, customization flexibility, user-friendly editing and formatting options, import/export capabilities, spell check and grammar tools, and integration with job search platforms and professional networks.
• Template collection: Examine the assortment and quality of templates. Look for a wide range that suits various industries, job levels, and design preferences, considering these templates’ aesthetics, readability, and contemporary design.
• Editing and customization: Scrutinize the adaptability and user-friendliness of the editing and customization tools each resume builder provides. Assess the capacity to add or modify sections, reorganize content, and tailor resumes to specific job requirements.
• User interface and experience: Analyze the user interface and the overall user experience each resume builder offers. Evaluate the ease of navigation, instruction clarity, guidance or prompts, and the platform’s responsiveness.
• Integration with job search platforms: Determine whether resume builders offer seamless integration with popular job search platforms and professional networks like LinkedIn or ATS systems. Consider how well the resumes can be transferred and their compatibility with these platforms.
• Additional resources: Evaluate if the resume builders provide extra resources such as sample resumes, tools for creating cover letters, interview tips, or career advice. Consider the breadth and practicality of these supplementary resources.
• Mobile-friendliness: Gauge the mobile-friendliness and responsiveness of the resume builders, recognizing the growing trend of mobile job searching and application processes.
• Customer support: Reflect on the accessibility and quality of customer support services, encompassing options like live chat, email support, or knowledge bases. Assess the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team.
• Pricing and value for money: Appraise the pricing plans presented by the resume builders in terms of the value they offer based on features, usability, and overall service quality.
• Industry reputation: Consider the standing and trustworthiness of the resume builders, considering factors such as awards, recognition, partnerships, and user feedback from reputable sources.

Buyer’s Guide: Why Use a Resume Builder?

Crafting a well-crafted CV comes naturally to particular job seekers. However, even the most seasoned experts may need help in resume writing. If you find yourself in need of help with creating a compelling resume, here are several ways in which the best online resume builder can be beneficial:

Resume builders provide users with pre-designed templates and helpful tips, streamlining the process of writing a resume and alleviating stress.

Offers Writing Tips

Promoting oneself requires considerable effort. Only some people possess writing skills, even if they enjoy self-promotion. To showcase one’s experience and knowledge effectively, a resume builder can help select the most appropriate words and phrases.

Improves Design

In every field, there are unique standards for an impressive resume. If you need to gain knowledge in design or the tools, resume builders can provide free templates to enhance your resume’s visual appeal and quality.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)

Recruiters often use ATS systems to scan resumes. A good resume builder will help with formatting to ensure that your resume is easy for these systems to read.

What’s the Best Resume Builder?

The ideal resume builder for each individual may differ according to their specific requirements. If you prefer a tool that offers step-by-step guidance in creating your resume, we suggest using a builder that provides helpful tips and recommendations. If you prefer a resume builder that auto-generates a summary, we recommend using a tool that extracts information from your LinkedIn profile.

For those who enjoy having creative control over their resumes, we suggest using a platform with features. By selecting the resume builder that aligns with your needs and suits your industry and personal style, you’ll significantly increase your chances of capturing the attention of hiring managers.

Resume Builder vs. Resume Writing Service: What Matters for You

When it comes to crafting a resume, there are three options available. You can opt to create it independently, use a resume builder tool, or enlist the services of a professional resume writer. Your best choice will depend on your writing abilities, available time, and financial resources.

Do-It-Yourself

You have the choice to construct a resume entirely by yourself. The benefit of this option is that it costs nothing but requires a significant amount of effort. Along with composing all the information, you must possess graphic design skills.

This approach works well if you have these abilities, but with them, your options for creating a resume are unlimited. To overcome this limitation, you can use a resume builder or enlist the help of a resume writing service.

Resume Builder

A tool for creating resumes allows you to input your details into a template, resulting in an original appearance and layout with no design work. The top resume building tools also offer suggestions on enhancing your resume and tailoring it to match the specific job you are applying for.

While you are still responsible for writing the content, once it is written, you can quickly transfer that information into any other template with just a few simple clicks. Some of these services are free and many like to promote themselves as such, but most require a small payment to download your finished resume.

Professional Resume Writing Service

Professional resume writing services are expensive, but they offer the convenience of handling all the work for you. An experienced writer will gather relevant information about your background and transform it into a unique and engaging resume.

The process typically takes a few days, and the level of originality in the outcome largely relies on your choice of company and writer. However, we will not delve into these services further in this guide.

Are Resume Builders Worth It?

Definitely, without a doubt. An effective resume creator will guarantee that your CV is formatted correctly to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems and ultimately reach the hands of recruiters.

Is It Unprofessional to Use a Microsoft Word Resume Template?

Relying on a template will not set you apart, and there is a high likelihood that your application will be dismissed because your resume is identical to those of other job seekers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right resume builder is crucial in today’s competitive job market. Creating a professional and impactful resume that stands out from the crowd can significantly impact your job search. With the right tool, you can save time, improve your chances of landing an interview, and ultimately secure your dream job.

When selecting a resume builder, consider your specific needs and priorities. Look for features like customizable templates, industry-specific examples, and the ability to export your resume in different formats. Consider user reviews and ratings to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable platform.

Remember, an exceptional tool for crafting resumes should give you the power to present your skills, experience, and accomplishments effectively. It should simplify and expedite creating a resume without hassle. Investing in a reliable resume builder is investing in your professional future.

Therefore, explore the different options available for resume builders. Test out their free trials or demos and choose the best fit for your objectives. Our top recommendation is Super Star Resume . This meticulously designed resume can open doors to exciting career prospects and be a dependable companion on your journey toward success.

Ahad Waseem is a business, blockchain, and cybersecurity writer who often takes on art, politics, and economics too. As a linguistic engineer who writes to solve problems, he’s written for various tech and business publications. When he’s not writing, he’s probably on horseback, caring for his houseplants, or training Bonsai trees. He can be reached at [email protected] . McClatchy’s newsrooms were not involved in the creation of this content. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase through one of our links.

©2023 Miami Herald. Visit miamiherald.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.