resume example for government job

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Writing a federal government resume

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

How to write a federal resume

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

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

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

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

General things to keep in mind:

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

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

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

My comments below will all be in text boxes

Resume formatting

AMANDA COSTELLO 123 Lutefisk Street You Betcha, MN 55555

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

Availability: April 1, 2024

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

Desired locations:

United States - MN Remote

WORK EXPERIENCE

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

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

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

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

SPECIFIC TOPIC (e.g. CONTENT STRATEGY)

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

TECHNICAL SKILLS:

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

SELECTED WORK:

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

Work experience example from my 2018 resume

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

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

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

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

CONTENT STRATEGY:

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

USER EXPERIENCE (UX) WRITING:

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

USABILITY TESTING AND USER RESEARCH:

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

COLLABORATION ON CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS:

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

ADVOCACY AND OUTREACH:

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

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

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

VOLUNTEER WORK

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

Conference Director - 10/2011 - 06/2015

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

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

SELECTED SPEAKING AND PRESENTATIONS

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

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

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

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

LANGUAGE SKILLS

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

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

• , external, [email protected]

Handbook.tts.gsa.gov

An official website of the U.S. General Services Administration

An official website of the United States government

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, let’s get started.

What’s a Federal Resume?

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

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

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

Federal Resume VS Conventional Resume - Key Differences

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

Sounds a bit complicated, right?

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

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

How to Write a Federal Resume [6 Easy Steps]

Step #1. start with a trusted format.

There are 3 typical resumes formats you can pick from:

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

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

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

• How Long Should a Federal Resume Be?

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

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

• Which Format Should You Use ForYour Federal Resume?

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

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

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

• Should I Use a Federal Resume Template?

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

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

Step #2. Include a Detailed Contact Information Section

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

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

• Phone Number
• Email Address

For a federal resume, also include the following essentials:

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

202-555-0101

[email protected]

Citizenship: United States

Desired Job Type: Security Specialist

Highest Federal Pay Grade: GS-10

Desired Location: US, Massachusetts

Step #3. Create an Attention-Grabbing Resume Summary

Federal or not, a resume summary is essential.

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

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

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

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

This is exactly where the resume summary comes in.

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

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

Federal Resume Summary Example

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

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

Here is a real-life federal resume summary example:

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

Step #4. List Your Past Work Experiences in Detail

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

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

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

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

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

Let us teach you how to do both: 

What to Include in a Federal Resume Work Experience Section

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

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

Supervisory Security Specialist

National Nuclear Security Administration

04/2015 - Present

Washington, DC

Pay Grade: GS12

Average Hours Per Week: 40

Supervisor: Michelle Doe (202-555-0180)

Yes, you may contact the supervisor.

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

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

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

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

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

How to Write a Convincing Work Experience Section

Now, let’s talk about part 2:

How do you effectively communicate your past achievements and responsibilities?

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

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

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

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

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

So, instead of saying:

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

Step #5. Add Your Educational History

Next up in the federal resume is your educational history.

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

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

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

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

Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service

Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, United States

08/2014 - 05/2018

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

Step #6. Top It Off With Optional Sections

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

• Awards & Accolades

Certifications

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

Technical Skills

Federal Job Search Resources

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

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

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

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

Other Federal Resume & Job Search Tips

At this point, your federal resume should be ready.

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

#1. Tailor Your Federal Resume to the Job

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

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

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

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

Then, cross-reference it with your resume.

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

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

#2. Mind the Additional Documents

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

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

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

Some documents required for federal jobs include:

• Cover letter
• Academic transcripts

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

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

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

Federal Resume FAQ

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

1. What should I include in my federal resume?

In your federal resume, include the following sections:

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

2. What format should my federal resume follow?

Definitely reverse-chronological.

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

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

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

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

4. How long should my federal resume be?

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

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

Key Takeaways

Phew, that was a lot to take in!

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

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

Related Resume Examples

• Military Resume
• Paralegal Resume
• Career Change Resume

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• • Conducted in-depth research and analysis on 10+ proposed legislative bills, providing insights that informed organizational stance and advocacy efforts.
• • Authored over 15 comprehensive policy briefs and positional papers, resulting in a significant amplification of the organization's voice in the public sphere.
• • Coordinated and represented the foundation at 25+ community and legislative events, strengthening stakeholder engagement and partnerships.
• • Successfully managed outreach campaigns across multiple digital platforms, increasing follower engagement by 30% within a six-month period.
• • Facilitated internal communication and educated stakeholders on complex policy issues, enhancing the collective understanding and strategic approach.
• • Engaged with government officials to present policy recommendations, influencing the development of three economic initiatives.
• • Managed legislative correspondence, drafting over 200 letters to stakeholders and constituents reflecting the office's agenda and achievements.
• • Researched and summarized 40+ pieces of legislation for review and discussion in policy meetings, enhancing the team's decision-making process.
• • Played a lead role in organizing the office's annual policy forum, which attracted 300+ attendees and received positive media coverage.
• • Assisted in the development of two major policy initiatives, directly contributing to the office's overall strategy.
• • Implemented a new data management system that increased document retrieval efficiency by 25%.
• • Developed and delivered policy research reports on local economic issues, informing the center's strategic direction.
• • Facilitated partnerships with 5+ industry organizations to advance mutual policy interests and goals.
• • Organized 4 policy roundtable discussions with key industry leaders and stakeholders to identify and address pertinent issues.
• • Contributed to a nationally recognized study on workforce development, highlighting regional trends and recommendations.

5 Government Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

When crafting your government resume, it's imperative to highlight your understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks. Demonstrate a clear history of compliance with policies and adaptability to legislative changes. Moreover, your government resume must showcase effective communication skills across various stakeholders. Ensure to include instances of collaboration with agencies, departments, and the community.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Resume Format Tips

Resume Experience

Skills on Resume

Education & Certifications

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

One significant resume challenge faced by government job applicants is articulating their experience in a way that resonates with the strict criteria and language preferred by government hiring agencies. Our guide provides targeted advice and examples to help you translate your skills and accomplishments into the precise format and terminology that government employers are looking for.

• The most straightforward and effective resume format, ensuring your government resume stands out among numerous candidate profiles;
• The significance of the top one-third of your resume, including the header, summary or objective, and skills section, and its impact on recruiters;
• Frameworks and structures used by real government professionals, offering insights on how to enhance your resume with industry-specific expertise;
• A variety of government resume sections that bolster your profile, showcasing your comprehensive capabilities and distinctiveness.

Gaining insights from the best has never been easier. Explore more government resume examples below:

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

Don't stress out over your government resume format

Remember, the elaborate design of your government resume isn't what impresses recruiters most. They are primarily searching for candidates who meet the job requirements. The main aim of your resume should be to clearly and concisely explain why employers should hire you.

Here are four straightforward steps to consider in your government resume design:

• Organize your resume based on experience : Start with your most recent roles. Besides using reverse chronological order, choose jobs relevant to the position you're applying for.
• Include your contact details (and portfolio or LinkedIn link) in your resume's header to ensure recruiters can easily reach you. If considering adding a professional photo, check acceptable practices in different countries first.
• Don't omit essential government resume sections such as the summary or objective, experience, and education. These sections should reflect your career progression and align with job requirements.
• Maintain conciseness in your resume. For those with less than ten years of experience, a one-page format is advisable.

Regarding the format to submit your government resume, PDF is preferable . PDFs are more likely to maintain their formatting when processed through recruitment software or ATS, saving you time in the application process.

When selecting a font for your government resume, consider the following:

• Choose ATS-friendly fonts such as Exo 2, Volkhov, Lato, etc., to keep your resume's content legible;
• All serif and sans-serif fonts are easily readable by ATS;
• While Arial and Times New Roman are common choices, opting for unique typography can help your resume stand out.

Concerned about ATS compatibility with charts and infographics? Our recent study has debunked this and other myths .

Upload & Check Your Resume

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

The key to your government job-winning resume - present your expertise with these sections:

• A header to make your resume more scannable
• Snapshot of who you are as a professional with your resume soft skills, achievements, and summary or objective
• Job advert keywords in the skills section of your resume
• Resume experience quantifying your past job successes with metrics
• A relevant education, certification, and technical sills section to provide background to your technological/software capabilities

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Extensive knowledge of applicable legislations, regulations, and policies related to the specific government role.
• Previous experience in government or public sector roles demonstrating familiarity with government processes and bureaucracy.
• Clear evidence of security clearance level or the ability to obtain necessary clearance for roles that require it.
• Demonstration of commitment to public service principles and ethical standards specific to government service.
• Specific achievements that showcase successful project management, policy implementation, or stakeholder engagement in a government context.

Essential tips for crafting your government resume experience section

The experience section is indeed the core of your government resume . It's where you present your past and current job roles. But how should you approach this crucial part?

A common error is treating the experience section as merely a list of job duties. Many candidates fall into the trap of detailing what they did without illustrating the impact of their actions.

To effectively write your government resume experience section, consider these guidelines:

• Emphasize your achievements, supported by concrete metrics such as percentages, revenue increases, or customer satisfaction rates;
• Avoid using generic buzzwords like communication, hard work, or leadership. Instead, demonstrate how these skills added value in your previous roles;
• Begin each bullet point with a strong action verb, followed by a skill, and then the result of your actions;
• Tailor your resume for each job application by selecting the most relevant experiences, responsibilities, and successes.

We have an array of resume examples that illustrate how to optimally curate your government resume experience section.

• Oversaw the implementation of a new city-wide digital records system, increasing data retrieval efficiency by 45%.
• Managed a team of 20 policy analysts and coordinated cross-departmental initiatives to streamline public service delivery.
• Authored a comprehensive report on socioeconomic disparities within the community, influencing the formulation of equitable housing policies.
• Facilitated a series of community engagement workshops to gather input for municipal urban development plans.
• Successfully secured a $10 million federal grant for local educational infrastructure by developing a strong proposal and demonstrating community impact.
• Chaired the sustainability committee, leading to a 30% reduction in municipal building carbon emissions over three years.
• Implemented an innovative public-private partnership model, attracting over $5 million in investments for local development projects.
• Coordinated disaster relief efforts during the 2015 flood crisis, managing resources and volunteers effectively to support affected residents.
• Championed a digital literacy program that enhanced online Government services access for over 10,000 senior citizens.
• Led a task force to successfully negotiate land use agreements that balanced the interests of stakeholders, resulting in a harmonized community expansion plan.
• Evaluated and modernized zoning regulations, which facilitated a 20% increase in new business permits within the first year of changes.
• Initiated an anti-corruption campaign that included policy reform and training, reducing reported incidents by 35% in two years.
• Spearheaded the development of an inter-departmental data-sharing platform, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and service efficiency.
• Crafted legislation aimed at supporting small businesses during the economic downturn, which aided in the preservation of over 1,500 local jobs.
• Developed and managed the city's annual budget of $90 million, ensuring effective allocation towards critical public service areas.
• Instrumental in launching an inner-city revitalization project, resulting in the development of affordable housing and attracting new businesses.
• Orchestrated the integration of a sustainable waste management system that cut down landfill waste by 40%.
• Led the upgrade of the public transportation system, which improved commuter satisfaction ratings by 25%.
• Developed strategic partnerships with local universities to create an internship program that engaged students in governmental operations.
• Played a pivotal role in organizing the Annual Green Summit, which showcased innovative sustainable practices to other municipalities.
• Pioneered a mobile app for tourist services, increasing user engagement and promoting local businesses.
• Charted the course for a digital transformation in the public education system, leading to 60% of schools adopting e-learning tools.
• Engaged in high-level legislative discussions and lobbied for education reform to include modern technological skill development in curricula.
• Managed the rollout of a state-wide cybersecurity initiative to protect sensitive government data and safeguard citizen information.
• Designed an effective constituency communication strategy that improved public opinion metrics by 30%.
• Oversaw the allocation and monitoring of a $50 million annual federal grant program, ensuring compliance and maximizing community impact.
• Launched a comprehensive workforce training program across the state that increased employability in the tech sector by 20%.
• Formulated and executed a coastal preservation plan, including new regulations that led to a 15% decrease in coastal erosion over the past five years.
• Collaborated with non-profit organizations to enhance mental health services for veterans, increasing service accessibility by 50%.
• Administered federal funding for infrastructure projects, prioritizing the repair and upgrade of over 200 miles of roadway.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the total budget managed to show financial responsibility and acumen.
• State the number of staff you've supervised to demonstrate leadership and management skills.
• List the percentage reduction of operational costs to showcase efficiency improvements.
• Quantify the scale of projects led, such as total value or size, to illustrate project management capabilities.
• Mention the number of policies implemented to provide a sense of legislative productivity.
• Specify the amount of funds raised for government initiatives to reflect fundraising and resource allocation ability.
• Indicate the number of intergovernmental meetings attended to convey experience with diplomacy and collaboration.
• Detail the measurable impact of initiatives on the community, like decreased crime rates, to demonstrate effective governance.

Action verbs for your government resume

No relevant experience - what to feature instead

Suppose you're new to the job market or considering a switch in industry or niche. In such cases, it's common to have limited standard professional experience . However, this isn't a cause for concern. You can still craft an impressive government resume by emphasizing other sections, showing why you're a great fit for the role:

• Emphasize your educational background and extracurricular activities to demonstrate your industry knowledge;
• Replace the typical experience section with internships or temporary jobs where you've gained relevant skills and expertise;
• Highlight your unique skill set, encompassing both technological and personal abilities;
• Showcase transferable skills acquired throughout your life and work experiences so far.

Recommended reads:

• How To List Certifications On A Resume (Examples Included)
• How to List a Major & Minor on Your Resume (with Examples)

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

How to showcase hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Reading between the lines of your dream job, you find recruiters are looking for candidates who have specific software or hardware knowledge, and personal skills.

Any technology you're adept at shows your hard skills. This particular skill set answers initial job requirements, hinting at how much time your potential employers would have to invest in training you. Showcase you have the relevant technical background in your skills section , as well as your certificates ones.

Meanwhile, soft skills hint at how well you communicate, solve problems, and adapt to new environments . Basically, your interpersonal communication skills that show recruiters if you'd fit into the team and company culture. You could use the achievements section to tie in your greatest wins with relevant soft skills.

It's also a good idea to add some of your hard and soft skills across different resume sections (e.g. summary/objective, experience, etc.) to match the job requirements and pass the initial screening process. Remember to always check your skill spelling and ensure that you've copy-pasted the name of the desired skills from the job advert as is.

Top skills for your government resume:

Legislative Knowledge

Policy Analysis

Public Administration

Budget Management

Statistical Analysis

Regulatory Compliance

Program Evaluation

Grant Writing

Data Management

Crisis Management

Communication

Problem Solving

Adaptability

Negotiation

Critical Thinking

Public Speaking

Interpersonal Skills

Bold the names of educational institutions and certifying bodies for emphasis.

Education section and most popular government certifications for your resume

Your resume education section is crucial. It can indicate a range of skills and experiences pertinent to the position.

• Mention only post-secondary qualifications, noting the institution and duration.
• If you're still studying, highlight your anticipated graduation date.
• Omit qualifications not pertinent to the role or sector.
• If it provides a chance to emphasize your accomplishments, describe your educational background, especially in a research-intensive setting.

Recruiters value government candidates who have invested their personal time into their professional growth. That's why you should include both your relevant education and certification . Not only will this help you stand out amongst candidates, but showcase your dedication to the field. On your government resume, ensure you've:

• Curated degrees and certificates that are relevant to the role
• Shown the institution you've obtained them from - for credibility
• Include the start and end dates (or if your education/certification is pending) to potentially fill in your experience gaps
• If applicable, include a couple of job advert keywords (skills or technologies) as part of the certification or degree description

If you decide to list miscellaneous certificates (that are irrelevant to the role), do so closer to the bottom of your resume. In that way, they'd come across as part of your personal interests, instead of experience. The team at Enhancv has created for you a list of the most popular government certificates - to help you update your resume quicker:

The top 5 certifications for your government resume:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) ‐ Project Management Institute (PMI)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) ‐ (ISC) 2
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) ‐ Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) ‐ American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
• Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) ‐ U.S. Federal Acquisition Institute

Always remember that your government certifications can be quantified across different resume sections, like your experience, summary, or objective. For example, you could include concise details within the expertise bullets of how the specific certificate has improved your on-the-job performance.

• How To Include Your Relevant Coursework On A Resume
• When Should You Include Your High School on Your Resume?

Practical guide to your government resume summary or objective

First off, should you include a summary or objective on your government resume?

We definitely recommend you choose the:

• Resume summary to match job requirements with most noteworthy accomplishments.
• Resume objective as a snapshot of career dreams

Both the resume summary and objective should set expectations for recruiters as to what your career highlights are.

These introductory paragraphs (that are no more than five sentences long) should help you answer why you're the best candidate for the job.

Industry-wide best practices pinpoint that the government resume summaries and objectives follow the structures of these samples:

Resume summaries for a government job

• Seasoned Public Policy Analyst with over 12 years of experience synthesizing complex data to shape state-level education policies. Leveraging a PhD in Public Administration, my work has directly influenced the implementation of progressive educational frameworks, resulting in a 20% increase in literacy rates within underserved communities.
• With 15 years at the helm of urban planning initiatives, I have driven sustainable community development projects across multiple cities, integrating environmental sensitivity with economic vitality. Instrumental in securing a $50 million federal grant, my strategies have been adopted as national benchmarks for smart city growth.
• Former Healthcare Administrator transitioning into Public Health Management, bringing 8 years of experience managing hospital operations, achieving a 30% improvement in patient care efficiency. Possessing an acute understanding of healthcare policies and a relentless commitment to public service, I aim to combat health disparities through evidence-based policy reforms.
• Adept Financial Analyst with a decade in the private sector, looking to leverage extensive experience in strategic investment and economic forecasting to support governmental budgeting processes. Steered a mid-sized firm through turbulent economic times, ensuring profitability and stability, which lays the groundwork for fiscal policy advancement.
• Eager to embark on a career within public service, I am committed to utilizing my Honors degree in Environmental Sciences and internship experiences to contribute meaningfully to governmental initiatives aimed at championing sustainable practices and reversing climate change, despite my lack of formal experience in the public sector.
• As a dedicated individual with a Master's in Public Administration, my objective is to infuse my theoretical knowledge, volunteer work with local NGOs, and passion for social justice into contributing to impactful community programs under a governmental framework, even though my professional background is not directly rooted in government operations.

Extra sections to include in your government resume

What should you do if you happen to have some space left on your resume, and want to highlight other aspects of your profile that you deem are relevant to the role? Add to your government resume some of these personal and professional sections:

• Passions/Interests - to detail how you spend both your personal and professional time, invested in various hobbies;
• Awards - to present those niche accolades that make your experience unique;
• Publications - an excellent choice for professionals, who have just graduated from university or are used to a more academic setting;
• Volunteering - your footprint within your local (or national/international) community.

Key takeaways

• Pay special attention to the tiny details that make up your government resume formatting: the more tailored your application to the role is, the better your chances at success would be;
• Select the sections you include (summary or objective, etc.) and formatting (reverse-chronological, hybrid, etc.) based on your experience level;
• Select experience items and, consequently, achievements that showcase you in the best light and are relevant to the job;
• Your profile will be assessed both based on your technical capabilities and personality skills - curate those through your resume;
• Certifications and education showcase your dedication to the particular industry.

Looking to build your own Government resume?

• Resume Examples

How to Create A Resume Skills Section To Impress Recruiters (+10 Examples You Need to See)

Short term job resume, how to answer the "what is your 30-60-90-day plan" interview question, should i put stay-at-home mom on my resume, is it appropriate to submit a double sided resume, how to write a military to civilian resume.

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Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Federal Government Jobs

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

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

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

Resume Menu

The essential first steps.

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

Certified Federal Resume Writing Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Federal Resume Writing Services

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

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

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

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

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

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

Professional Service

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

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

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

Which Service is Best for You?

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

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

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

Write Your Federal Resume Using Proper Guidance and Samples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for Preparing an Electronic Federal Resume

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

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

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

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How To Create a Resume for a State and Local Government Job

Do you want to create a convincing resume that will give you an advantage in your application for an opening at the state or local government? You are in luck! All you need to know lies in this ultimate guide. Keep reading!

If you are interested in applying for a vacant position at the state or local government and you want to get off on the right foot, you need to prepare your resume. However,  just any resume won’t cut it. You need to submit a top-notch and professional resume — one that contains the much-needed information and meets the basic requirements.

You see, this is your chance to show your unique attributes as a professional and what makes you the ideal fit for the position. So, your resume has to be top-drawer and highly persuasive.

That said, if you are probably wondering what you need for an effective resume or CV writing, don’t worry. We have got you covered.

In this article, we will show you the guidelines for writing a resume and how to go about it — even if you are just doing a resume for the first time.

Let’s get started!

Where Do You Start?

As they say, “everything that has a beginning has an ending.” You stand a good chance of having a beautiful ending if you do the right thing at the beginning. This leads to the question: “ Where Do You Start? ”

Before creating your resume, ensure you take time out to read the job description. This will help you determine how well you fit into the vacant government role. Every state or local government has specific requirements and goals they expect their potential employees to meet. Therefore, you need to know what they are looking for.

Once you confirm that you are an excellent fit, that means one thing — it is time to create your resume. Now that you already know what is required, you can tailor your resume to show how best suited you are to the available position.

But before you attempt to make your resume, you need to know that there is a specific format and style attached to this kind of resume.

Is this your first time creating a resume? Or have you previously written resumes that didn’t get you the government job you wanted? Whatever the case may be, you can rest assured that you will find a solution in this article.

We will show you all the details you need to include when putting a resume together in a bit. Read on!

What is a government resume.

Remember, we stressed earlier that government resumes require a slightly different approach. This is where we tell you why. No better way to start than explaining what a government resume is.

Let’s get right into it!

A government resume is simply one of the important documents you must submit when applying for a particular government job. Although writing a government resume is similar to the regular resume in many ways, you shouldn’t use them interchangeably. In other words, do not use a regular resume when applying for a government position.

If you have been submitting a regular resume instead of a government resume, you have missed a trick. It’s possibly the reason you have not gotten your dream government job.

So, what differentiates a government resume from a regular resume?

We have the details explained below.

Differences Between A Government and Regular Resume

• The Details
• Keywords Placement
• Resume Formatting
• Resume Length

The Details: This is one of the main reasons why using a regular resume instead of a government resume isn’t a good idea. The details required in both resumes differ in some ways. In a regular resume, you can explain your assignments in a specific position. For instance, if you are an accountant, you can emphasize the duties you carry out on a daily basis.

However, with government resumes, the tables turn differently. In this case, facts are more effective. This means that using numbers works best.

For example, if you were given a task to lead a project, mention how many people worked under you. Also, you can state the number of commendations and awards you have gotten for your performance and consistency. This is how it works with government resumes.

Keywords Placement: Your utilization of keywords when writing your resume should not be overlooked. This is because government and regular resumes require different keyword placement. If you are writing a government resume, ensure you use many keywords and place most of those keywords in your introductory paragraphs.

Conversely, when putting together your regular resume, do not spread the keywords. Instead, place them in strategic positions, such as the front of a key paragraph or section. Additionally, make sure all the keywords you use are capitalized, so that they are easy to notice.

Resume Formatting: The formatting involved in both resumes couldn’t be more different. When writing a regular resume, you need to convey your information as fast as you possibly can. This is why it is highly recommended that you use short bullet points, as they make your resume appealing and easy to read.

On the other hand, you need to provide more information when writing a government resume. In this scenario, the best approach is the utilization of paragraphs containing at least 4 sentences. Paragraphs allow you to express and show why you are the ideal fit for a position.

Resume Length: A regular resume is usually short, as it involves summarizing the attributes that make you ideal for a vacant role. Contrarily, government resumes are lengthy, time-consuming, and stressful. Nonetheless, they give you a better chance of explaining why you should be considered for the government job.

Use A Resume Builder

Are you making your first resume and don’t know how to go about it? Or are you tired of writing resumes that don’t yield the result you desire? How would you feel if we told you that you could get a high-quality resume without having to go through the stress of writing one from scratch?

Here’s the thing, if you don’t know how to write an appealing resume, you can use a resume builder.

But, what’s a Resume Builder?

A resume builder is an online tool that provides you with ready-made and easy-to-use job resumes layout and templates. One of the best online resume builders out there is Resumist , as it allows you to create professional, effective, and eye-catching resumes that will give you a better chance of getting your dream job. The best part is, it is fast and you get to access it for free.

So, if you need help with your resume, here is how Resumist works:

• Choose a simple layout that is perfect for the state or local government position you are applying for
• Fill it up with pre-written phrases tailored to your state or local government job choice
• Select a template endorsed by highly regarded recruiters

….And you are good to go.

What To Include In A Government Resume

Possessing knowledge on what should be in a government resume will help you to write your resume the right way. Without further ado, here are the tips for writing a resume when applying for a government job:

• Contact Information
• Work Experience
• Volunteer Work
• Accomplishments

Contact Information: For easy identification, you should include contact information, such as your email address, telephone number, postal address, and full name.

Education: Here, you are expected to provide information about the schools you have attended, the certifications, degrees you have earned, and other details like:

• The years you attended a particular school
• The sum of credit hours you earned
• The dates you completed your schooling
• The awards or recognition you got in different schools
• Your educational organization membership status
• Important papers, presentations, projects, and course works that you completed

Work Experience: When writing a government resume, you should give a well-detailed account of your experience working for different companies over the years. And based on experts’ comments, you should start the body of your government resume with your experience as a professional.

Here is what you need to give a well-detailed account of your work experience:

• Your job title
• The name of your present or previous employers and their location
• When you started working at a company and when you ended
• The average number of hours you worked weekly
• A comprehensive explanation of your day-to-day responsibilities
• Your supervisor’s name and contact information

Volunteer Work: If you have done any volunteer work previously that relates to the government job you are applying for, feel free to include it. It might be what tilts the odds in your favor.

Accomplishments : What did you accomplish in your previous or present job? How did you help your company achieve its set goals? These are the types of information you should include. It gives you an advantage.

For instance, you can mention how you helped the company to manage, save, or earn money. Or how you helped the company close a big deal. Remember to use numbers when inserting details about your accomplishments. Numbers work wonders when it comes to government resumes.

Here is an example of how to use numbers to show your accomplishment:

• Exceeded the company’s financial goal expectation for the month by 10%
• Helped the company acquire 20% in profits

With the aid of the resume best practices we have shared so far, you can now confidently make your first resume or correct the errors in your previous ones. So, go for gold!

Happy Government Resume Creation!

How Do You Write A State Government Resume?

All you need to write an informative and eye-catching government resume has been listed and explained in this article. Refer to it when you have to.

What Should I Put On My Resume For A Government Job?

You will do well to take a look at the sub-heading in this article tagged, “ What Should I Include In A Government Resume ” for more information.

Do State Jobs Look Good On A Resume?

Yes, they do. If you have done any previous state jobs that are relevant to the job you are applying for, do not hesitate to include them in your resume.

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• Federal Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Federal Resumes:

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

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

Federal Resume Example:

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

Top Skills & Keywords for Federal Resumes:

Hard skills.

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

Soft Skills

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

Resume Action Verbs for Federals:

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

Generate Your Resume Summary

Resume FAQs for Federals:

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

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

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Federals: