writing a resume for a federal job

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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.

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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Writing a Federal Resume

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

Key Components of a Federal Resume

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

Building a Federal Resume

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

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

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

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

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

Required : Schools attended and degrees obtained.

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

Optional Information

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

Job–related training 

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

References 

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

Language skills 

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

Affiliations 

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

Professional publications

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

Additional information 

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

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

Discover resources to have a balanced career at NIH.

Resources for training to develop your leadership and professional skills.

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

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

Discover what’s next at the NIH.

Federal Resume Tips

Federal and private sector resumes.

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

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

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

Curriculum Vitaes

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

Resume Content

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

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

Resume Checklist

We encourage you to use the  USAJobs online Resume Builder . If you use your own resume, you must include the following information:

• Contact information . This includes your name, address, day and evening telephone numbers, and email address
• Citizenship (if other than the U.S.)
• Relevant work experience . This includes paid and unpaid experiences. For instance, volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social)

For each employment listed, include the following information:

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

Education R equirement

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

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

Do NOT Include

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

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

How to Write a Federal Resume (Example and Template)

In the competitive landscape of job applications, a resume isn’t merely a list of accomplishments on paper; it’s a pivotal tool that encapsulates your professional essence and sets the tone for your candidacy. When it comes to the federal sector, this significance is magnified even further. A federal resume is not only a representation of your professional journey but also a testament to how you align with the detailed requirements of federal jobs.

Unlike the standard private-sector resumes, which can often be a brief overview of one’s experience, a federal resume demands precision, detail, and a clear alignment with the job in question. It’s your ticket to being noticed, understood, and selected in a highly competitive environment.

You might also be interested to view more  resume examples by profession »

Federal resume example (Word version)

Federal resumes require more detailed information, and specific formats and resume layouts can vary depending on the agency and position. Ensure you follow the guidelines specified in the job announcement when crafting your resume.

Download Resume Example (docx)

Example of federal resume  (text version)

Here’s an example of a federal resume for the hypothetical position of “Executive Secretary” at a federal agency. Customize this copy and paste federal resume example according to your personal and professional experience.

Citizenship: U.S. Citizen Veteran’s Preference: No Security Clearance: N/A

Job Announcement Number: ES-2023-002 Job Title: Executive Secretary

Resume Summary

With over eight years of administrative experience spanning both the federal and private sectors, have consistently showcased proficiency in streamlining operations and fostering team collaboration. As a Senior Administrative Assistant at the Department of Administrative Services, excel in coordinating executive schedules, enhancing communication channels, and orchestrating large-scale departmental events. Previous role as an Office Manager at Bright Tech Solutions further highlighted expertise in driving inter-departmental collaboration, overseeing administrative operations, and crafting cost-effective travel solutions. Noteworthy achievements include the initiation of a digital appointment system and the successful transition to an advanced communication platform. Committed to operational excellence and equipped with a deep understanding of the federal landscape, well-suited for advanced administrative roles within the government.

Work Experience

Senior Administrative Assistant, January 20XX – Present Department of Administrative Services, Washington, D.C. Grade Level: GS-9 Hours per week: 40 Supervisor: John Doe, 561-123 1234, may contact

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinated and managed daily schedules and appointments for a team of six executive members, ensuring efficient time management and meeting preparations.
• Served as the primary liaison for inter-departmental communications, facilitating seamless exchanges between executive members and other departments.
• Oversaw the preparation and distribution of high-level internal and external communications, ensuring clarity, coherence, and confidentiality.
• Assisted in organizing 10+ large-scale departmental events and conferences, managing event logistics, guest lists, and promotional materials.
• Collaborated with IT teams to implement advanced office software, improving workflow efficiency by 25%.

Accomplishments:

• Developed a digital appointment system that reduced scheduling conflicts by 50%.
• Recognized with the “Star Performer Award” in 2019 for exemplary service.

Office Manager, March 20XX – December 20XX Bright Tech Solutions, Virginia Grade Level: N/A (Private Sector) Hours per week: 40 Supervisor: Jane Doe, 561-123 1234, may contact

• Managed administrative operations for a fast-paced office, overseeing a team of five administrative staff and ensuring seamless daily operations.
• Introduced and streamlined communication channels, improving inter-departmental collaboration by 30%, enhancing project completion rates.
• Orchestrated comprehensive travel arrangements for executives, negotiating with vendors, and crafting efficient travel itineraries.
• Supervised the procurement of office supplies and equipment, working within budget constraints and reducing operational costs.
• Conducted monthly team meetings to identify areas of improvement and implement solutions.
• Played a pivotal role in the transition to a new digital communication platform, reducing communication delays and boosting team collaboration.
• Implemented a cost-analysis system that resulted in a 20% reduction in executive travel expenses.

Associate of Arts in Office Management D.C. Community College, 20XX

Professional Development Course in Advanced Office Systems Virginia Training Institute, 20XX

Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Proficient in managing multi-level executive calendars.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with federal government operations and protocols.

Training & Certifications

• Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), IAAP, 20XX
• Advanced Time Management Course, 20XX

Jane Smith Title: Senior Manager Organization: Bright Tech Solutions, Virginia Relationship: Colleague from March 20XX – December 20XX Phone: (555) 765-4321 Email: name@email. com

Format and design considerations

In the diligent world of federal resumes, presentation is paramount. While the content of your resume is king, its design and format are the throne it sits upon. Here’s what you should consider:

• Length and clarity : Unlike private-sector resumes that champion brevity, federal resumes are detailed narratives. Given their length, it’s essential to ensure clarity. Use straightforward layouts, clear headings, and bullet points to enhance readability.
• Recommended fonts, sizes, and formats : Stick to professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri in sizes 10-12. PDFs are often preferred as they maintain the resume’s formatting across different platforms. However, always refer to the job announcement for specific instructions.
• Importance of proofreading : An impeccable resume is free from grammatical errors and showcases consistency in format and style. Beyond spelling and grammar, ensure clarity in your descriptions. It’s advisable to have a colleague or mentor review your resume to catch any oversights.

What is a federal job?

A federal job refers to a position of employment within the federal government of a country. In the context of the United States, a federal job is a position within the U.S. federal government’s executive, legislative, or judicial branches, but excludes state and local government positions.

Federal employees work in various agencies and organizations that implement and oversee the policies, mandates, and regulations established by Congress and the President. These positions range from those in defense, healthcare, and law enforcement to science, engineering, education, administration, and many more.

Benefits of federal jobs often include:

• Stable employment : Federal jobs tend to offer more job security than many private-sector jobs.
• Competitive pay : Depending on the position and qualifications, federal salaries can be competitive with the private sector, and there are standardized pay scales.
• Retirement benefits : The federal government provides pension plans and benefits for its employees.
• Health and other insurance : Federal employees receive health benefits and often have access to other insurance options at competitive rates.
• Opportunities for advancement : There are clear paths for career progression and opportunities for training and professional development.
• Vacation and sick leave : Federal jobs offer generous leave policies.

It’s also worth noting that federal jobs can be found not only in Washington, D.C., but all across the country and even overseas, depending on the nature and scope of the position.

The primary portal for finding and applying to federal jobs in the U.S. is USAJobs.gov , where agencies post job vacancies, and applicants can submit their applications.

Understanding the basics of federal resumes

At its core, a federal resume serves a similar purpose to its private-sector counterpart: to chronicle your professional experience, education, and skills in a way that presents you as the best fit for a position. However, its specifics are where the differences lie. A federal resume is uniquely tailored to convey information that federal employers seek. It provides detailed descriptions of duties, accomplishments, and even the context of past roles.

Moreover, it adheres to certain specific formats, often being much longer than private-sector resumes. The driving force behind its distinct nature is its aim: to gauge an applicant’s suitability not just through qualifications, but also through the depth of their experiences and their alignment with the federal job’s requirements.

Getting started: pre-resume preparation

Before you even begin typing up your federal resume, there are essential preparatory steps that can make the difference between a good resume and a great one. First and foremost, research is key. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, each federal resume should be tailored to the specific job announcement you’re targeting. This involves closely reading the job announcement to understand what the federal agency is looking for, and ensuring your resume mirrors those requirements.

Next, ensure that you gather all necessary documentation and information. This goes beyond just previous job titles or educational qualifications. Think performance evaluations, recommendation letters, transcripts, training certificates, and more. The more comprehensive your information at this stage, the easier it will be to write a resume that ticks all the boxes for federal employers. Remember, in the federal world, it’s not just about meeting the qualifications; it’s about demonstrating them in-depth.

Essential components of a federal resume

Navigating the intricacies of a federal resume requires a clear understanding of its fundamental components. While some elements may mirror a conventional resume, the depth and specificity are unparalleled. In crafting your federal resume, each of these sections should be approached with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that you not only meet but also exceed the expectations set by the job announcement.

Here’s a breakdown of these vital sections:

Personal information

• Full name : Present your complete name, ensuring there are no typographical errors.
• Contact details : List an up-to-date phone number and a professional email address. It’s also advisable to include a current address, especially if the job requires locality pay or is location-specific.
• Citizenship : Federal jobs often have strict citizenship requirements, so clarify your status.
• Veteran’s preference : If applicable, denote your veteran’s preference, as this can play a significant role in the selection process, providing certain eligibilities in federal hiring.

Job announcement number and job title

Every federal job announcement comes with a unique identification number, serving as a distinct marker for that specific position. It’s crucial to reference this number accurately in your application. Doing so streamlines the hiring process by allowing managers to swiftly match your resume with the particular role in question.

Furthermore, to emphasize your keen interest and alignment with the role, always replicate the exact job title from the announcement on your resume. This small detail underscores your attention to the exact position you’re pursuing.

Work experience

Unlike conventional resumes, for federal resumes, a thorough job description is necessary, detailing your specific duties and responsibilities in each role. Beyond just listing tasks, spotlight your key achievements, and bring them to life by quantifying them where feasible.

For instance, rather than a vague claim of “managed a team,” be precise and state you “led a team of 15 members.” Additionally, it’s crucial to provide clarity on the duration of each position held, adhering to a month/year format for accuracy and consistency.

It’s essential to list all relevant qualifications, begin with the highest degree you’ve secured. Equally crucial is to prominently showcase any specialized trainings or certifications, especially if they’re explicitly mentioned by the job announcement.

Beyond formal education and certifications, this section can be enriched by mentioning seminars, workshops, or relevant courses you’ve attended. These additions serve to bolster your candidacy, emphasizing your comprehensive fit and preparedness for the desired position.

Skills and abilities

In this part of your resume, make sure it closely matches the job posting. Pull out important words and needs from the job ad and include them in your skills and abilities, showing that you’re really good at those things. Don’t just list out what you can do; show how those skills are directly connected to the job you’re applying for.

Unlike many private-sector resumes, federal resumes usually ask for references. These should be people from your professional life who know your work well and can speak to your skills and qualifications. It’s important to give these folks a heads-up that a federal agency might reach out to them. Also, double-check that you have their most up-to-date contact information before you list them.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

When charting the intricate terrain of federal resumes, applicants must be wary of potential pitfalls that can undermine their efforts. One major misstep is crafting a generic resume. Such a resume not only represents a lost opportunity but also fails to underscore the applicant’s unique fit for a specific role. Given that each federal position comes with its own set of distinct requirements, it’s essential to tailor your resume, reflecting not just your qualifications but also how they align seamlessly with the role’s demands.

Another hazard is missing out on key details or entire sections. The omission of crucial information can be severely detrimental. To counter this, adopt a systematic approach, ideally using a checklist that’s in tandem with the job announcement, ensuring every vital component finds its place in your resume.

Lastly, a common oversight is failing to address specific qualifications highlighted in the job announcement. Instead of providing a broad overview, always tether your qualifications directly to the job’s detailed requirements. When a role stipulates a particular skill or experience, it’s imperative to both highlight and delve into these specifics on your resume, demonstrating a clear understanding of what the position entails.

Staying updated

The landscape of federal hiring is ever-evolving. Engage with websites like USAJobs and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to stay informed. Additionally, consider joining federal job-focused forums or networks where professionals share the latest changes and insights.

Crafting an exemplary federal resume is an investment. It demands time, effort, and an unwavering commitment to precision. However, the dividends it pays—in the form of a fulfilling federal career—are unparalleled. As the federal hiring realm evolves, it’s imperative for applicants to evolve with it. Embrace continuous learning, stay agile, and adapt to the nuanced requirements of federal job applications. Your resume is more than just your professional story; it’s the passport to a world of opportunities in the federal sector.

We help job seekers to better their career by offering career advice & free resources. Download free Word resume templates and resume templates for Google Docs .

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How to Write a Federal Resume

7 min read · Updated on December 16, 2021

If you're searching for a job in the federal government, you're going to need a resume different from the norm.

Writing a resume that gets results is tough. Writing a federal resume? Things just got even more complicated. If you're interested in working for the U.S. government, your traditional resume will need to undergo a serious overhaul to meet the strict application requirements. The rules for writing a federal resume are different than those for a professional resume; from page length to the number of details on your education, the resume format is a whole different game when you have your eyes set on a career in government.

To get a better understanding of the differences between a federal resume and one for the traditional job search, we sat down with TC Paulson, one of TopResume's senior resume writers. Along the way, she shared her top tips for writing a successful federal resume that will help you get the interview and explained how TopResume can help write your federal resume .

TopResume: Why do job seekers need a special resume when applying for a position in the federal government?

TC Paulson: The federal application path itself is a more lengthy, involved, and comprehensive journey, so your resume needs to reflect that. However, it's not just about developing a resume as complex as a government process — there are lots of required elements you won't find in a typical corporate hiring process, and it's important that you include them all.

TR: So a federal resume is different. What does it look like?

TP: First and foremost, you can expect a federal resume to be longer than a private sector one. A typical private-sector resume will be 1–2 pages in length , but to include all the critical data essential for the federal application process you might find yourself needing 3-7 pages for your resume, depending on the length and breadth of your work experience.

Related:   What You Need to Know About Applying to Federal Jobs

TR: What should a federal resume include?

TP: Like any traditional resume, a federal resume is a key tool in the first phase of the job application process. It is designed to showcase that you have the required qualifications for the specific job you are targeting.

A federal resume needs to keep pace with government policies and procedures for hiring, which means following mandated changes required by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). It's important that you redesign your resume so it complies with the core elements required by the majority of government agencies, all while, of course, including unique aspects of each specific job. It should detail the key aspects of your qualifications, including your experience, education, certifications, and any other relevant data. In addition, the header should contain your personal data including your name, contact information, citizenship, Veterans Preference, and federal employment history (as applicable).

Overall, it should contain the following categories of information:

Professional Job History and/or Military Career

This section doesn't start off too differently from a traditional resume: Begin with your experience. List your professional and/or military career history with your role titles, employers' names, and a detailed description of each job so the reviewer knows your daily responsibilities. Be sure to brag about your work experience on your resume to display your individual value. Then, add an extra layer of information to satisfy the requirements for a federal resume, such as the start and end months of each job, your salary, hours worked per week, and your supervisor's' contact information.

While you generally include education and degrees on a traditional resume, a federal resume requires you to dig much further into the details of your educational background. This means your GPA, credit hours earned, date of degree completion, and any awards or special recognition you may have earned along the way. Yep. They want it all.

Relevant Training and Certifications

Earned a certificate? Finished a course or training program? They want to know about it when you're applying to work in the U.S. government. And don't forget to name the granting organization and date you completed the program!

Additional Details

They may not fit into any other category, but they're still necessary to include on a federal resume. If you're part of any associations, have given presentations, or written publications, include these details in your resume. Also, if you speak any other languages or are proficient in certain technologies, include those as well. And last but certainly not least, include a list of references, the nature of your relationship with each person, and their contact information. These can be past supervisors, managers, mentors, or even colleagues — just make sure they're willing and ready to talk you up.

See why federal resumes are longer?

Sample Federal Resume

Click on the image below to view a sample federal resume:

TR: What is a vacancy announcement and why is it important when writing a federal resume?

TP: A vacancy announcement is the federal version of a private sector job posting. Just like we recommend targeting a traditional resume toward your specific job goals, your federal resume should also highlight your qualifications for the specific job you're targeting in your job search. Hiring managers — whether they're working for the federal government or for the private sector — don't appreciate a resume that takes the “jack of all trades” approach. Customize your resume to demonstrate how you're a good fit for the role you're pursuing, and your application will stand a better chance of making it to the top of the pile.

The vacancy announcement is a great place to source the information you'll need to customize your federal resume — in fact, it's required! Because of the strong focus on addressing core elements of specific vacancies or job series, a federal resume must include key details of the vacancy announcement as required by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the agency posting the opening. It's important to pay attention to this key piece of information so you can craft the most effective resume possible.

Related:   How to Customize Your Resume for a Specific Job Posting

TR: Is it really necessary to employ a resume-writing service to write a federal resume?

TP: You can certainly write your federal resume on your own, but letting a professional resume-writing service like TopResume do it for you will save you time and, more importantly, optimize your chances of landing the interview. Resume writing is a crucial part of landing the position you want, so why not leave this sensitive and complex job to an expert?

Our federal resume writers are carefully selected to ensure that they are knowledgeable of the general application process for federal jobs, the structure of the USAJOBS website , the elements of a vacancy announcement, and TopResume's resume-writing standards. Armed with your critical information and their expert knowledge of the process, your TopResume federal resume writer will craft a federal resume that will leave you feeling confident in your applications.

TR: What tips can you give to someone looking to use a federal resume-writing service?

TP: Your federal resume will go through a scoring process when you apply for a job. To help you score higher, your federal resume writer will need your help!

Thoroughly review the requirements in the vacancy announcement and select the details and achievements from your background that align with those requirements. As you invest in this service, take the time to provide your writer with comprehensive information, quantifiable data, and specific achievements. With this, your professional resume writer will be able to develop an interview-winning document for you.

After your writer has delivered your final document, the rest is up to you. Follow the directions in the application process and pay attention to additional questions or essay requirements. And of course, be mindful of the application deadline!

Click on the following link for more information on what to include in your federal resume .

Looking for a position in the federal workforce? Hire a TopResume federal resume writer today !

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Federal Executive Board Campus Series: Writing Your Resume for Federal Jobs

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SESSION 2 DETAILS:

This session reviews unique aspects of writing a résumé that is specifically customized to apply for Federal jobs. Learn what information is required for a résumé that will make you more effective in the Federal hiring process. You will learn what to include, things to avoid, and what makes a résumé for Federal employment different from those used for private sector and other employment.

—————————————————————-

SERIES OVERVIEW:

Students and recent graduates are key participants in the future Federal workforce. To make a career in public service a reality, understanding the Federal employment process is vital. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Center for Federal Executive Board (FEB) Operations present the Federal Executive Board Campus Series 2024. This four-session series is open to all students, recent graduates, and campus professionals (career services, faculty, Department heads, etc.). The series explains the Federal application and hiring process to help students and recent graduates find internships and full-time jobs working in their career field and will help academic partners gain the information needed to help guide their students.

SERIES TOPICS Session 1: Navigating USAJOBS (Finding and Applying for Federal Jobs) Session 2: Writing Your Resume for Federal Jobs Session 3: Interviewing for Federal Jobs Session 4: Pathways Programs for Students and Recent Graduates

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Federal Executive Board Series starts today at 1 pm

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Federal Executive Board Present

The 2024 Federal Executive Board Campus Series

Students and recent graduates are key participants in the future Federal workforce. To make a career in public service a reality, understanding the Federal employment process is vital. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the Federal Executive Boards (FEBs) present the Federal Executive Board Campus Series 2024. This four-session series is open to all students, recent graduates, and FEB Federal academic partners.

The series explains the Federal application and hiring process to help students and recent graduates find internships and full-time jobs working in their career field and will help academic partners gain the information needed to help guide their students.

Registration is now open – sign-up today!

TODAY – Session 1: Navigating USAJOBS (Finding and Applying for Federal Jobs)

Tuesday, April 2, 2024, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm 

Click on link to register  Navigating USAJOBS

About:  This overview covers key aspects of USAJOBS, the main online portal for Federal employment. The session includes how to create and manage a USAJOBS account/profile, tips on searching for Federal jobs, reviewing job announcements, applying for jobs, and how to follow up.

Session 2:  Writing Your Resume for Federal Jobs

Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm 

Click on link to register    Writing Your Federal Resume

About:  This session reviews unique aspects of writing a résumé that is specifically customized to apply for Federal jobs. Learn what information is required for a résumé that will make you more effective in the Federal hiring process. You will learn what to include, things to avoid, and what makes a résumé for Federal employment different from those used for private sector and other employment.

Session 3: Interviewing for Federal Jobs

Thursday, April 11, 2024, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm 

Click on link to register   Interviewing for Federal Jobs

About: Participants will be equipped to prepare for and engage in successful interviews for Federal jobs. We will cover actions you should take prior to, on the day of, and after your interview. Also, you will learn about the kinds of interviewing methods used by Federal agencies, the types of questions that may be asked during the interview, and how best to respond.

Session 4: Pathways Programs for Students and Recent Graduates

Thursday, April 18, 2024, 1:00 pm-2:30 pm 

Click on link to register   Pathways Programs for Students and Recent Graduates

About: Participants will learn about the three Pathways Programs, i.e., the Internship Program, Recent Graduates Program, and Presidential Management Fellows Program. You will know eligibility requirements for each Program, i.e., what is the same and what distinguishes the Programs from one another. You will learn how you can find and apply for positions under each of the Pathways Programs.

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