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Federal Resume Writing Checklist
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Jason Kay | KSA Doctor
May 18, 2009
A federal resume is a tool for gaining or advancing one’s career in the government arena. At its core, it is similar to the standard private sector resume. However key differences exist in the type and amount of information provided. Therefore, in order to be successful with federal employment, it is necessary to be mindful of these differences.
Application Differences
Unlike the private sector, federal resumes are reviewed by people rather than software. Further, these individuals are seeking information that demonstrates that the application has direct knowledge or experience of the position he/she has applied for. Therefore, it is necessary to:
• Review the specific job announcement for the skills and knowledge required.
• Include previous experiences, often accompanied by quantifiable results and accomplishments
Organization Differences
Information in a federal resume is most commonly presented in chronological format. List:
• Educational history before work history
• Highest level of education attained followed by earlier schooling (including high school)
• Number of course hours completed if college coursework has been completed but a degree was not received
• Work history in reverse order with most recent experience listed first
• Summarize work history for at least the last 10 years
Formatting Differences
Once the content of the resume is drafted, it is necessary to ensure that it is properly formatted. Use:
• Commonly accepted font such as Times New Roman or Arial
• Main text in 11 point type
• Margins no less than 1 inch
• 3 to 5 pages in length (typically longer than private sector resumes)
Information Differences
There are several key pieces of information that must be included on a federal resume that are not typically utilized on a private sector resume. Vital content to include:
Beginning of the resume
• Announcement number
• Title
• Grade of the job
Further down…
• Include your social security number
• Veteran’s preference
• Number of hours worked per week for each position listed
• Hourly or annual salary for each position listed
• Specify GS numbers and Grades for current or past federal jobs
Also provide or attach:
• Supervisor’s name, phone number, and address for each position on the resume
• Whether the recruiter has the candidate’s permission to contact the supervisor
• No permission granted? Address this issue in the cover letter that accompanies the resume
• Typically, candidates must address knowledge, skill, and abilities (KSA) factors specified in the job announcements on separate attachments submitted with the resume
By observing a few stylistic and information differences, candidates for government employment can create a resume that speaks strongly to their abilities to perform the duties of the job to which they are applying.
nawallace
over 1 year ago
4 comments
In light of recent federal applications changes, you need to update your information to reflect the latest requirements. Thanks!
z_adams05
almost 2 years ago
2 comments
very good info except for the social security number.
Sean_D1
over 2 years ago
6 comments
KSA's if they haven't already been done away with, are slated to disappear with in the next couple of months.
GAB
over 2 years ago
2 comments
This may help when filing out application.
Disco58
over 2 years ago
24 comments
"Unlike the private sector, federal resumes are reviewed by people rather than software".... Prior to reading this article I've been in contact with an HR rep at a local government agency, and I was told in no uncertain terms that the opposite is true, that the first 'filter' your resume sees is a computer program written to pick out what are called 'screen-out elements'. Each federal job has them, and are listed in the body of the announcement. When, or if, it passes that filter there is another process of searching for particular keywords for that job. After that is when it touches human hands, or at least is read by someone with a pulse. That whole process makes resume writing incredibly tedious and time consuming, and is reminiscent of the days of using DOS--much trial and error trying to figure out what it wants and missing by one keystroke time and again. Because of that process though it gives the applicant an opportunity to revamp their resume and have the modified version looked at for any applications they've already submitted, so long as they haven't gone past the closing date.
jameshammond85
almost 3 years ago
22 comments
i have a company very similar to t m lewin, i've been running it for years and i doubt i could write my own cv now though
clallen
almost 3 years ago
10 comments
Actually I've been to Federal Job Fairs where they say NOT to HAND them a resume with SSN. An online resume is one thing. Dropping one off is another.
JerryGJones
about 3 years ago
62 comments
These are some great tips, except for putting our Social Security number on our resume, I would NEVER put mine on a resume handed to them unless they specifically asked for it. Businesses who go through hiring phases will interview people, choose the ones they are interested in, and throw all of the other resumes in the trash bin. (but hopefully the shredder)
Do you really want your Social Security Number floating around in dumpsters and trash bins? I know I don't.
5711mm
about 3 years ago
2 comments
Thank you for the information.
GHEnglish
about 3 years ago
2 comments
GARY H. ENGLISH
H: 727 725-5324
C: 727 204-4357
e-mail: garyenglish9@aol.com
SUMMARY
Energy Efficiency Advisor- A very knowledgeable auditor and specialist trained and experienced in all home energy equipment. A proven top performer sales professional with many years of sales and customer service. Strong work ethic, reliable, intelligent, producing quality results. Motivated, competitive, honest, ethical and focused. Excellent problem solving, computer, organizational and interpersonal communication skills with a top performer track record.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SAI PEOPLE SOLUTIONS- Contractor for
PROGRESS ENERGY, St Petersburg, Fl Jan 2008 - Present
Energy Efficiency Auditor
• Top performer 2009 Energy Efficiency Advisor
• Successfully Completed Energy Auditor Training
• Completed all required training and Safety Events.
• xceeded Department goals as a Energy Efficiency Auditor for 2009
• Added my knowledge and experience to assist the department and Progress Energy customers by performing accurate effective in home Energy Analysis and savings recommendations.
• Motivational skills and experience to communicate to customers the importance of implementation of energy saving measures to benefit both the customer and the Company by contributing to meet the Demand Side Management Department objectives.
• Reliability inspections of Load Management controls and solutions to mixed meter inquiries
THE HOME DEPOT, Riverview, FL 2002 – 2007
Water Heater & Garage Door installation Sales Representative, Order Entry & Customer Service Representative
• Highest revenue awards in first quarter of 2007 with 100% order quality
• Appointed to the National Programs Leadership Council
• Perfect Attendance award in 2005
• Achieved top 5% performance award for the last quarter of 2004
• Top extended warranty sales award in 2004 and Top salesman January through May of 2004
• Circle of Excellence Top 5% award for 2004
• Achieved Circle of Excellence awards for 13 consecutive months, assisted Mangers and Supervisors, completed special projects, and mentored fellow associates
• First department sales associate to exceed $1,000,000 in installed sales
AIR CONDITIONING DESIGN SERVICES, Clearwater, FL 2001 – 2002
Self-Employed Design Consultant
• Heating Air Conditioning & Indoor Air Quality Design, layout, blueprint drawings, Manual J & Florida Residential Energy code calculations for various Air Conditioning Companies, Electrical
Anne09
over 3 years ago
6 comments
Thanks for the information, I need all the help that I can get. I applied for a federal job and got this response 30 days later: “You have been found eligible for this position, but not within reach for the list of eligibles referred for employment consideration. Your eligibility is solely based on your responses and was neither reviewed or verified.”
So I have to start the process all over again~
diamondswork
over 3 years ago
4 comments
Start by going to USAJobs.opm.gov and setting up an account and using the resume builder. Its a good way to start and to understand the information that is needed in an application.
billinc
over 3 years ago
4 comments
...Thank you for the information on resume writing. I have been out of work almost a year now and I'm starting to worry a little if I will ever find another job. But I will not give up and the search. Again thanks for the information.
patricia49
over 3 years ago
4 comments
Professional resume
WAW5058
over 3 years ago
2 comments
It's not rocket science but it sure is tedious. Good information here. Also, I would add that primacy is key in the job accouncement. If mailing it in is the first option, that's what you should do.