Building Your Federal Resume

A federal government job is often a great transition for military personnel, but a resume for a federal job is different from a civilian resume. It’s longer, more detailed and includes specific job-related terminology. Follow these resume tips and build your resume using the Resume Builder at USAJobs:

• Collect your assets. Make sure you have these things gathered:
  • Contact information for your former supervisors
  • Performance appraisals
  • Awards
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Military documentation like your DD214, ACE transcripts and Verification of Military Experience and Training
  • Any additional information that could help you stand out as an applicant
• Create a master resume that includes your work history, skills, accomplishments, volunteer work and training. Edit it for accuracy and clarity.
• Use the federal agency’s online resume builder.
  • Copy and paste sections from your master resume into the online resume builder website of the federal agency that you are applying to.
  • You can also create a hard copy of your resume if a federal agency requires one.
• Choose your words carefully.
  • Human resources staff, or a computer program, will scan your resume for job-related keywords and phrases.
  • Incorporate keywords and phrases from the “Duties” or “Qualifications” section of the job vacancy notice into the “Work History” section of your resume.
• Fill in the details.
  • Showcase details that demonstrate your past responsibilities and your work ethic.
  • Use numbers to quantify your accomplishments. Point out, for example, that you “reduced department expenses by 30% in the first six months.”
• Check spelling and accuracy. 
  • Proofread your resume.
  • Have a friend or family member proofread it.
  • Find a federal employee or someone with human resources experience to review your resume, if possible.
  • Read your resume backward to catch spelling or typos.
• Submit your resume and follow up. Make sure the receiving agency received your resume. Follow the agency’s policies and timelines to check the status.

Here’s more help

• Most federal jobs are listed on the federal government’s USAJOBS site. The site also lets you create an account and online profile, and save your job searches.
• Feds Hire Vets is operated by the Office of Personnel Management. It has lots of good intel about federal employment for veterans and transitioning service members.
• Your installation’s Transition Assistance Program has more information and employment support.