Federal Resume Guide

Federal Resume Guide

This packet is intended to serve as a starting point for creating or improving your resume for application to federal employment.

It includes sample resumes as well as best practices, helpful tips and resources for developing a successful document.

Come see us!

The UGA Career Center consultants and graduate assistants are available on a walk-in basis to assist you with creating and/or improving your resume. Walk-In hours are every weekday from 12:00 ? 2:00 p.m. We critique resumes, cover letters and address career-related questions.

UGA Career Center ? 2nd Floor, Clark Howell Hall ? Athens, GA ? 30602

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Contents

I. Purpose of a Federal Resume ...................................................................Page 1 II. Federal Resume vs. Traditional Resume................................Page 2 III. Best Practices....................................................................Page 3 IV. Standard Federal Resume Template.....................................Page 4 V. Resume Samples (Entry Level).............................................Pages 5-13 VI. Getting Started..................................................................Page 14 VII. Additional Information.......................................................Page 15

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1. Purpose of a Federal Resume

With the federal government, a resume is Federal resumes should be 2-5 pages in

still a marketing tool, but it is not a

length and include similar language as

summary; the resume should prove your the vacancy announcement. Read the

qualifications in great detail. In this case, job vacancy announcement very carefully

the resume is where you "wow" the recruiter. and strategically develop your resume to

Your resume should tell a story about what include most, if not all of the key words.

you did and how well you did it. Focus on The federal staffing specialist who reviews

the position for which you are applying, in a the resume for initial qualifications must

way that best reflects your competencies for know where, when and how long you were

the position.

at the position mentioned, and will look to

see if you have the "specialized" or

directly-related experience requirements of

the position for which you are applying.

What to Include

The Federal resume must include additional information that is not typically requested in the private sector. If you don't supply this information, your application could be rejected. Required information is as follows:

Job Information Announcement number, title, series, and grade of job for which your are applying

Personal Information Full name, mailing address with zip code, day and evening phone numbers with area code, social security number, country of citizenship, veteran's preference, reinstatement eligibility, highest Federal civilian grade held

Education High school: name, city, and state, date of diploma; college or university: name, city and state, major(s), type and year of any degrees received

Work Experience Job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, start and end dates, hours per week, salary, indicate whether your supervisor may be contacted

Other Qualifications Job-related training courses, skills, certificates and licenses, honors, awards and special accomplishments, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking and performance awards

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II. Federal Resume vs. Traditional Resume

Length: When applying for federal internships or entry-level jobs, expect to have your resume be anywhere from 2 to 4 pages rather than the usual 1 page. This is due to the level of detail and required information that is needed for a federal resume.

Level of detail: In order to create an effective federal resume, you will need to go into more detail when explaining your duties and accomplishments in order to fully inform the employer of your background. Agencies use this information as a tool to assess your background and experience. If an employer notes a specific certification or skill set in a job description, make sure it is reflected on your resume.

Required Information: Federal resumes require additional information such as the names of your supervisors, their contact information, your wages or salary, the amount of hours worked per week, the locations of your employment history, as well as start and end dates for those positions.

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III. Best Practices

Be clear and concise: Although you should be thorough in your resume, you should not take 2 or 3 sentences to explain something when it can be done in 1.

Address all periods of time: If there are gaps in your work history, make sure to address them in your resume.

Amend resume to fit the position: If you possess a skill set that you feel would be beneficial or directly relates to the position you are applying for, be sure you indicate it on your resume.

Highlight skills and strengths with examples: Make sure to provide a specific example of when or how you successfully utilized a particular skill or strength.

Be consistent with format: Your resume should maintain a consistent format in regards to font sizes, font styles, and section placement so that the reader can quickly and easily review your resume.

Include a cover letter: This will show initiative to the employer even when not required in the application process.

No acronyms: Do not use acronyms in your resume. If you must include one then be sure to write the full name of the acronym being used.

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