Federal Resume FAQ
Straight answers to the questions we hear most, grouped by where you are in your federal career, and a few steps you can take to save money before you ask us for a quote.
USAJOBS: getting started
Should I use the USAJOBS Builder or the Upload feature? Build your resume in the USAJOBS Resume Builder. It is preferred by federal human resources specialists, and it requires information that is mandatory for a federal resume. Having it in place before you ask us for a writing quote saves our writers up to an hour of eliciting it from you, which saves you money. Then draft a few accomplishments with our free CCAR Accomplishment Builder before we take your case.
How do I find keywords before an announcement is posted? Read the OPM classification standards, the official descriptions of positions in government. Look at your target position in the standards before you begin your job search and attempt to write your resume.
What is the best format for a federal resume? The Outline Format. Our samples are researched, developed, and targeted for specific jobseekers, students, current federal workers, veterans, and are not available on the internet.
Current federal employees and contractors
How do I improve my chances of getting Best Qualified, Referred, and Interviewed? The Federal Resume Guidebook, 8th Edition carries Outline Format samples and chapters on keyword development from the announcements, with specialty chapters on IT Specialist, Program Analyst, Administrative Officer, and Contract Specialist careers. The first edition was written in 1996, right after the SF-171 was eliminated. It is the book for federal employees seeking a grade-level promotion or an occupational series change.
I am a contractor to a federal agency. How do I land a civil service position? Many contractors do not name the federal agency, laws, regulations, programs, and customers they serve in government. That information is imperative to show your KSAs and specialized experience, and accomplishments as a contractor are critical. Your contractor resume is just a starter, short version; the Guidebook shows the correct format.
Transitioning military, veterans, and military spouses
I am transitioning from the military within a year. The Jobseeker’s Guide, 10th Edition, used in more than 200 military base transition centers around the world, covers the Ten Steps to a Federal Job formula, the Outline Format in Step 6, and veteran’s preference explained clearly. Your TAP class two-page private sector resume is a good start, but do not use it as your federal resume: expand it to four or five pages with more detail, following the Step 6 samples.
I am a veteran with preference eligibility. Your civilian and military careers can both be presented to demonstrate specialized experience. Our Certified Federal Resume Writers determine which career demonstrates the KSAs best, matched to a specific announcement.
I am a military spouse beginning a federal career. The Stars Are Lined Up for Military Spouses was written for you: federal and NAF jobs are available at every military base in the world, and it is time to build a career that travels with you. See also our military spouse services.
Students and executives
I am a recent graduate writing my first federal resume. The Student’s Federal Career Guide, 4th Edition has recent-graduate samples with emphasis on education: courses, papers, projects, and internships. A must for a first-time applicant qualifying on education.
I am an executive seeking the Senior Executive Service. Start by writing your Top Ten list of accomplishments, then see our Senior Executive Service services for the full application.
I am writing my first two-page resume for the private sector. Creating Your First Resume is an award-winning guide for a one- or two-page networking resume that clearly features top skills and accomplishments.
Get started
Still have questions?
Start with a consultation and we will answer them against your target announcement.