Get a Federal Job (incl. Federal Resumes)

• Get Started Early: Create your USAJOBS profile as soon as you consider a federal job.  
• Set Your Filters: Specify your desired job type, work schedule, and location preferences to quickly find relevant opportunities. This way, you’ll have filters in place every time you search. 
• Personalize Your Experience: Add your personal information to streamline the application process. 

• Detail Matters: Showcase relevant experience but keep it within 2 pages.   
• Match the Announcement: Tailor your resume to directly match the job requirements, skills, and experience listed in the job announcement.  
• Keyword Power-Up: Scan the job announcement for keywords and phrases and incorporate them naturally into your resume. This helps you get past initial screening. (You can also upload the job announcement to ChatGPT and ask it to pull out keywords and phrases to streamline your process)!
• Assessments: Expect a skills test (USA Hire, structured interview, or work sample). For GS-4 and below roles, you may still see a questionnaire instead of a test.  

• CAR Method for Success: Use the Challenge, Action, Result (CAR) method to describe your accomplishments. Quantify your results whenever possible! 

• Beyond Your Degree: Include your degree, major, and graduation date, but also list relevant coursework that aligns with the job requirements. 
• Certify Your Skills: Don’t forget licenses and certifications – even a CPR certification can be a valuable addition for certain roles! 

• Every Bit Counts: This section is a great place to highlight any job-related training, even if it’s not a formal degree. Think workshops, seminars, or even first aid courses. 
• Show Your Initiative: Listing training demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning and professional development. 
  • Example: “Completed ‘Wilderness First Responder’ certification (80 hours) through NOLS, providing advanced medical skills for remote outdoor environments, directly applicable to the ‘Field Biologist’ position.” 

This section is your chance to stand out and highlight accomplishments! 

• Career Summary Spotlight: Craft a 3-5 sentence career summary that highlights your key qualifications and career aspirations.
  • Example Career Summary:  Highly motivated and results-oriented recent graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and a passion for conservation. Proven ability to conduct detailed fieldwork, analyze complex data, and effectively communicate scientific findings through internships with the U.S. Forest Service and active participation in ecological research projects. Eager to apply strong analytical skills and dedication to environmental stewardship to a challenging federal position. 
• Beyond the Basics: List hobbies (especially those relevant to the job, like hiking for outdoor roles), volunteer work, positive quotes from supervisors, performance reviews, awards, and a comprehensive list of your skills.  
  • Example: “Volunteered 100+ hours with the Montana Wilderness Association, assisting with trail maintenance and public outreach. Received the ‘Outstanding Intern Award’ from the U.S. Forest Service for my contributions to the local endangered species recovery program.” 

If you are a veteran, you may be eligible for Veterans’ Preference, which can provide an advantage in federal hiring. This preference can apply to various types of positions and can significantly impact your application. 

• Check Your Eligibility: Understand the different categories of Veterans’ Preference (e.g., 5-point, 10-point) and confirm if you meet the criteria. 
• Provide Documentation: Be prepared to provide supporting documentation, such as your DD-214, to verify your veteran status and eligibility. 
• Highlight Military Skills: Translate your military experience and skills into civilian and federal terms on your resume. Your leadership, technical, and organizational skills are highly valued! 
• Explore Veteran Resources: Many federal agencies have dedicated resources and programs to assist veterans in their job search. 

Learn More About Veterans Preference 

The federal government is a leader in employing individuals with disabilities and provides specific hiring authorities to facilitate their employment. This can offer a streamlined pathway to federal service. 

• Understand Schedule A: Research “Schedule A” (5 CFR 213.3102(u)) as a non-competitive hiring authority for individuals with disabilities. This can significantly simplify the application process. 
• Obtain Proof of Disability: You will need a “certification of disability” from a licensed medical professional, a vocational rehabilitation specialist, or a state or federal agency that provides disability services. 
• Highlight Your Abilities: Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the job, and how your disability does not prevent you from performing the essential functions of the role. 
• Connect with Disability Programs: Utilize resources from disability employment organizations or federal agencies that support job seekers with disabilities. 
  • Example: “Through the Schedule A hiring authority, I applied for an ‘IT Specialist’ position, providing my certification of disability and highlighting my strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.” 

Learn More About Schedule A Eligibility