How to Write a Resume for a Federal GS-7 Position

Landing a federal job begins with a winning resume.

Applying for a job with the federal government is a fairly straightforward process. Carefully read the job announcement and make sure you take any required civil service examination. A General Schedule (GS) 7 position is the last pay grade for entry-level positions. When you write your resume, you need to highlight any prior public sector jobs you held, including your titles and responsibilities. A winning resume can put you on the path to a long government career and will be kept on file by the Office of Personnel Management.

Things You'll Need

• Professional bond paper
• computer
• printer

Instructions

1. Type your name and contact information flush left or centered on a piece of professional bond paper. Use an unadorned, 12-point font.

2. List the job title and vacancy announcment number, followed immediately underneath by your veteran's preference and country of citizenship. Use single spacing.

3. Include your civil service job title next, if applicable, and any certifications or training you hold in your field.

4. Add your educational background, including any colleges or academic insitutions you attended, degrees and honors you attained, and year of graduation.

5. Highlight your employment history in reverse chronological order with a brief description of your duties. Include the region where you worked, because the GS-7 position you are applying for may necessitate a locality pay adjustment.

6. Conclude with a description of your special skills or volunteer experiences. Tailor your experiences to the GS-7 position to which you are applying. If the job requires data entry skills, for example, note the computer programs that you have mastered.

Tips & Warnings

• Familiarize yourself with the GS pay schedule, which is published every January.

• Note the knowledge, skills and abilities highlighted in the vacancy announcement. Tailor your resume to highlight any relevant training or accomplishments, using some of the same key words in the job posting.

References

• Sample Federal Resume