Federal Resume Requirements
Crafting a resume is a tricky and tedious business for any job. But if you are applying for a job with the United States government, there are certain rules and requirements you must strictly follow. Recipients will be looking for certain information and a specific format when they receive your federal job resume.
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Summary of Experience
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This section appears at the top of the resume and is somewhat like the combination of an objective and a cover letter. The summary of experience is a full paragraph explaining your previous experience and how you believe it qualifies you as the best candidate for the job you are pursuing. Approach writing this section as you would a business cover letter, taking care to personalize it and selling yourself as a potential employee.
Subjects
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A federal resume is typically much longer than a regular resume, often over five pages. Your federal resume must include your personal contact information, your current and past jobs, professional accomplishments, your education and training and any awards, certificates or publications to your credit. In addition to your job title, company name and dates of employment, your work experience section should include a list of five to eight detailed duties and responsibilities you held, as well as the name of your supervisor at that position and his contact information. Also include your salary at each job and the average number of hours you worked every week during employment. All jobs, accomplishments and degrees must be listed in reverse chronological order.
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Applications
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Often, the government will supply a form for the applicant that they must use to format their federal resume, such as the SF-171 and the OF-612. This form gives you a template to follow that ensures your resume is formatted properly and that all the necessary information is included. Ask your potential employer if such a form is required before making your federal resume to avoid wasting time. Other employers require the job posting number be present on your resume beneath the header if you found the job through an advertisement and will disregard your resume if the number is not included.
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References
Resources
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