Federal Employment Resume Instructions
Getting a federal job often requires an extensive application process that usually includes writing a resume that meets the specific standards required by an individual agency. Federal employment resume instructions differ from agency to agency and from vacancy to vacancy. Knowing what to look for in the instructions is the key to a successful, federal resume and interview-getting application.
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Not Just Another Resume
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Every resume that you submit to the federal government is going to be different from the one before. Each job has specific requirements that need to be addressed. Some may require an online application, while others require submission by email. In each and every case, however, it is of vital importance to understand and follow the instructions provided with the vacancy announcement for the job. It is rare that a resume submitted for a federal job is any less than four pages long, and may be up to eight or 10 pages. In addition, the instructions may require that you submit KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) or KSAO (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other characteristics) statements, Supplemental Narrative Statements, or other qualification statements and documentation. Depending on the type of position and your employment history, there may also be other forms required to be submitted, along with your resume and statements.
Don't Skim
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Read the instructions several times before you start preparing your resume and application documents. The smallest details are important.
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Resume Package
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After you have read, and reread, the federal employment instructions on "How to Apply" and you know exactly what they are asking for, you're ready to prepare the package. Follow the instruction to the letter. Include all of the documentation and information they are asking for and don't add anything else, even you think it would be helpful. The most important thing you can do for yourself when submitting a federal resume for review is to follow the instructions the agency has given. If it doesn't specifically tell you to include a cover letter, don't. If it tells you to write KSAs, make sure you include them. If you're a veteran and claim preference, include a copy of your DD-214 to make sure you get your preference points. If it says you have to submit by a certain date and time, and your package arrives even one minute late, you are out of luck. It is lot of work and tedious just to get an interview, but following the instructions is the key to getting that stable job with all of the benefits included in working for the federal government.
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