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2. resume writing and advice

Job-Hunt
®
Quick Guide
Create an Effective Federal Résumé
with the USAJOBS.GOV
Online Résumé Builder
Camille Carboneau Roberts, CFRW/C, CPRW, CEIP, CARW, CIJSE
Federal Career Consultant, CC Career Services
s.gov
The USAJob Builder
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
T
he United States Government implemented an update to the
qualifications) in the announcement, assuming you possess those
USAJOBS.gov Website. This Guide will help you navigate the new
qualifications. Aligning and customizing do not mean embellishing or lying.
USAJOBS Resume Builder on the www.usajobs.gov Website. Because the
It is critical that you demonstrate throughout your content that you have
Website may change, this is an overview, providing guidance and tips for
the qualifications, experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities
creating an effective Federal résumé using the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
required to perform the duties outlined in the job announcement.
Your first step in getting a job with USAJOBS is to create at least one
For example, if the job announcement states that you must have C++,
résumé using the “Resume Builder,” and that is what this Guide will help
JAVA, PHP, PL/SQL or Microsoft ASP/.NET skills, and you only have C or
you do.
Visual Basic programming skills, more than likely you will not qualify for the
NOTE: The USAJOBS Resume Builder is one résumé format that may
position. In that case, you should look for something that better matches
be accepted by Federal agencies. Some agencies accept only their own
your skills, education, and expertise. Likewise, if you do possess C++,
formats, including a Word document. This Resume Builder résumé can be
JAVA, PHP, PL/SQL or Microsoft ASP/.NET and the announcement states
used only to apply to announcements listed on USAJOBS with agencies
C++ as the only requirement, you could be overqualified.
that accept it. Read the announcement carefully. It will state in the “How to
Leverage the Resume Builder to Help You Stand Out from the
Competition
Apply” section how the résumé will be accepted. While most agencies do
use USAJOBS, a full list of agency recruiting pages may be found on Job-
The online Resume Builder is used to ensure that all necessary information
Hunt.org at www.job-hunt.org/jobs-in-government/government-jobs.shtml.
is collected and stored appropriately for review. The following information
Success Secrets
will provide tips on leveraging the Resume Builder to help you stand out
from the competition and hopefully get you screened into the interview
Align Your Résumé to the Job Requirements
process:
USAJOBS.gov is the official Website for Federal Government job openings.
They are referred to as job announcements. For the most effective results,
•
Take the time to complete the Resume Builder in its entirety before
customize your résumé content to the job announcement you are pursuing.
applying to any federal job announcement. If you are unable to finish your
Focus each résumé on the details of your experience that most closely
résumé in one session, be sure to use the “Save for Later” feature to
relate to the job announcement, using the exact terms (keywords and
finish later. This could take a few hours to copy and paste from a prepared
résumé, or several hours if you are using the Resume Builder to create your
1
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
– Ensure that you have selected the proper “check boxes” and “radio résumé. Save your résumé often as you step through the process so that
you do not lose your work in case of a power loss or other computer failure.
buttons” (answers) in each section.
– Complete all the fields that pertain to you and list “NA” in the fields It will not be visible to recruiters in its incomplete state until you choose to
make it searchable. Plan to do this when you have sufficient time.
•
that do not, when the Resume Builder allows.
Use the “Additional Information” section to list your qualifications and
•
competencies. Customizing this section, which is often left blank by job
résumé title will not be seen by anyone but you, using the job title from
seekers, can be what sets you apart! This section is where you can sell
the job announcement is a good way to differentiate among the five
yourself – electronically – an important step in the process. Complete
versions.
this section with information that qualifies you and shows how you
Preview, Save, and Backup Your Résumé
add value – list qualifications, core competencies, leadership activities,
The Resume Builder gives you an option to preview your résumé as you
accomplishments, honors, skills, awards, computer knowledge, software
build it. I highly recommend that you do this. Click on “View” and a new
knowledge, and any other information relevant to the position that is not
window will open which will display all the information you have put into
listed elsewhere in the Resume Builder.
•
the Resume Builder. While you are in the preview mode, you can copy and
Remember the Resume Builder feeds a very large résumé database so
paste your USAJOBS résumé into your word processing program. To save it,
be sure to use the keywords that fit your qualifications from the job
perform the following steps:
announcement throughout your résumé. This is one of the advantages
1. Press Control+A to select all the information in the new window.
of using the Additional Information section.
2. Press Control+C to copy the highlighted information onto the computer’s • If a field does not apply to you, be sure to put “NA” (Not Applicable) so
clipboard.
the reader will know that you acknowledged a field rather than skipped
3. Open a new document in Word (or any other word processing program).
over it. Some fields will not allow an NA entry; but include NA where it
4. Press Control+V to paste the résumé information from the Preview is applicable and where a field will allow.
•
You have the option to create and name up to five résumés. Since the
window into your new blank document.
5. Click “Save” to save the document to your computer as a backup. Be sure to Before submitting your résumé to apply for a position, carefully proofread it:
– Spell check the résumé – eliminate typos and misspellings.
save it where you normally store your documents so you can easily find – Ensure your contact information, dates, and reference phone numbers it. I recommend you save it as “yournameUSAJOBSresumename.doc” or whatever extension is appropriate.
are accurate.
2
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Some Federal Jobs Are Not Listed on www.USAJOBS.gov
Be sure to print and proofread your résumé. Have a friend and a colleague
read it. Ensure the contact information, dates, addresses, and detailed
Understand that not every job in the Federal Government is filled through
information is accurate. Fix anything that is wrong and ensure that you
USAJOBS.gov. Excepted service agencies include Congress, the Judicial
have completed it in its entirety before making your résumé searchable, or
Branch, the CIA, and some others. Positions may be in the excepted service
applying to any job announcements.
by law, by executive order, or by action of the Office of Personnel Management. Check Job-Hunt’s Government Job Resources section for links to the
Applying for a Position (Also known as Applying to an
Announcement)
recruiting pages of over 200 Federal agencies and departments.
Read the announcement thoroughly, including the “How to Apply” instruc-
Understanding Federal Government Terms and Jargon
tions. Begin with the end in mind. Know what you have to do, and plan to
Some of the government language can be confusing. To find the official
submit it at least 24 hours before the deadline. If you want your résumé
definition of Federal terms, click or copy and paste the following link into
to be found by federal recruiters, it is critical that you make your résumé
your browser to review the Glossary of Federal Terms. http://www.usajobs.
searchable.
opm.gov/infocenter/glossary/A.asp
You must finish the Builder and actually “apply” to the announcement
before the deadline in order to have success in gaining federal employment.
Getting Started with USAJOBS.GOV
Just making the résumé searchable does not mean you have applied to the
Safety Double-Check
announcement.
Before you enter any information into your profile on USAJOBS.GOV,
USAJOBS provides a “Saved Search” function that you may set up so you
make sure you are really on the correct Website.
can be alerted to positions that fit your background and education. You can
The only way to ensure that you are on the correct Website, even if it looks
have up to 10 Saved Searches. This feature alone will save you hours of job
exactly as it does below, is to check your browser’s location bar where you
searching because it will allow you to receive job announcements that may
should see this URL:
interest you via email. (More about Saved Searches on p. 20.)
Save the announcements of the jobs you apply to, especially the contact
information, so you can follow up with the contact to check the status of your
résumé, when possible.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Please note the following:
When you go to the home page of www.usajobs.gov, you will see the screen below. You can also access a step-by-step tutorial for USAJOBS.gov through
the “Info Center” or “First Time Visitors” links on the home page (www.usajobs.gov) shown below:
To begin the application process, go to
www.usajobs.gov and click on the “Create
an Account” link at the top of the home
page. Once you have completed the
registration process, you may create up
to five versions of your résumé in order to
apply to a variety of different job
announcements. This Guide will help guide
you through that process, section by section,
with tips and additional information to help
you be as successful as possible.
If you already have created a USAJOBS.gov
Account, click on “sign-in,” open your
résumé profile, and review it as you read
this Guide. You may also use this Guide to
step you through the process of creating
your résumé with the Resume Builder.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Creating Your USAJOBS Account
Create your account by selecting the “First Time Visitors” link on the USAJOBS home page, or “Create an Account“ in the upper right hand corner.
Complete the required fields, read the Terms and Conditions, and click the “I agree. Create my account“ button at the bottom of the page, if you agree
with the Terms and Conditions.
The following information is required to set up a USAJOBS account:
•
First Name
•
Last Name
•
Home Address
•
City/Town
•
State/Territory/Province
•
Postal/Zip Code
•
Country
•
Telephone Number
•
Email
•
User Name
•
Password (follow the directions)
•
Citizenship
•
Veterans’ Preference (being a veteran is not a requirement for employment). More information about Veterans’ Preference at www.fedshirevets.gov/job/vetpref/index.aspx.
Throughout USAJOBS, required information fields are marked with a red asterisk. Do not leave them blank.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
FAQ: If I forget my password, can I get help to retrieve it?
Answer: Yes, but it could take up to 48 hours to obtain the password, or help, so I recommend you write your username and password in a safe place. To
retrieve a forgotten password, click on “Sign In” from the USAJOBS.gov home page and click on “Forgot User Name and/or Password.”
Navigating USAJOBS.gov
If you have any questions about what a section or field of the Resume Builder wants, click on the small blue question mark for help.
Once you have created your account, you will have many options. The foundation of your Federal job search will be your federal résumé – you cannot apply
for most jobs without one. Read the following tips to help you navigate within USAJOBS Website:
At the top of every USAJOBS Webpage, you will see “Search Jobs,” “My Account,” and “Info Center.” This Guide focuses on “Resumes” under “My Account.”
Also, at the very bottom of every USAJOBS Webpage, you will find the set of navigation links below. To return to your USAJOBS Account home page if you
get lost, click on the “Site Map” link:
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Once you are on the Site Map page, click on the “My Account – Main Page” link to return to your USAJOBS account home page.
You can refer to this page from any part of the USAJOBS Website.
Click on whatever link will be the most helpful to you.
While you are working on your résumé, the “My Account – Main
Page” link will get you back to your Account home page where you
will find links to your résumés and the other Resume Builder applications.
The Site Map also includes links to all of the other main sections of
USAJOBS, giving you access to the whole site, by subject.
Completing the Resume Builder
Resume Builder vs. Resume Upload
FAQ: Should I use the Resume Builder or the Upload Resume Option?
Answer: When you create a new account, or sign into your account on USAJOBS.gov, you will have an option to “Build A Resume” or “Upload A Resume”
under the “My Account” section. You can have a total of five résumés in the “Resume Builder.” Two of those résumés may be added to USAJOBS using the
“Upload New Resume” option.
1. Resume Builder
The résumés in the Resume Builder are created using several sections (fields) that are required for a federal résumé. Résumés created using the
“Resume Builder” are searchable by recruiters. Most agencies require you to apply for a position using the résumé you created using the Resume Builder.
2. Upload New Resume
The résumés you upload from your computer are forwarded only to the agencies which accept uploaded résumés. If the job announcement states that the employer will accept uploaded résumés, then your uploaded résumés(s) will appear in the list of résumés you can use to apply for that job. You can have up to two uploaded résumés to choose from.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Uploaded résumés must be in a file format which is usable by USAJOBS.
The acceptable formats are .doc, .docx, .jpg, .pdf, and .rtf.
USAJOBS limits the size of the uploaded file to 3MB or smaller. You will
not be able to successfully upload a file with larger than 3MB, or any other
extension.
Also note that uploaded résumés cannot be converted to Senior
Executive Service (SES) résumés.
Uploaded résumés are not searchable by recruiters. You will need
to complete your résumé using the Resume Builder to apply for
almost all job announcements listed on USAJOBS.gov.
Creating Your Résumé Using the Resume Builder
Once you have registered and logged in, click on the blue “Resumes” button on the left side of the page. Then, select the “Build New Resume” button
to get started. The first section at the top of the Resume Builder allows you to classify your résumé as confidential or non-confidential.
Confidential or Non-Confidential.
• Choose “Confidential” to hide your contact information, current employer name, and references from recruiters
conducting résumé searches. If your résumé is marked
confidential, recruiters who find your résumé will contact
USAJOBS which forward the recruiter’s message to the
email address you have provided in your contact information. It can slow down the process of being reached by a recruiter, but it can protect your job.
•
Choose “Non-Confidential” if you want all information to be visible to the recruiter.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
FAQ: If I create a résumé and do not finish it, do I have to start over?
Answer: No, you can save your résumé, and finish it later. Be sure to save it often.
FAQ: What is the reason for having multiple versions of the résumé?
Answer: The reason for multiple versions of your résumé is to customize each version for a specific job announcement/job title. In the different versions,
describe your qualifications and competencies using the “Additional Information” section, focusing on relevant aspects of your employment, education,
training, and volunteer experience.
For example, if you have the skills and education to apply for two positions such as Program Analyst and Procurement Analyst, you should have two different
USAJOBS résumés, one for each position. Each résumé should contain the appropriate, customized “Additional Information” section where you describe
your skills and qualifications for that type of position. The “Education,” “Work Experience,” “Specialized Training,” “Volunteer Service,” and other sections
of the résumé may not need to change, but the information in the “Additional Information” section should change to align your qualifications with those in
the announcement. On a traditional résumé, those sections are sometimes called the Qualifications and Core Competencies sections. Those are the sections
that “sell” you to the employer – the sections where you communicate your value to the hiring manager.
It is critical that the résumé contain the keywords and qualifications contained in the announcement,
paralleling your knowledge, skills, and abilities within your résumé to the announcement.
Candidate Information
In this section, you will enter your résumé title and contact information. I recommend you name the
résumé the same as the job title of the announcement such as Contract Specialist, Intelligence
Officer, or Program Analyst – whatever the job title is on the announcement. This will help you
organize your résumés and use the proper one, depending on the announcement you apply to. The
résumé title is not seen by anyone but you.
Social Security Number
The Federal Government requires any person doing business with the Federal Government to furnish
a Social Security Number or tax identification number. (Executive Order 9397, November 22, 1943).
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Veterans’ Preference
It is used to identify your records because other people may have the same
name and birth date. The Office of Personnel Management may also use your
By law, veterans who are disabled or who served on active duty in the
Social Security Number to request information about you from colleges,
Armed Forces during specified time periods, or during military campaigns,
employers, and banks, but only as allowed by law or Presidential directives.
are entitled to preference over non-veterans both in hiring from competitive
FAQ: Do I have to provide my Social Security Number? I am
worried about identity theft.
Answer: Although providing your Social Security Number is voluntary, your
application will not be processed without it. Some agencies are using the
last four digits of the Social Security Number, but not all agencies have
changed to the four digit system. It is critical to provide all the information
requested in the announcement to be considered for the position.
lists of eligible candidates as well as in retaining employees during reductions in force. To find out if you are qualified for this preference, visit this
link FedsHireVets.gov or contact the Department of Veterans Affairs.
When you have completed and saved your résumé, you can upload a scanned
copy of your DD-214, or other discharge document you received, to your
USAJOBS records using the “Upload a New Document” found under the
Saved Documents area. Find more about how to upload your DD-214 on
Email
page 18 of this Guide.
It is important to create and use an email account in order to receive
Highest Career Level Achieved
correspondence from potential employers, including the Federal government.
Select the level that most clearly reflects where you are in your career. You
I recommend you set up a new email account specifically for the purpose of
can change this selection as your career level changes. This is an optional
job searching. Make sure you choose a professional email name, not one
field and not always necessary for current or former Federal employees.
such as [email protected], or ­[email protected].
Read the announcement carefully.
In fact, I highly recommend you use your name. An example is
Federal Employee Information
[email protected]. A web-based email service is best.
You could set up your email to be [email protected] and
Are you, or were you ever, a Federal civilian employee? The definition of
use it only for your job search. Be sure to check it often.
“civilian” includes some Veterans. The answer to this question will be
Having an email with your first name and last name will help ‘brand’ you.
“Yes” if you are a current or former Federal civilian employee who holds or
has held a non-temporary appointment such as the following:
It will ensure your materials are identifiable and will make it easier for
Human Resources personnel to remember you. Use your new email address
for all professional contacts and job searching.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
•
FAQ: Are classification and qualifications the same thing?
Answer: “Classification” and “qualifications” are often confused; each
has its own distinct function.
A Veteran who is eligible for veterans’ preference or separated
from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three
years or more of continuous military service.
•
Served in competitive service in the Executive Branch, or in a position not
•
in the Executive branch specifically included in the competitive service by
that determines the appropriate pay system, occupational series, title,
statute.
•
and grade/pay band.
Served in an excepted service position covered by an interchange
•
agreement.
•
Eligible for reinstatement.
•
A person with a non-competitive appointment eligibility.
Classification pertains to a position or job and the evaluation process
Qualifications pertain to a person and describe the knowledge, skills, and
abilities a person must have to be successful in a particular occupation.
ICTAP Eligibility
ICTAP applies only if you answered “Yes” to the Federal Employee
Pay Plan
question. ICTAP stands for Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan.
This applies only if you answered “Yes” to the Federal Employee
The participant in this plan is a current or former federal employee that
question. A Pay Plan refers to a two letter code in the Federal Government
has been displaced from a Federal agency. To be eligible, you must have
system for categorizing pay systems. For many Federal employees, the pay
received a formal notice of separation such as a reduction in force (RIF)
plan is GS, for others it may be WG, ST, or NS. If you have ever held a
separation notice. If you are an ICTAP eligible candidate, you will normally
position as a Federal Civilian Employee, enter your highest permanent grade
be provided priority consideration for vacancies within your commuting area
attained, job series, grade level, as well as the dates you held that grade.
for which you apply and are well qualified.
Series/Grade
Work Experience
This applies only if you answered “Yes” to the Federal Employee
“Work Experience” is a required section. Complete a “Work
question. A series refers to the Federal Government’s system for
Experience” section for each of your employers. When you have
categorizing and defining jobs. A grade refers to the Federal Government’s
completed one Work Experience section, click the “Add Experience” button
system for defining and categorizing positions. You can find out more
to add your next job.
information on the job classifications and pay at this link:
http://www.opm.gov/fedclass/index.htm
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
FAQ: How many years of work experience should I include?
Answer: You should include a minimum of 10 years of experience,
which may require you to complete several Work Experience sections,
depending on how many jobs you have held in the last 10 years.
The number of years of experience to include depends on your
individual situation and the level of position. Some employees have
had one employer in 20 years. Some may have had 10 employers in 20
years. If you can, ask a Federal recruiter or a Certified Federal Résumé
Writer/Coach if you have specific questions on what and how much
to include for this section after careful review of the announcement.
There are strategic reasons for using older work experience which
could be included in the Federal résumé.
Your supervisor may be contacted if you choose “Yes” to the “May
we contact your supervisor?” question. Choose “No” if you do not want
your supervisor contacted. Or, if your search is confidential, choose
“Contact me first” so you can advise your supervisor beforehand.
Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills Field
This field allows up to 3,000 characters so you can, and should, provide a substantial amount of relevant information about your duties, accomplishments,
and any related skills. Again, use keywords from the announcement as you complete this field for each job you have held.
The USAJOBS Resume Builder provides you with a live “Character Count” below the input box so you can see how many characters you have used of your
3,000 character allotment. Be sure to use the spell check feature whether you are manually keying in the information or using copy-and-paste from your
word processing software.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
FAQ: Do I need to submit my current employer information?
Answer: Yes, but you can identify that employer as “confidential” so the
employer cannot be contacted. There is a radio button (selection) to make
this selection confidential on your current employer information.
highest level of education can be selected under Degree/Level Attained,
FAQ: Do I need to list my salary information for each position?
Answer: Yes. If you do not have the information, you can obtain your
salary history from the Social Security Administration. They have a record
of each employer which has paid taxes on your behalf. It is important that
you submit accurate information. This helps in the qualification process. The
time needed to obtain this information varies depending upon whether you
have a local Social Security Administration office where you can walk in and
request the information, or if you have to request it via email or U.S. mail.
included in your application. You can perform a search at http://www.ope.
including high school if that is the highest level you attained.
The schools or programs you list in this section MUST be included in the
US Department of Education’s directory of accredited schools to be
ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx to be sure that your school qualifies.
Relevant Coursework, Licensures and Certifications Box
Include this information if it is relevant to the position or if it helps to
demonstrate your skills, competencies, and/or accomplishments. The
Relevant Coursework field allows up to 2,000 characters, and the live
counter below the box helps you see how many characters you have used.
FAQ: What if I work more than 40 hours per week, or less than 40
hours per week?
Answer: List the average hours you work per week. If you work an average
of 50 hours per week, list 50 hours per week. If you work a constant 40
hours in one job and 20 in another, list both positions with that detail. It
does help in the qualification process. The key is to be accurate.
Education
“Education” is a required section. When you have added the last
screen of “Work Experience” information that is appropriate for this
résumé, scroll down the “Work Experience” page, to find this section.
Be sure to complete the required fields designated with a red asterisk. The
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
FAQ: Do I need an official transcript by the time I apply for the
position? I do not think I can obtain one that quickly.
Answer: It depends on what is stated in the announcement. Check the
“How to Apply” section on the announcement to be sure. Generally, if
transcripts are required at the time of submission, you can submit an
unofficial copy of your transcripts, but you will eventually need to submit
the official transcripts. It is a good idea to request your transcripts as soon
as possible as they can take up to six weeks to obtain.
If you have attended more than one educational institution, you can click
on the “Add Education” button and provide the additional information for
each subsequent educational institution. Start with the most recent and
work backward. Be sure to include high school. It is required to be listed on
a Federal résumé.
FAQ: Do I need to submit my GPA? I did not do very well in college, but I graduated, and have held highly responsible positions
throughout my career, isn’t that good enough?
Answer: Yes, you need to submit your GPA, and you will also need to
submit an official transcript at some point in the hiring process.
When you use education to qualify for a position, Federal agencies will
normally ask you to provide a transcript, either when you apply or if you
are selected. By fully completing all of the fields in this section, you help
The GPA is used in the hiring process, but it is not the only factor in
ensure that you receive appropriate credit for your academic credentials.
deciding the candidate pool to submit to the hiring official. Focus on
your strengths in the “selling sections” that demonstrate your value and
If you have no degree, but have completed post-secondary courses, you
throughout your résumé.
should provide that information.
Do not leave off the GPA. Order your transcripts early. It can take up to six
weeks to receive your transcripts. Some agencies will allow you to scan
and upload the transcript into the online Resume Builder.
FAQ: I’m not quite done with my degree. How can I show that?
Answer: There is a field for semester/quarter credits complete. This will
tell the recruiter how many credits you have completed, but in the text
box field, you can write an expected completion date, or an explanation of
the reason the degree is incomplete. I recommend that you do not leave it
blank, even if you have completed your degree. It helps give them timeline
of your activities.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Job Related Training
“Job Related Training” is an optional section. If you do not have any relevant Job
Related Training, you can leave this section blank. If you have any training that might be
considered relevant, include the title and completion date.
For example:
Microsoft Office. January 2010.
Electronics Surveillance. May 2009.
Sexual Harassment Training. June 2009.
There is no need to provide a full explanation of the course description, although you are allowed 5,000 characters.
FAQ: How many training courses should I list?
Answer: List only the training relevant to the position, training that adds value.
References
“References” is an optional section. However, it is a good idea to include at least
three references. Be sure to complete the minimum required fields designated with a
red asterisk. It is helpful to complete each field to assist in the background investigation.
As stated earlier in the Resume Builder, if you choose “confidential,” this
information will not be visible to recruiters performing résumé searches. Do not list
personal addresses in the fields of your references. Be sure to notify your references
that you have included them on your Federal résumé. For privacy reasons, you should
ask them for their contact information that they would like listed on your résumé.
Additional Language Skills
Additional Language Skills is an optional section. In this section, you have an opportunity to list your language skills. Even if you speak only one
language, it is best to include it here. You can list all the languages and the extent to which you speak, write, and read the language.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
FAQ: Do I need to complete this section if English is my native language?
Answer: Yes. If you leave this section blank, anyone who sees it may be unsure what language you speak, read, or write since they have not met you. If
English is your native language, specify that you understand English, and be sure to include your level of spoken, written, and reading skills.
Affiliations
“Affiliations” is an optional section. If you have professional affiliations, be sure to
include both the Organization Name and your Role. For example:
St. Louis Police Association.
Member.
Professional Publications
“Professional Publications” is an optional section. In this section, enter any
professional publications you have written. You can have up to 5,000 characters for
this field. I recommend that you list your publications as follows:
Name of article. Name of publication. Where/who published it, or the purpose. Month,
Year.
Additional Information
“Additional Information” is an optional field. Take advantage of this section to
demonstrate your value to the hiring manager! This can be the section that contains
the information that sets you apart! In my 20+ years of experience writing Federal
résumés, this is the section I see misused most often by Federal job seekers. Most of
the time, it is blank, or contains irrelevant, personal, or discriminating information.
The character limit is 20,000 – plenty of space to list qualifications, core competencies,
leadership activities, accomplishments, honors, skills, awards, computer knowledge,
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
software knowledge, and other information relevant to the position that demonstrate your expertise, skills, and abilities. Propose your value to the employer!
FAQ: Can I just upload my Word résumé (.doc/.docx) into this section?
Answer: No. You must complete all sections of the Resume Builder according to the specifications in order to be considered. However, I recommend that
you copy and paste the qualifications and core competencies, or the other ”selling” sections of your traditional résumé rather than leaving it blank. Also, be
sure to list only professional, non-discriminating activities and information in this section. Avoid mentioning religion and politics and other sensitive issues.
When you create your account on USAJOBS, there is an option to upload additional documents, such as the SF-50, DD-214, transcripts, and others. There
is also a statement that you can upload your résumé in that field. Please note: if you upload your résumé, in that section, it is NOT searchable by
recruiters. Only the USAJOBS résumé is searchable.
Availability
“Availability” is an optional section. However, I encourage you to check each box
appropriate for you to provide the recruiter with more information on the type of position
you are seeking.
However, check only all that apply regarding the type of work you are willing to consider.
You will also need to define the work schedule you are willing to consider.
Looking For A Specific Work Environment
“Looking for a Specific Work Environment” is an optional section. This section
will provide recruiters with additional detail on the type of position you are seeking.
Checking options in this section will not exclude your résumé from consideration. You
can check more than one option.
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© 2010 – 2011, NETability, Inc. All rights reserved. Not for commercial use nor modification without prior written permission.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Desired Locations
You will have an opportunity to define the desired location in which you wish
to work if the announcement states options. You can choose the state where
you would like to work, then the location, as well as regional locations.
Select the locations you want, and add them to the box on the right by clicking
on the “ADD” button.
Make Searchable or Save for Later
At this point, you can make your résumé searchable, or save it for later and come back to proofread, then choose “make searchable.” If you click on the
“Activate Resume” button, you will allow recruiters to find your résumé during their résumé searches, and you will be able to apply to job announcements.
If you need to obtain more information to add to the résumé later, be sure to click on the “Save for Later” button and follow the prompts.
If you change your mind after “Activating” your résumé, you will be able to make it unsearchable by clicking on the “Make
Not Searchable” link on the résumé’s “Status.” Keep your résumé not searchable until you are sure it is ready and contains
all the required information. Make it searchable when you are ready to be found by recruiters and apply to job announcements.
Adding Documents
USAJOBS allows you to upload five attachments along with your résumé such as the DD-214, SF-15, SF‑50,
OF-306, college transcripts or other types of documents.
Click on the “Saved Documents” link on your USAJOBS “My Account – Main Page” to access the page
which allows you to add attachments to your résumé.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
What Now?
Use this résumé to apply for as many announcements as possible that match up with the qualifications outlined on your résumé. Remember, if you apply to
an announcement with a different job title, it will have different requirements, so you will need to use a different version of your résumé (see below).
Job Search Time-Saving Tips
Duplicating Your Résumé in the Resume Builder
After you create one résumé and customize it to align with one job announcement, you can use that
résumé to apply to positions with the same job title. You can then use the “duplicate” feature to
duplicate the résumé, and rename it.
Be sure to modify the new duplicate résumé to refocus the Additional Information section and any
other sections appropriately to apply for a different job announcement with a different job title.
Be sure to separately name each résumé you create in USAJOBS so you can keep them organized, and
use the appropriate résumé for the proper announcement. For example:
Program Analyst Résumé 4-15-2010
Accounting Résumé 4-20-2010
Contract Specialist Résumé 4-30-2010
Keep Good Records
It is a good idea to print a copy of your USAJOBS résumé as well as copy and paste it into a Word document (or other word processing program) just in case
something should happen to it on the USAJOBS server.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
Notification Alerts / Application Status
It is also a good idea to keep a copy of the entire announcement. The best
way to do this, so you can view it after the announcement closes, is to click
Notification Alerts allow you to stay informed of changes to your application
on “Print Preview,” then press Control+A, then Control+C (to copy), then
status. You can choose to be notified of a job that you have applied to that
open up a Word file, and paste it into the document by pressing Control+V.
has closed, status of an application you have submitted changes to, and
Then be sure to save the file the same name as the announcement number
status of documents you have uploaded.
and date so you can easily find it.
If you did not apply to the job announcement with your USAJOBS résumé
Saved Search (formerly Job Search Agent)
through the “Apply Online” button, you may not have successfully applied
Be sure to set up the Saved Search using keywords from the announce-
and your application cannot be tracked. When you click on “Apply Online,”
ment, your skills, qualifications, competencies, knowledge, education,
some announcements redirect you to a specific agency Website. In that
desired salary, and location. When you set up a Saved Search, you will
case, it is not possible to track applications in your USAJOBS account
receive an email as soon as there is an announcement that matches your
when they have been submitted through an agency’s application website or
search criteria. This feature alone will save you hours of time in manually
through the mail. You can contact the agency that posted the announcement
searching through thousands of job announcements. You can set up 10
to verify receipt of your application. Each record will be deleted 18 months
different Saved Searches.
after the Initial Application Date.
Another feature to save you time and further automate your job search, is
to set up your Saved Searches by Series. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Log in to “My Account.”
2. Select “Saved Searches” from the drop down menu.
3. Select “Create a new saved search” on the left side of screen.
4. On the “Create a new saved search” page, you can select one or up
to 10 series titles from the “Occupational Series” window. Finish
answering the other items on the page, then I recommend you save the name of this Saved Search as “Search by Series.”
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© 2010 – 2011, NETability, Inc. All rights reserved. Not for commercial use nor modification without prior written permission.
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Creating an Effective Federal Résumé
About Camille Carboneau Roberts
Job-Hunt’s Federal Job Search Expert, Camille Carboneau Roberts, has over 20 years of successful experience providing career services,
writing, and consulting on Federal and private-sector résumés, Federal Senior Executive Service, interview coaching, salary negotiating, web
résumés/portfolios, and computer training. Camille has an excellent reputation for success in helping her clients get jobs by writing highquality, brand-focused Federal résumés, narratives (KSAs, ECQs, PTQs, MTQs), cover letters, thank you letters, job proposals, and social media
profiles. She is recognized for helping her clients understand, interpret, and navigate the Federal hiring process. Camille teaches several
Camille Roberts
Federal-related topics, including Getting Re$ult$ with USAJOBS.gov. The courses can be taken via weekly webinars, or at your facility.
Contact information:
Website: www.ccCareerServices.com
Email: [email protected]
Web Résumé: www.ccCareerServices/resumes/CamilleCarboneauRoberts
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/CamilleRoberts
LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/CamilleCarboneauRoberts
Join her new LinkedIn group: Federal Job Hunt Help and her new Facebook page and group: search CC Career Services
Camille is Job-Hunt’s “Federal Government Job Search Expert” offering advice every month on Job-Hunt.org to help job seekers succeed in their federal job search.
About Job-Hunt.org
Job-Hunt.org is a free “employment portal” Website which links to over 18,000 employers, associations, and job search and career resources. Advice from
various job search experts is also provided, including everything from protecting your privacy to using Craigslist, LinkedIn, and Twitter in your job search.
Assisting
job seekers since 1995, Job-Hunt has won much recognition for the quality of the content, and our goal is to continue to deserve that recognition.
• US News & World Report Top Site for Finding Work
• Forbes Best of the Web for Job Hunting
• PC Magazine Best of the Internet for Careers
Contact info:
Email: [email protected] Twitter: Twitter.com/JobHuntOrg Facebook: Facebook.com/jobhuntorg LinkedIn Group: Linkd.in/Job-Hunt-Help
Office: 508-624-6261
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© 2010 – 2011, NETability, Inc. All rights reserved. Not for commercial use nor modification without prior written permission.