10 Tips for Succeeding at
Federal Applications & Resumes
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#1) Know Where to Look – USAJobs.gov
USAJobs.gov is a one-stop shop for federal job openings, descriptions, benefits and how to apply. State level
government jobs are listed elsewhere, e.g., oregon.gov/jobs for Oregon. Read up on the application process at
usajobs.gov/Help or take a training at usajobs.gov/Notification/Events. Take time to educate yourself BEFORE applying;
the process is competitive and not always intuitive.
#2) You Must Demonstrate Each Requirement from the Job Posting.
1. Being vaguely qualified doesn’t cut it on federal applications. They do not read between the lines. You must
SHOW how you meet ALL of the qualifications and skills that are marked as REQUIRED.
2. Print out the job description and highlight every required skill or ability. Then type out your resume sections
to match them, checking them off as you go.
3. Reverse chronological format is easier than functional resumes for HR officials to match up your skills. They
separate applicants into “doesn’t meet minimums,” “minimally qualified” and “best qualified.” You might be
minimally qualified, but not advance to interviews, so be thorough and bold about your accomplishments.
4. Be explicit. If “Microsoft Word” is a requirement, you must list it. If a required skill is “Oral Communications,”
talk about the class presentations or work briefings you’ve given.
5. Unpaid/volunteer experience IS considered. Use your volunteering, class projects, courses, clubs, leadership,
etc. to build out your experience.
6. Be honest, not modest. If you are wavering on whether to check “no” on a supplemental questionnaire, err on
the side of “yes.” Don’t self-select out if you think you are in the ballpark of the qualification.
7. Include things like your high school diploma, your college credits (indicate semester or quarter hours), your
salary (hourly or yearly), # of hours worked at previous positions – not typical in other types of resumes.
#3) Federal Resumes Are Longer Than Private Sector. Typically 3-7 Pages.
Federal resumes must include everything that would be discussed in an interview written down. They prove your
qualifications in-depth and show not just what you did, but how you did it and the RESULTS you produced (e.g.,
“analyzed 1,000 samples and made a recommendation to senior officials”). One page resumes are at a disadvantage.
#4) Tailor Your Application to Each Job.
Don’t upload the same resume for many jobs. Use keywords and phrases from the job description in your explanations.
Be specific and quantify results (e.g. “Developed numerous sensitive training courses for nearly 1,500 personnel. Rated
as the number one instructor over 20 peers in annual performance report.”)
#5) Fill Out Your Online Profile/Resume in Advance.
Federal job openings are often only posted for five days. Fill out your profile because 1) you can set search preferences
so that relevant jobs are sent straight to your inbox, 2) you can fill out the bulk of the information in your resume so it’s
easy to tweak and apply on short notice. You can store up to five resumes on USAJobs.gov.
#6) Use the Online Resume Builder Instead of Your Uploaded Resume.
You’ll be more likely to thoroughly address all aspects of the application if you use the USAJobs Resume Builder versus
uploading your own resume. Fill out all fields, including “optional” if possible. You can then download and reformat the
resume in Word if preferred.
#7) Start Early. Federal Application Processes Can Take a While.
Hiring is full of steps (e.g., gaining security clearances). You can plan on 1-4 months from application to hire date. Start
applying in the fall and winter for summer positions. Apply before the closing date in case the agency has a cut-off
number of applicants they are accepting. *Tip* Most job posts close at 11:59 p.m. ET, that’s 8:59 p.m. PT.
#8) Find Out If You’re a Preferred Candidate.
• Check the job description for whether you qualify for a “special hiring authority.” Groups of people such as those
with a disability, veterans, Peace Corps/AmeriCorps volunteers, etc. may have an advantage for certain jobs.
• Did you know that one third of applicants hired for federal jobs in 2014 were veterans? If you served in the
military, your application may get extra preference. Visit fedshirevets.gov for more info.
#9) Gain an Advantage through Networking.
There’s no way to circumvent the USAJobs.gov application process, BUT your application may rise to the surface if
someone on the inside knows your work. Make connections! Attend the agency’s workshops, volunteer, connect with
alums on LinkedIn who work there, get to know your local recruiter or call the hiring manager to introduce yourself and
ask good questions regarding a specific job. Also it’s a good idea to follow up (in moderation) after your application and
ask about the status of interviews. Or, if you don’t get hired, ask for feedback on your application for next time.
#10) Check Out Pathways Programs for Students and Recent Grads.
• Pathways internships are offered at many federal agencies and are a great way to get experience as a current
student or a recent graduate (who graduated in the past two years/six for veterans).
• These programs provide individualized mentorship and the possibility of being hired full time afterward.
• The Presidential Management Fellow Program is for students with advanced degrees.
EXAMPLE
Julienne Carrots
111 Orange Food Way, Blacksburg, VA 24061
(444) 444-4444; jcarro[email protected]du
EDUCATION
B.S. in Horticulture; Option in Plant Breeding & Genetics June 2016
Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR
GPA: 3.5 on a 4.0 scale; 180 Quarter Hours
Diploma, Canby High School June 2012
Canby High School, Canby, OR; GPA: 3.8 on a 4.0 scale
WORK EXPERIENCE
Horticultural Research Technician Oct. 2016 – Jan. 2018
Virginia Tech Horticulture Department, Blacksburg, VA Hours per week: 40
Supervisor: Mr. Rick Celery. (555) 555-5555 Grade Level: N/A
Permission to contact supervisor? Yes Salary: $48,000
PLANT BREEDING: Developed and executed a growing strategy for 50 species of ornamental plants under the leadership
of faculty director. On a daily basis monitored water, nutritional, and temperature needs of plants. Evaluated trials
based on form, growth patterns, and survivability of species. Submitted patents for two newly developed species of
Cotoneaster horizontalis and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Partnered with five local nurseries for plant evaluation and received
highly positive feedback.
PERSONNEL SUPERVISION: Extensive experience managing 15 undergraduate student workers and giving direction for
key tasks in the growing program. Provided performance feedback, hiring, and daily management.
