FEDERAL RESUME - Required Information

Your resume MUST contain the following information:

JOB INFORMATION

• Announcement number, title and grade's) of the job for which you are applying.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

• Full name, mailing address (with Zip Code) and day and evening phone numbers.
• Social Security Number
• Country of citizenship (Most federal jobs require United States citizenship.)

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

If you served on active duty in the United States military and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veterans’ preference. To receive preference if your service began after October 15, 1976, you must have a Campaign Badge, Expeditionary Medal, or a service-connected disability. For further details, call  the OPM Service Centers listed in Appendix B or visit OPM’s USAJOBS internet web site at http://www.opm.gov/.

Veterans’ preference is not a factor for Senior Executive Service Jobs or when competition is limited to status candidates (current former federal career or career-conditional employees).

To claim 5-point veterans’ preference, attach a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other proof of eligibility.

To claim 10-point veterans’ preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

Visit our Veterans page for more information.

REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBILITY

(If requested, former federal employees must attach a SF-50 proof of your career or career-conditional status.)

• Highest federal civilian grade held (Also give job series and dates held.)

EDUCATION

High School

• Name, city, and State (Zip Code if known)
• Date of diploma or GED

Colleges and universities

• Name, city, and state (Zip Code if known)
• Majors
• Type and year of any degrees received (If no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours.)

Send a copy of your college transcript only if the job vacancy announcement requests it.

WORK EXPERIENCE

 Give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying. (Do not send job descriptions.)

• Job title (include series and grade if federal job)
• Duties and accomplishments
• Employer’s name and address
• Supervisor’s name and phone number
• Starting and ending dates (month and year)
• Hours per week
• Salary

Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Job-related training courses (title and year)

Job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed.

Job-related certificates and licenses (current only)

Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments; for example, publications; memberships in professional or honor societies; leadership activities; public speaking; and performance awards. (Give dates but do not send documents unless requested.)

SES & High Level Management Positions

SES positions require the applicant to address five Executive Core Qualifications ( ECQs) for all positions and most high level management applications require considerable detail. The SES and high level, GS-14 and above, management positions application and resume process can be intimidating to say the least. You have to write a professional application package and you will need to spend a considerable amount of time to package it correctly and to include all of the required information that is needed for these applications.

With a little coaching, insight, and succinct samples that are provided in The Book of U.S. Government Jobs and The The Federal Resume Guidebook, you too can get though this. SES applications can take up to a week to research, compile, and write a professional package that will get your hired and that's if you know the ins and outs of the process, MOST DON'T. Midlevel applicants can easily spend several days just compiling key information in preparation for completing their resume.

If you need assistance you can use a professional service to compile
and write your application. 

SES & High Grade Position Referral Service
(For Those Needing Personal Assistance)

If you don't have the time or inclination to do this on your own there are several reputable services that you can hire to assist you and write your package. Don't assume just because you hire a firm to prepare your package for you that it will be easy. You are the only one who knows what you accomplished and the quality of work that you performed, special projects you participated in, and so much more. You will have to work closely with the person you hire and be prepared to spend a lot of time providing key information, reviewing and approval the final package.  I can refer you to one of several firms that I know produce quality and professional packages. A professional package is expensive so be prepared to pay to have a professional work with you on your application.

You can call 412-494-6926, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5 pm EST, to discuss your needs and I will refer you to someone who can help you through this complex process or click here for a free resume quote. If you aren't inclined to pay for a professional application / resume writing service, purchase the two resources listed above. They provide all the assistance you need if you are willing to spend the time that's required to compile and write your application. Many samples and examples are included in the mentioned references to help you prepare a professional package.