Federal Resume Data

Government Jobs / Federal Jobs / Civil Service Jobs / Post Office Jobs

If your federal style resume doesn’t include all required information your application can be rejected. No matter how you prepare you application, you MUST include the data listed on this page and any additional information required in the Job Announcement. Much of the information repeats. For example, you have to include work experience from previous employers, company name, address, phone numbers, salary, and your supervisor’s name. Use the listed required information on this page as a guide and before you start applying for federal jobs compile this information ahead of time for future job applications. Just copy and paste from your word document into the federal resume builder on USAJobs.

Use the following information to get started applying for positions. When you apply for your first job announcement, go back into your profile when necessary to update the information for future bids.

Federal Resume Information Menu

• Federal Resume (Required Information)
• Writing Federal Style Resumes (Do-it-Yourself)
• Application Assistance
• SES & Management Positions (Resume & ECQ Services)

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.

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.

If you don’t have the time or inclination to do this on your own use a professional service to complete your SES application. 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.  A professional package can be expensive so be prepared to pay to have a professional work with you on your application.

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