Top Government Resume Examples
- 30% higher chance of getting a job‡
- 42% higher response rate from recruiters‡
Our customers have been hired at:*Foot Note
Dedicating your career to public services requires commitment, attention to detail and creative solutions. You have spent years honing your craft and expertise to build a resume that highlights your interpersonal skills and industry expertise.
We’ll help you build the perfect government resume or CV and create an effective cover letter to match it. Find inspiration in our resume examples, CV examples and cover letter examples to get started.
Resume examples for top government jobs
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Government resume FAQ
What are some common skills required for government jobs?
A successful career in public service requires a combination of soft and hard skills. For example:
- Administration
- Digital literacy
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Policy analysis
- Customer service
- Relationship building
- Technical expertise in your field
If you are transitioning from a government to private-sector role for tips on adapting your resume, optimizing your job search, and preparing for your interview.
What’s the ideal format for a government resume?
The ideal resume format varies according to your years of experience.
- The functional resume format is ideal for those starting their careers or candidates changing industries, as it focuses on your skills.
- The combination resume format is great for candidates with a few years of experience. This format balances both skills and experience.
- The chronological resume format is the perfect choice for candidates with a decade or more of experience. It highlights their vast experience.
- The federal resume format is different from a regular resume. If you’re applying to a federal government job, ensure you’re using the correct format.
Find a polished, professional resume template, and pay close attention to your grammar, action verbs and keywords to create your perfect resume.
If you’re starting a career in government from the military, check out our Military to Civilian Resume Guide for all the essential resources to create an effective resume.
What qualifications and certifications do employers look for in this industry?
Qualifications vary according to agency and position. For the most part, a bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement to start a career in government. However, if you’re seeking a managerial position, higher education could be required. Verify with the job listing to ensure you fulfill the requirements.
Certifications can add value to your resume. Pursue one in your field of interest. For example, to work in the federal government you could pursue a Contracting (FAC-C), Program and Project Managers (FAC-P/PM). These certifications work at a state and municipal level: Six Sigma Certification in Government, Certified Public Manager (CPM) and Newly Elected Officials Course, among others.
How we reviewed this article
Since 2013, we have helped more than 15 million job seekers. We want to make your career journey accessible and manageable through our services and Career Center’s how-to guides and tips. In our commitment to bring you a transparent process, we present our Editorial Process.
Sources
O*Net Online “Government & Public Administration”
Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) Certification and Career Development Programs
Six Sigma “Six Sigma Certification in Government”
U.S. Office of Personnel Management “Policy, Data, Oversight Fact Sheets”
Federal Pay “Lowest Paid 100 Federal Occupations in 2022”
CPM Consortium “ What is a Certified Public Manager”
Local Government Academy “Newly Elected Officials Course”
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Government Resume Example
Kellie is a Certified Professional Resume Writer with extensive experience in digital media. She is passionate about helping job seekers navigate their careers. She earned a B.A. in English and writing from Temple University.
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