Free Federal Resume Templates (+ Writing Tips)
If you need help writing a resume for a federal job, we have resources to aid you in this step-by-step guide. From examples and resume templates to writing tips and even our resume-writing tool, you will be ready to create your resume. And if you want a fast, easy and impactful federal resume, go into our Resume Builder, answer a few basic questions and let us do the heavy lifting.
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How to apply for a federal job
- Go to USAJOBS.gov to find all federal jobs open to the public. On this website you can filter your job search to suit your area of expertise and desired salary range.
- Carefully study the job description to understand the requirements and identify sections such as “How to Apply” and “How You Will be Evaluated.” These are common in federal job descriptions and can help you prepare for your federal resume and interview.
- Gather details such as: citizen status, veteran status, GS, disability, number of hours worked per job so you can easily match your resume to the specific opening.
- Build your resume on the USAJOBS resume-writing tool or use our user-friendly, completely customizable Resume Builder.
- Check if you can submit your resume to your desired federal role through USAJOBS or if you need to email your potential employer directly.
Federal resume vs private sector resume
Federal Resume | Private Sector Resume | |
Page Length | 1 to 10 pages | 1-2 pages |
Requirements | Requirements are strictly followed by recruiters. You must possess the exact level of education, skills and experience displayed on the job description to be considered for the role. | Recruiters are more lax with candidates that don’t meet all criteria. Job requirements are usually more extensive so as to have a broader applicant pool. |
Detail of Resume Sections | Be very detailed and descriptive of your qualifications and experiences such as daily tasks and duties. | Only showcase the most job-relevant qualifications and focus on your unique achievements. |
Additional Documents | You’ll need to include military service documents, school transcripts, references and their contacts on your resume. | You don’t need to add a document to your resume, except for an optional cover letter. |
- Federal Resume
- Page Length: 2-6 pages
- Requirements:
Requirements are strictly followed by recruiters. You must possess the exact level of education, skills and experience displayed on the job description to be considered for the role. - Detail of Resume Sections:
Be very detailed and descriptive of your qualifications and experiences such as daily tasks and duties. - Additional Documents:
You’ll need to include military service documents, school transcripts, references and their contacts on your resume.
- Private Sector Resume
- Page Length: 1-2 pages
- Requirements:
Recruiters are more lax with candidates that don’t meet all criteria. Job requirements are usually more extensive so as to have a broader applicant pool. - Detail of Resume Sections:
Only showcase the most job-relevant qualifications and focus on your unique achievements. - Additional Documents:
You don’t need to add a document to your resume, except for an optional cover letter.
Documents you need for your federal job application
Most federal job openings will have a section titled “Required Documents” where you include relevant documentation required by the employer. If you don’t submit them correctly, you will be immediately disqualified for the role.
Some documents federal jobs may require of you are:
- Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50)
- Veteran’s Preference Documentation (SF-15, DD-124 orCertificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- ECQs
- Academic transcripts
Do you need a cover letter to apply for a federal job?
If your job opening requires it, yes. A cover letter is a great way for you to expand upon your federal resume by adding even more detail and context to your accomplishments. The cover letter also allows you to create an “elevator pitch” of why you’re the ideal candidate to fill that position. Take advantage of our Cover Letter Builder to get a personalized full-page cover letter in record time.
Additional resources for your federal resume
- Government & Military Service in the U.S.: Plan out your career and fine tune your job search for federal or military employment with this guide.
- FBI Agent Resume Example + Salaries, Writing Tips and Information: Want to be a federal agent? Check out our writing guide and federal resume examples before applying to a job.
- Government Accountant Interview Questions & Answers: Check out these five common interview questions for government accountants and study them before your big interview.
- Government Auditor Interview Questions & Answers: Prepare for your government auditor interview with these five common questions asked by recruiters.
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Copy and paste a job description from any listing and get a job-specific resume match score. We’ll guide you through tailoring your resume for the job!
6
With Smart Apply, we’ll help you find an opportunity, customize your resume, create a matching cover letter, and download your documents. We’ll even send you to the web page where you can apply!
Now that you have picked a template, our Resume Builder is a quick and easy way to complete your resume!
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