Free Federal Resume Templates (+ Writing Tips)
Writing a resume for a federal job is a precise process and we have the guide to ensure you do not miss a step! From examples and resume templates to writing tips and even our resume-writing tool, you will be ready to create your resume.
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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.
- Use our user-friendly, completely customizable Resume Builder to create a thorough federal resume or use the USAJOBS resume-writing tool.
- Check if you can submit your resume to your desired federal role through USAJOBS or if you need to email your potential employer directly.
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.
Federal resume vs private sector resume
Federal Resume | Private Sector Resume | |
Page Length | Up 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.
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.
Advantages of using My Perfect Resume
1
Stand out with My Perfect Resume’s eye-catching templates! Building an impressive resume has never been easier or faster.
2
Don’t get stuck writing about your work experience. Our Resume Builder has pre-written, industry-specific bullet points to create an impressive resume.
3
Need your resume in PDF, word, or an image file? You’re in control with multiple export and download options.
4
With resume score and resume check, we’ll rate the strength of your resume and guide you through actionable steps to create a resume that showcases your best professional self!
5
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!
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
Military.com. “General Schedule (GS) score”
Feds Hire Vets. “Veteran status and preference”
Feds Hire Vets Disability status
USAJobs https://www.usajobs.gov/
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Standard Form 50 (SF-50)
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Veteran’s Preference Documentation SF-15
U.S. Archives Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ)
Just three easy steps
- Select a template from our library of professional designs
- Build your resume with our industry-specific bullet points
- Download your resume and send!
Congratulations!
You've taken a big leap forward in your job search by choosing a resume template from MyPerfectResume.