Does anyone have a federal resume I can look at in order to start mine?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:39:41 -0400

Response by SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. made Sep 19 at 2016 2:42 PM

SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 14:42:12 -0400

I have one and so does my wife. For reference, she is a GS-13 who has hired right after retirement and she separated as an O-3. No inside connections or anything of that nature, true competitive hire.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 19 at 2016 3:17 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 15:17:34 -0400

Advise caution as the resume you put in USAJobs, then linked to specific announcements, gets screened by a computer first (RESUMIX) before human eyes see it. So just because you have a sample of one that worked, it's likely useless for most any other graded series. I advise taking a look at the series you qualify for, the announcements that call for that series, and then make sure your resume is responsive to the announcements. RESUMIX looks for keywords. If enough hits, the HR specialist does their thing (credentials, area of consideration, etc.), but isn't an expert on the position. The Hiring Manager is the first one that sees it who'd have a full clue. Also take note that writing skills are a must in this competitive world.

BTW congrats to SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. 's wife. Right skillset at the right time and place.

Response by SSgt Dwight Deatherage made Sep 20 at 2016 10:06 AM

SSgt Dwight Deatherage — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 10:06:49 -0400

As a long time Federal employee in the senior GS ranks, let me share a little inside I have gotten.

First read all of the job qualifications - do you meet them? Almost probably won't get you and interview.

Are you a college graduate? This moves you automatically ahead of the cut off line.

You don't need a book on the resume. Copy and paste the announcement on a separate sheet. Write something about every line. Unless this is a computer or engineering job, don't expect to get selected to a high grade. Intern programs are OK, as you will finish at a journeyman level in 2-3 years.

The are some excellent sources out there for help. I recommend books by Kateryn Troutman. You can link thru Government Executive (.com) to her offerings. I used her a couple of times, and have had good success.

Let someone proof read your resume. Good grammar and correct spelling goes a long way.

GOOD LUCK!

Response by Sgt Steve Hayleck made Sep 20 at 2016 10:26 AM

Sgt Steve Hayleck — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 10:26:27 -0400

See if you can sit in on an Employment Workshop that is part of the Transition Assistance Program. I taught these for two years and it focuses heavily on resumes and federal resumes. Many bases also offer a federal employment workshop.

Response by CPL Thomas Marcum made Sep 20 at 2016 11:55 AM

CPL Thomas Marcum — Tue, 20 Sep 2016 11:55:05 -0400

If you create an account on usajobs.gov you can use their resume' builder. It has the layout and format that they are looking for.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Sep 21 at 2016 12:00 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 12:00:22 -0400

Yes, but it is carved in stone. Paper wasn't invented at that time.

Response by CPL Deanna Green (Parkinson) made Sep 21 at 2016 3:37 PM

CPL Deanna Green (Parkinson) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 15:37:45 -0400

Make sure you use a good key word search as all of the online programs are using them. Jobscan.com and onetonline.org will give you massive amounts of help! On onet, you can copy/past/modify your bullet points. I currently keep copies of all of my resumes (you have to tailor them to all of the jobs you apply for). No longer does one size fit all (dammit...) Once you have a good base resume, it only takes a second to modify one and send it off! Good luck!

Response by SSG Mark Franzen made Sep 26 at 2016 1:31 PM

SSG Mark Franzen — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 13:31:30 -0400

Look on line they have a lot of samples it was very helpful it helped me get a job at Boeing and also Lockheed Martin.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Sep 26 at 2016 1:46 PM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Mon, 26 Sep 2016 13:46:31 -0400

SFC, Hello I started building my resume when I was at the end of the my ARMY career in 2008 and still making changes to it now. I worked for the DOD for 6 years and have had a great group of LEADERS take a look at my resume, I want to tell you just because people have degrees don't mean they will get a job, they must have the Job tools. Cover Letter is Big thing as well today. If you are getting VA rating your VA letter and % VOEA will help as well. MY resume is posted on my RP website, if not I will email it to you, I was hurting when I retired from the Army brother. NO one helped me I was on my own , my schools and Security background/S2 and training is what got me to where I am today., I will help you, what do you have so far? 13Z Stephens