Posted on Jan 23, 2016
How should I be formatting a resume/application for USAJOBS?
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I've been applying for Army civilian jobs at Fort Knox after finishing my M.A. last month. Info I've found on government websites says that a Masters can qualify you for up to a GS9 position, but I've been striking out on every application from GS11 down to GS5. "You're qualified, but not the MOST qualified" is the tagline I keep getting. Advice would be very welcome!
Employment
USAJOBS
Civilian Career
GS Civilians
Resume
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 6
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Here's the "secret sauce" that people use to be the "most" qualified. Copy the job description, paste it on your resume, make it the smallest font you can .01 or smaller and make the font white (so it isn't visible). That way your resume will bypass the automated job matching software they use.
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SSG (Join to see)
PO2 (Join to see) - Are you saying I should copy the entire page of the job posting? Or just a specific section / sections?
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PO2 (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - just copy the job posting, so you have all the key words and any descriptors that an automated system would filter on. And, as TSgt Andrew Edtl stated many places only use "hand screening" for certain positions but many areas still have automated systems in place. Good luck!
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PO2 (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) - For instance, you would copy everything below, if this was the posting you were applying for:
/Education/ Master’s Degree in accounting or finance or CPA or equivalent combination of related education and experience required.
/Experience/ Minimum of ten (10) years progressive related operating experience in accounting required, including management experience plus seven (7) years staff management experience. Experience in telecommunication or manufacturing environment preferred.
/Education/ Master’s Degree in accounting or finance or CPA or equivalent combination of related education and experience required.
/Experience/ Minimum of ten (10) years progressive related operating experience in accounting required, including management experience plus seven (7) years staff management experience. Experience in telecommunication or manufacturing environment preferred.
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SSG (Join to see) I am in the same boat, I know Kathy Troutman is the expert for USAJobs. http://www.resume-place.com/about/our-story/kathryn-troutman/
Kathryn Troutman - The Resume Place
Kathryn Kraemer Troutman is the founder and president of The Resume Place, Inc., a service business located in Baltimore, MD, specializing in writing and designing professional federal and private-sector resumes, as well as coaching and education in the federal hiring process. For the past 30 years, Troutman has managed her Professional Writing and Consulting Practice, Publishing and Federal Career Training business, and with her team of 20...
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In other words, you don't know the right people.
Networking is the key to many federal jobs.
Networking is the key to many federal jobs.
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