• USAJOBS Resume Builder
  • Federal Resume Guide
  • UsaJobs Tips

Last Updated on 02/08/2024

Before you start creating a brand new resume to apply for a federal government position, you need to choose the way to build it. You can either make use of the USAJOBS resume builder or upload your own resume. The former has a number of advantages over the latter.

First of all, by using the USAJOBS resume builder, you will create a document in a standard federal resume format. It will make searching and evaluating your resume easier for federal human resources specialists.

Second, the USAJOBS resume builder allows you to duplicate your resume, which is very helpful when you need to upgrade the document or tailor it to a specific position. Offering you to use its federal resume builder, USAJOBS provide you with a professional resume writing instrument, which is worth trying out.

Table of Contents

  • 1.1 1. Searching for Jobs
  • 1.2 2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Specific Position
  • 1.3 3. Do Not Leave Blank Fields
  • 1.4 4. Proofread
  • 1.5 5. Keyword Research
  • 1.6 6. Consider Your Audience
  • 2.1 Step-by-Step Guide on USAJOBS Resume Builder
  • 2.2 Should I Use USAJOBS Resume Builder or Upload My File?
  • 3 Wrapping It Up

USAJOBS Resume Builder Tips

For your resume to be searchable and efficient, take your time to learn the subtleties of the federal resume builder USAJOBS has created. We have come up with the top 4 tips that will help you avoid the common mistakes that often prevent the candidates from being recognized as qualified for the job.

1. Searching for Jobs

The USAJOBS search engine can be tough. To speed up your job searching process, use OPM Job Series. It’s one of the effective methods to find the right job in your field.

Read the announcement carefully! Before appl ying for a position, go to the Qualifications section in the vacancy announcement and preview the vacancy announcement questions.

Let’s compare a basic Qualifications list for a Marketing Assistance position : 

And more detailed Qualifications list for a Strategic Marketing Analyst position : 

As we can see, Qualifications requirements may vary depending on GS position, education, expert level skills or other specific knowledge relevant to a job announcement. So make sure to select a corresponding answer to each question prior to appl ying for a job posting. 

2. Tailor Your Resume for Each Specific Position

This is indeed a tedious task but it is totally worth the effort. USAJOBS allows the employee to have 5 resumes created and uploaded via the USAJOBS resume builder.

Tailoring your resume for each specific federal job announcement can be the key to your success.

Although having similar titles, the different job announcement will be using different keywords to describe their requirements for the candidate. Keep your resume brief, describe your work experience and education relevant to the position you apply for.

The advantage of the resume builder is that you get a consistent federal cv, which can be found by a recruiter using a keyword search. Building a resume that is perfectly in tune with the specific announcement will help your application score more points in the competition.

Information for Veterans: The Saved Documents section on USAJOBS allows to save up to 10 supporting eligibility documents as recommendation letters, cover letters or performance reports.

3. Do Not Leave Blank Fields

It is true that a resume should normally be kept brief but with the federal government resumes, it is all about the perfect balance between being concise and being informative. The technical trick about the USAJOBS resume builder tool is to use all the fields it provides.

4. Proofread

Believe it or not but such an obvious step in the resume writing process is often neglected by the applicants. Typographical errors, not to speak of grammatical and spelling mistakes, will seriously impair the impressions of the federal HR specialist even about a seemingly perfect resume.

As a practice task, you can take any USAJOBS resume builder sample and evaluate it in terms of the points described above. This will train you to be more critical and attentive when you start building your own federal resume.

5. Keyword Research

Don’t forget that there is no automated sorting out of resumes — your qualifications will be checked and analyzed by real people. Given that they read through dozens of submissions, your task is to boost your application’s informational strength. Highlight crucial keywords — place yourself in the potential reader’s shoes.

Make your USAJOBS resume format clear and precise. Although it contains long paragraphs describing your skills or job-related accomplishments, add proper keywords to fit into the target position’s frames.

The keyword research as a process should fail into these two categories:

  • General — “teamwork”, “communication”, and something like “leadership” commonly have a universal appeal in making your resume get noticed among other applications. Still, it is better to see what requirements your position stays on to avoid overly general terms.
  • Specific — nonetheless, industry-specific keywords will help you nail it and showcase your professionalism and expertise in the target field. When applying for a government position, enrich your resume with the right content in headers, work experience, skills, and accomplishments sections. You don’t have to allocate them evenly throughout the text — the beginning of paragraphs or resume’s new sections are quite good for the task.

6. Consider Your Audience

When working on your federal resume’s content, conduct a thorough research about the hiring agency and its standards. You can focus on the most widespread expectations and format preferences in your field and adhere to them. Following a typical resume structure and using USAJOBS resume builder without much creative customization will help you stay on the safe side.

Consider your industry of expertise. Attorneys, budget analysts, human resources specialists, and civil engineers as a few examples of federal government jobs will have their distinctive storyline formats.

How to Create a Resume with USAJOBS Resume Builder

If you do not know what to start with, read through the instructions on How To Create and Develop USAJOBS Profile . We provide all the necessary basic technicalities of the resume building process. If you have a vague idea about what to write in each section, we highly recommend examining at least one USAJOBS resume builder example to see how a well-built final document should look like. Do not forget that all the information you put in your resume should not only be up-to-date and 100% correct but also demonstrating the level of your qualification for the job to the full extent.

If you want to get the best federal employee compensation package with benefits like taking part in the FSAFEDS or long-term care and health insurance, it is crucial to raise your resume’s potential. The easiest way is to include all the crucial details in the document and choose a template that caters to the interests of several agencies in the market. That’s why using the services of the official employment website of the federal government is such a lucrative opportunity.

Step-by-Step Guide on USAJOBS Resume Builder

Let’s check the step-by-step guide on your course of action on the USAJOBS:

  • Sign in or sign up. Provide your valid email address and select your language preference. You can choose from English, Spanish, and French newsletters.
  • Acknowledge the platform’s terms and conditions to complete the registration.
  • Check your mailbox for a confirmation letter from USAJOBS.

Once the registration is completed, confirm your account. The system will let you select the desired authentication method: security key, backup codes, voice or text message, authentication app, face or touch unlock.

Don’t leave blank fields — it will simplify your interaction with the platform. You can add hiring paths, citizenship, languages, experiences, and further details. The system lets you save up to five resumes and up to ten documents of other types (DD214, for instance).

  • Open the Documents tab to be able to upload a finished and polished resume to start your job search. If not ready yet, create a custom version matching the target position’s requirements.
  • Fill in the fields. Click “Add Work Experience”, “Add Education”, and “Add Reference”, enter the data, and hit the “Save” button for each section. For more detailed descriptions of your skills, you will have a field with 5000 characters available.
  • To move your ready paragraphs and adjust the storyline’s order, use the web’s arrows.
  • Click “Add” to provide other pieces of information, including your academic accomplishments or training. Although you have to be open about your experiences, there is a list of exceptions of what data is insufficient for a federal resume on the website: – in-depth personal information, including your religious preferences, sexual orientation, etc.; – personal photos (another difference between federal resumes versus private ones); – Social Security Number; – government and classified sensitive data (only approved files of general use). If your GPA is below 3.5, it isn’t a compulsory detail to include in your resume. Besides, make sure you double-check the qualification of educational establishments on your list — OES and NCOES military schools won’t be considered as high education institutions to apply for a federal position.
  • Review the provided data and proofread the document. Once you submit the application, no further changes will be possible.
  • Hit the “Finish” button to complete your resume for USAJOBS.gov.

Should I Use USAJOBS Resume Builder or Upload My File?

Both options can help you deliver top-notch resumes and prove your worth as a federal worker. Still, creating such a document from scratch requires certain skills and experiences. If it is your first time, there is nothing wrong with relying on ready-made templates from USAJOBS resume builder.

“Should I use USAJOBS resume builder?” is one of the most typical concerns of novice applicants. The key advantage of taking the most out of the website’s functions is that you minimize prospective risks.

Wrapping It Up

By taking a closer look at USAJOBS resume builder examples, it is easier to understand what format to pursue to get the best results. Follow the tips and suggestions from this guide to ensure your value as an ideal applicant in the eyes of the target hiring agency in the federal market. Make sure to customize your resume for every position with proper keywords, job-related training, and other facts that match up to its requirements. Good luck in finding the job of your dreams!

Still unsure about how to make federal resume? Read our USAJOBS Tips articles:

How long does USAJOBS take to review applications

How to delete USAJOBS account

How to fill out USAJOBS questionnaire

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USAJobs Resume Builder Preparation The Ultimate Guide

federal Resume Guide Animation

Section 1: Create a USAJobs.gov Account and Profile

Getting started.

Let's create an account on usajobs.gov and sign in.

You will need to create a login.gov account to sign into USAJobs.gov. It’s pretty simple, but you need a very strong password, so have one ready.

Set Your Credentials

Step 1: Enter your email address .

Tooltip: Don't use an unprofessional address, (like [email protected] ). If necessary, create a specific usajobs email address. Keep out span by only using it for employment purposes. ( [email protected] for example)

Step 2: You must Confirm your email address to proceed.

Step 3: Select a primary authentication method .

Tooltip: Some of these security options may be new to you. You may learn about Authentication Applications here . If you have a security key, it must support the FIDO standard. These methods are the most secure. Using any method you prefer will be acceptable.

Example: If you chose to authenticate by phone, enter a phone number . You will receive a one-time security code via text.

Step 5: Déjà vu? Go ahead and choose a backup method .

You've Created an Account with Login.gov!

Write down the email and password you used to create this account. You don't want to forget your user ID or password. You may now Sign in to usajobs.gov . It might take 5 tries and 3 password resets, so be patient!

Create Your Profile:

Important: USAJobs.gov may sign you out before you can save anything. It may be best to prepare in a Word document and paste onto the form. You don't want your session to expire before you save.

Click on “Guest” and it takes you to the Legal Name field. Use the name you would like hiring officials to see.

Remember if you use nicknames, they will be visible to others. I prefer full first name (formal) middle name, full last name.

Enter your full address . Use official abbreviation of street codes (ST, AV, DR). Enter the Zip code, city and state (state from drop down).

You may enter up to 2 phone numbers.

Be sure to enter your cell phone number if you have one. Hiring officials don't want to speak to a family member. Cell phones eliminate the problem.

Click on “Save Contact Information” to go to the next step.

Citizenship

Answer the citizenship question.

Click “Registered” or the correct exempt choice. Since January 1, 1960, many register for selective service in 11th grade.

Click “Save Citizenship” to continue.

Hiring paths

This information narrows down job searches that apply to you. Click on all that pertain to you.

IMPORTANT: Veterans receive 5 to 10 extra eligibility rating points. This will help you be placed at the top of the list. Include your DD-214 with your application package.

List your federal, military, and professional experience here. Make your profile searchable. Agencies can find you based on your experience.

Do you have Federal experience? Enter the type and Series and the highest grade achieved . Then enter the pay scale and your federal occupation (title).

Create a Biography by listing the federal jobs you had.

Federal Service: US Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau. 1998-2000 ACE Team Supervisor, Philadelphia 2005-2008 Field Representative/Senior Field Representative Los Angeles Regional Office 2008-2011 Regional Technician/Area Manager Census 2000, Los Angeles Regional Census Center 2014-2015 Government Contractor/Sabre Systems/Technical Writer

You don’t need to go into detail at this time. When you enter work experience, you have space to enter duties, skills, etc.

At this point they signed me out. I had to sign in again and re-enter the Biography. Good thing I saved it!

Military Service – Have you served in the US Military? Claim Veteran's Preference. This is very important. Veterans receive 5 to 10 extra points on your eligibility rating.

Veterans may be placed at the top of the list. Be sure to include your DD-214 with your application package. Aslo, Have your D-214 ready to answer the questions in this section. Skip to Demographics – Answer or decline by clicking the first box.

Section 2: Build Your USAJobs.gov Federal Job Search

Here is what you do to find a list of federal government jobs:.

Tooltip: Use your USA Jobs login or create your usajobs.gov account if you'd like to save your job search later! For step-by-step guidance, see the "Create Your USAJobs.gov Account and profile" section above.

Before you start looking at USAJobs resume examples, let's find your first list of government jobs. You will use www.usajobs.gov for your Federal government job search.

USAJobs.gov provides a complete list of Federal Government Jobs (Vacancies). We recommend this resource for finding a federal job.

Build Your First Federal Job Search

  • Go to www.usajobs.gov on your desktop
  • If you do not see a search bar, click the "Search" icon (top right)
  • Enter a Location
  • Click the blue "search" button next to the search bar to submit

How to Search for Federal Government Jobs

You've completed your first Federal Job Search. Great job!

Look through your search results. You will see Vacancies available in the location you entered. Many of these vacancies may be outside of your career path.

Next, let's filter out the jobs you don't fit.

How to Filter Your Federal Job Search:

Filter by location.

First, let's set how far we are willing to travel within this location. The default is 25 miles.

When I used the 25 mile radius, it returned 44 Results. When I expanded to a 60 mile radius, I had 579 results! That's a huge difference.

Setting A Travel Radius

Tooltip: You can enter multiple locations and click search again. This is helpful if there are multiple places you are willing to work.

  • Click “More Filters" .
  • Use the slider to set the distance you are willing to travel .

How to filter by travel radius

The "More Filters" section

Look under “More Filters”. You will also find limits like Work Schedule, Appointment Type, and more. I do not find these filters necessary.

Additional Resources: Here is the Official Documentation for filtering results by: Location , Work Schedule , Appointment type , Security Clearance , and Travel Percentage .

How to Use "Top Filters" to gain an edge:

Tooltip: Current/former Federal Employee can leave filters unchecked. This will maximize your result options.

Top filters give you access to vacancies exclusive to certain groups. These vacancies may have less competition.

I only use these filters to add vacancies to your list of results. Try not to limit yourself to only one filter.

  • Click "Top Filters"
  • Click "Open to the Public"
  • Click each additional filter for which you are eligible.

How to Choose Top Filters

Filtering by Pay

Before you filter by pay, remember that what's important is getting in.

Changing Jobs within the Federal Government is Easy.

Have you served 90+ days after competitive appointment as a Federal employee? You may typically apply to ANY "status" position.

That means you get more opportunities with much less competition, so you can move up or move around very quickly. I recommend non-federal employees apply to EVERY relevant job. If qualified, just get in somewhere and figure it out from inside.

Use Pay Filters to Match Your Work Experience

If you have no Federal Experience:

Tooltip: Want to find the positions for which you most likely to be qualify? Start with the highest salary you've earned. Subtract 10-15k for your minimum salary. Add 10-15k for your maximum salary.

  • Scroll down to "Pay"
  • Click the radio button next to "Salary"
  • Click the $ amount next to "Min" to type a minimum salary
  • Submit using the "Enter" key
  • Click the $ amount next to "Max" to type a maximum salary

How to filter by salary

If you have Federal Experience:

Tooltip: Even Federal employees should apply to every grade level. Look at the the 2021 Pay Schedule . A step-10 for one grade level may pay more than the step-1 of a higher grade level!

  • Click "grade"
  • Click to add each grade level for which you qualify

How to filter by grade level

How to Filter Jobs by Keywords

Non-veterans.

Non-veterans might have a better chance using "Direct Hire" as a keyword. These jobs are critical to fill.

Many direct-hire jobs do not offer Veterans preference. This may level the playing field for you.

Student or Recent Graduate

You might have a better chance if you use "Pathways" as a keyword. These vacancies may value education over experience. Pathways are often excellent entry level government jobs.

  • Under “Keywords” in the search bar, enter your interests .
  • Click Search

Add Keyword Filters

Example: Do you want to work for a specific agency? If you like the Census Bureau, enter "Census Bureau". If you have IT experience, enter "IT Experience". I entered “Manager” and it returned 124 jobs. I would look at each one to see if I qualify.

Nice work! Now you have a well filtered job search.

Look at the job titles and save all that match your qualifications.

Is this your first time working for the government? Pay particular attention to any "assistant" position. These jobs are usually entry level. Many do not even require a degree or experience in that field. Be sure to save every job that has "Assistant" in the title. You face less cometition moving up to a higher grade level from inside.

Saving Searches

How to create a saved search.

Tooltip: To create "Saved Searches", You'll need to Create an account first and log in.

With saved searches, any time new jobs become available, you will receive an email. This ensures you are always up-to-date on new opportunities.

  • Click on the “save search bookmark.”
  • Name the search (Keyword and Date)
  • Select how frequently you want to be notified
  • Select how the jobs should be sorted (I like to sort by job title)

Final Thoughts on Job Searches

You can create up to 10 Saved Searches. They will appear on your usajobs.gov dashboard.

Once you have saved the jobs to your dashboard, you can determine which ones fit you. You are allowed to save up to 25 job vacancies. Don’t forget to delete the one’s you don’t want.

Section 3: Understand Your Vacancy

Tooltip: Read "Build Your Federal Job Search" to select a vacancy.

Why is the vacancy important?

Ready to learn the secret that every USAJobs Resume Builder tutorial leaves out? The Vacancy Announcement has what you need to customize your resume. The trick is to understand what they want, give it to them, and back it up.

Where to Start

Use the job search tool on www.usajobs.gov to find your vacancy announcements. Simply cut and paste, and edit every part that applies. This will satisfy the job requirements to get through the initial screening.

Open a vacancy announcement on the www.usajobs.gov website. You'll find a lot of information you need to review. This is how to find out about the job that is being offered.

How do I use the Vacancy?

First, you translate a vacancy announcement into understandable terms. This helps you decide if you are even qualified for the job. Then, later, you can review for additional information about the job.

How do I read the vacancy?

Government terminology can be complicated and hard to understand. They also use acronyms that may not be familiar to you.

There is a secret to understanding government Human Resource Specialists. Break every sentence down comma to comma . The sentences can be long and complicated. They take 30 extra words to make a point.

Look specifically for what you need be qualified for the job .

Finding The Qualifications

Start out by looking for 4 main headings :

  • Proficiency Requirement
  • Qualifying Experience
  • Specialized Experience
  • KSA's (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Look for these headings in the announcement. You need to determine if you have that experience and meet those requirements . Often, this information is listed by Grade Level.

Here are the salary equivalents for each grade level .

Let's review the qualifications and evaluations of a vacancy. I am going to highlight the specific qualifications needed for the job. I have added notes next to any that need "translation".

Follow an Example Vacancy

Qualifications required:.

GS-5: You qualify at the GS-5 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to perform successfully the duties of the position.

  • Entering information into a computer system ;
  • Answering routine questions from other employees ;
  • Distributing information to appropriate personnel .

GS-6: You qualify at the GS-6 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience , equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills needed to perform successfully the duties of the position.

  • Assisting analysts with interpreting and analyzing data . (Helping a supervisor compare information with expected results.)
  • Assisting in the performance of ongoing reviews of documentation and verification of status . (Helping a Supervisor make sure documents are complete and accurate.)
  • Assisting in the development of methodologies and plans for system utilization activities . (Helping plan and use tools and manuals to achieve results.)
  • Assisting in compilation of statistical information from automated resources to be used in past, current and future evaluations of data quality . (Helping a Supervisor use programs like Excel to compare information.)

GS-7: You qualify at the GS-7 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience, equivalent to at least the GS-6 grade level in the Federal government, which has equipped you with the skills necessary to perform successfully the duties of the position.

  • Interpreting and analyzing data. (Comparing incoming information against what is expected)
  • Performing on-going reviews of documentation and verification of status . (Reading documents and making sure they are complete and accurate)
  • Developing methodologies and plans for system utilization activities with analysts . (Helping to plan and use tools and manuals to achieve results.)
  • Compiling statistical information from automated resources to be used in past, current and future evaluations of data quality . (Using Microsoft Excel or other programs. Comparing information so that others can decide if the quality of the data meets the requirements.)

EDUCATIONAL SUBSTITUTION:

GS-5: You may substitute 4 years of education above high school for the experience required at the GS-5 level. This education must have been obtained in an accredited business, secretarial or technical school, junior college, college or university.

One year of full-time academic study is defined as 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or the equivalent in a college or university, or at least 20 hours of classroom instruction per week for approximately 36 weeks in a business, secretarial, or technical school.

Appropriate combinations of successfully completed post-high school education and experience also may be used to meet the total qualification requirements for the GS-5 grade level.

All requirements for this position must be met by 11:59pm (Eastern Time) on the closing date of this announcement (Wednesday, June 01, 2015).

You qualify for this position at the Grade 5 level if you have a Bachelors degree. You may also combine education and experience to meet the requirements.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Your application packet.

You will be evaluated for this position based on your resume. Your resume must support your responses. This includes job specific assessment questions. Include level of education claimed, experience, and training.

To be considered for this position, be sure your resume is compliant. Your resume must be submitted as part of your on-line application.

You must completing the online assessment questions. You must also upload your resume with any required supporting documents.

How to know if you are qualified

Review the "Finding the Qualifications" Section. Highlight the qualifications required to apply for the position. Next, you can decide if you have those qualifications.

Look at the highlighted items , one by one, and ask yourself, "have I done this?" .

Do you meet all qualifications under one grade level? This qualifies you at the next higher grade level. Can you answer yes to each of the requirements for Grade 4? You are qualified for Grade 5. Can you answer yes to each of the requirements for Grade 5? You are qualified for Grade 7, etc.

Pay attention to the closing date! At 11:59 PM (Midnight) Eastern Time (9PM Pacific Time) the job will close. After this, your application package will not be accepted. In fact, the job will no longer appear on the screen.

If you are qualified for the position, you will click on "Save Job." Once the job is saved, you can go back to your USAJobs.gov account page. Click on "Saved Jobs" when you are ready to apply for the job.

Section 4: USAJobs Resume Builder process

Federal resume guide.

IMPORTANT: Your resume must make it through the federal screening process. Do not apply to Federal Jobs with a non-compliant resume.

What is a Basic Federal Resume?

Your basic resume is a starting point. You will use it as a foundation for all of your job applications. Remember, only qualified applications will pass the screening. You may use the USAJobs resume builder or upload a customized resume in the official USA Jobs resume format.

You can use the USAJobs Resume Builder to apply for a federal job. To build the basic resume yourself, continue below.

If you prefer, you can Hire a USAJobs Resume Writer [$399] from our team. Just click the button that says "Write My Resume".

As a shameless plug, our customized resumes are compliant with all Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Standards. They are provided in the official USAJobs resume builder format ready to be uploaded. The service include the necessary USA Jobs resume keywords and phrases specific to your vacancy. Targeting your experience to the specific vacancy gives you a huge edge and allows us to confidently offer our 100% money-back guarantee .

Thank you for your interest and patience.

Get started with the USAJobs Resume Builder

Tooltip: If at any time you have questions, email me at [email protected] . I will be happy to try to clarify.

Go directly to Documents and click on “Upload or Build Resume” . Select “Build Resume.” Your profile information should carry over.

Experience does not carry over. There is no need to enter experience twice. Enter it only in the USAJobs Resume Builder. Do you already have a private sector resume? Keep both windows open so you can copy and paste.

Name and date the resume. Example: Basic Resume 8/2018

Work Experience

This is one of the most critical sections in your resume.

You will customize this section for each application. You may enter work experience 3 different ways.

1. Did you have only one position in a company ? Enter the company name and the position you held, most recent first.

2. Did you have several positions in the company ? Enter the company name once. Enter the dates employment began and ended . List each position in reverse chronological order (most recent first).

Include the dates you held each job within the narrative. This gives the hiring official the details of your term with the employer. It also lets them know that you were promoted.

3. Did you do freelance, consulting or volunteer work? Did you have gaps in your employment? You will enter it differently. In the "Company" field, enter the type of work you did.

(example: Administrative Consultant, Volunteer Work, Set Designer) .

In the field for "position", enter the company you worked for and the dates . These dates do not have to be chronological. Perhaps you had several consulting jobs at the same time.

Here is an example of the how to enter three different types of work history into the USAJobs Resume Builder:

Adelphia Cable Positions Held: Title: Metro Area Sales Manager From: 08/2000 To: 03/2002 Salary: $90,000/year Supervisor: Phone Number

Work History Example 2:

US Census Bureau Positions Held: Title: Area Manager Then, in the narrative, enter: Title: Area Manager From: 09/09 To: Present Salary: $65,000/year Title: Regional Technician From: 03/08 To: 09/09 Salary: Grade 12 Title: Senior Field Representative From: 02/2006 To: 03/2008 Salary: Grade 6 Title: Field Representative From: 01/2005 To: 02/2006 Salary: Grade 5 Title: Team Supervisor From: 10/1998 To: 05/2000 Salary: Grade 12 Supervisor: Assistant Regional Census Manager Phone Number

Work History Example 3:

Self-Employed Positions Held: Title: Truly Unique Web Administrative Consultant From: 3/2002 To: 3/2004 Salary: Volunteer Title: Benefits Plus Administrative Consultant From: 03/2002 To: 03/2006 Salary: Commission Title: Say Cheese Photography Administrative Consultant From: 03/2004 To: 03/2006 Salary: Commission Supervisor: Phone Number

Things To Keep in Mind

Have the addresses of your employers ready to enter . Did you work from more than one place? Enter the mailing address of the company , or the most recent address.

if you are still employed select “present” as the end date for that company.

When you enter the salary information, use "$" and commas . Enter the annual rate if possible (ex: $40,000/year – do not abbreviate.)

Duties, accomplishments, and related skills

Important: You will need to customize this section. This targets your experienc to each vacancy announcement you select.

At this time you can briefly enter duties, accomplishments, and related skills . You will add to this section later to customize it. Don't write a book .

You may enter your highest salary here. Label it as yearly, monthly, or hourly under salary rate. This tells hiring managers the grade level for which you will qualify.

Average hours per week

Enter your average weekly hours worked.

May we contact your supervisor

If at all possible, answer yes . You will be prompted to enter the supervisor name and phone # .

Is this a federal Civilian position

If you have not worked fro the government, enter no . Otherwise, enter yes. Select the Department & Agency, Series, Pay Scale and Grade Level . Also, you can select the Employment Type .

Save your work experience!

Then click on “Add work experience” to add the next job you held . Continue until you have listed your work history to the year 2000. Enter jobs in reverse chronological order. Include all military experience, even prior to year 2000.

Educational History

It is usually optional to enter your education. Check if the vacancy requires a specific educational level. Enter your degrees , most recent first.

Example: Doctorate; Masters; Bachelors; Associates; High School. Enter certifications, licenses, additional coursework. Click on “Save Education" for additional fields.

You will be asked to list name, phone number, Email. Select a reference type (professional or personal). Include the employer and the title of the reference.

Job Related Training

List the titles and completion dates of training courses you have attended. List certificates you have earned.

If you are bilingual , answer these questions . It is always helpful to speak more than one language. It is a requirement for some jobs.

Organizations and Affiliations

List any professional organizations to which you belong.

Professional Publications

Enter any professional publications in the space provided.

Additional Information

This section of the USAJobs Resume Builder will be customized for each job application. This is where you will add:

Specialized Experience required in the job announcement.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities required in the job announcement.

Any continuation of work experience.

Anything else you haven’t entered but want them to see.

Congratulations! You have a basic federal resume.

At this point you are ready to start looking for a government job!

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

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How to complete any task on USAJOBS, step by step.

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  • Federal Resumes Guide for USAJobs

Table of Contents

Introduction

USAJOBS.gov

Writing Strategies

Federal Resume Sample

Introduction to federal resumes.

Searching for a federal job can be a daunting task. The stringent guidelines for both the application process and the formatting of required materials, including the federal resume, can seem overwhelming to first-time applicants and seasoned professionals.

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the key steps in the application process, including successfully navigating USAJOBS (the official job-search website of the US government), targeting vacancy postings, and crafting an effective resume that highlights your career accomplishments while aligning with federal resume-writing best practices.

How a Federal Resume Differs From a Private Industry Resume

The main differences between a federal resume and a private sector resume are the length of the resume and the detail involved. While a typical resume should be no more than two pages in length, a federal resume can extend to five pages or more. In addition, federal resumes require more details in regards to references, availability, and expanded job descriptions and accomplishments. Also, readers of your federal resume will be expecting certain stylistic attributes and exact phrasing that mirrors the language of vacancy postings on USAJOBS.gov.

Grade Levels: General Schedule (GS) & Senior Executive Service (SES)

In the federal job arena, there is a highly specific and expected career progression and salary roadmap referred to as the GS pay scale, ranging from GS-1 through GS-15. Applicants are required to meet clearly defined expectations for jobs at each level, and each progressive step includes a raise in salary:

  • GS-1 through GS-7: Entry-level positions – If you have recently entered the workforce and have at least a high school diploma and a few months of work experience, you qualify for positions up to GS-2. If you have more than a few months of general experience, you qualify for GS-3 and GS-4 levels. Following this (GS-5 and above), positions require at least 1 year of specialized experience to be considered. Graduates within a specific career field are eligible for GS-5 jobs and qualify for GS-7 if they attained certain grades, test scores, or other criteria while in college.
  • GS-8 through GS-12: Mid-level positions –  Jobs within this range typically require master’s degrees or a doctorate for GS-11 grades and beyond. In lieu of a degree, acceptable candidates can qualify with at least 12 months of experience at an equivalent grade level.
  • GS-13 through GS-15: Senior managers, high-level technical specialists, physicians –  Positions in this range are typically reserved for top professionals holding advanced degrees. Candidates must be able to demonstrate relevant job experience. At levels 14 and 15, the candidate is eligible to apply for a Senior Executive Service (SES) job.

SES & Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

SES roles represent executive-level positions across management and policy. These roles are classified above GS-15 in most Executive Branch agencies of the US government. These also represent the highest-level positions below presidential appointments. To qualify for an SES position, one must demonstrate alignment with five ECQs and their key components:

Federal Resumes - ECQ Table

As you’ll see, the questionnaire asks about certain abilities that the ideal candidate would possess that might not be spelled out in the job posting itself, so it’s important to identify these and leverage them in your federal resume.

In addition to specific phrasing of expected abilities and accomplishments, you will want to identify the KSAs that are specific to the position. USAJOBS makes this process easy by highlighting them at the bottom of a vacancy posting with the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section. Remember, these are expected to be written verbatim in a federal resume.

USAjobs - how you will be evaluated

After you have made a list of both the KSAs and phrases you need to incorporate into your federal resume, it’s time to start writing.

Strategies for Writing a Successful Federal Resume

Define Your Core Skills

With your list of KSAs and duty phrases in hand, ask yourself what five high-level responsibilities describe your current role in order to define the key knowledge, skills, and abilities you apply every day and how they align with the information you obtained from the vacancy posting. Once you have compiled this list, brainstorm about specific examples of achievements in these areas and how they support the position you’re applying to as well as its KSAs.

If you are making a transition from military service into civilian service, you will need to translate your experience and accomplishments to align with the language of the vacancy postings. Using the posting language and KSAs as a guide, consider how your accomplishments within the military reflect the skills and abilities required for the position. A good starting point for this information is your performance evaluations.

Formatting & Layout

As with a private industry resume, a federal resume is most impactful when it is organized and highly readable. A main point of difference between the two is that while a private resume can take many forms including functional or creative, the federal resume must be in the traditional reverse-chronological order covering the last 10 years.  Private sector resumes use succinct career highlights and bullets with few details, whereas federal resumes use full phrases, sentences, and paragraphs to cover the informative descriptions and extensive details that support the job qualifications. While a private sector resume is typically limited to 2 pages, a federal resume can average anywhere from 3 pages to 7 or more.

Stylistic Rules

As with private-sector resumes, some general stylistic rules apply to optimize the document:

  • Most jobs will have four to six paragraphs, and each should represent a KSA, if possible. “Communication skills” is the most common KSA.
  • Each resume should contain one paragraph on “Interpreting Regulations.”
  • Repetition aligning with job posting-specific phrasing is encouraged. If you did the work and have the skills, it’s acceptable to repeat these attributes throughout the resume. Avoid exact repetition, and paraphrase when possible.
  • Minimize using personal pronouns, and keep articles such as “an” or “the” to a minimum to optimize space.
  • KEYWORDS/CORE COMPETENCIES should be used to describe each duties paragraph and are in all caps. Nouns are preferred, but verbs can also be used if that is the language reflecting the vacancy posting.
  • Accomplishments should follow the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for a general federal resume or the CCAR (Challenge, Context, Action, Result) format for ECQs within the SES resume.
  • Some job announcements will require the full date (mm/dd/yyyy) and salary, supervisor name and phone, and whether or not to contact. It’s important to note that federal resumes will not be considered if required information is missing.
  • Certificates usually go under Job-Related Training, but longer programs such as the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) Project Management Professional (PMP) certification will go under education.
  • Military, Soldier, Veteran, Marine, etc. are capitalized throughout the resume, which is reflective of Military AP Style.
  • All acronyms, except those that are obvious, should be spelled out. This is especially important to elucidate department or industry-specific jargon. Remember that it’s often HR that is reviewing your resume first, not a specialist within your field.
  • Font size and spacing should remain the same, except for paragraph spacing.
  • Jobs more than 10 years in the past will still be listed but will be presented in the Additional Information section, with the number of years listed instead of dates.

Contact Information & Career Summary

The federal resume presentation begins with your contact information. These details should match your profile on USAJOBS. Following this is the Career Summary which should be crafted to align your experience with the vacancy posting of interest. Also list your citizenship status, current employment status (federal or private sector), the highest GS level you have obtained (if applicable), and any security clearances you have.

If you don’t have the security clearance required by the position, make it known that you are aware of the requirement and are willing to obtain the necessary clearance. You can also use this space to describe any high-level awards you have received or technical skills that are relevant to your desired position. Again, while the private sector resume is intentionally two pages on average, federal resumes are more expansive and inclusive of details.

Federal Resume - summary and clearance

Following your summary and contact information is a section of bulleted areas of expertise. Again, focus on the keywords that align your strengths and abilities with the requirements outlined in the vacancy posting.

Federal Resume - technical skills

Work Experience

Next, outline your work experience for each agency in chronological order. The federal resume requires exact dates (month/year) of employment as well as hours worked per week and exact details of each position (Series, GS level, etc.). As stated previously, the federal resume is a chronological document that describes your work history in terms of an outline. This means that you should outline your progression of roles within that agency and follow the timeline with a skills-based resume-writing format. You will do this for each applicable agency.

Federal Resume - work experience

Next, use the list of duties and KSAs that you compiled from the vacancy posting as a template to describe how your career duties and accomplishments demonstrate your success in those areas. In this applicant’s case, the following phrases (among others) were listed on the vacancy posting:

  • Logistics and transportation
  • Provide oversight and guidance
  • Leverage knowledge of organizational development and culture
  • Team leader
  • Organize and direct teams
  • Interpret policy and regulations
  • Effective written and oral communication
  • Build professional working relationships

Looking at the example below, you can see how the resume entry has been customized to reflect these lists:

Federal Resume - KSA and duties

As with a private sector resume, you’ll notice the use of bulleted accomplishments to describe specific accomplishments related to the listed and described skills. These should describe both what you accomplished as well as how you did it.

You will go through this process with every agency within your career history, ensuring that you continue to frame your accomplishments and work history around the list of phrases and KSAs that you obtained from your review of the vacancy posting.

It is also customary to list your supervisors as references under each position in your job history. You should also specify whether the HR specialist reviewing your resume can contact them.

Additional Information

After outlining and describing your career history in a way that aligns with your desired position, you will list additional information that is important and relevant, including education, certifications, job-related training, professional affiliations, and publications. This is also where older employment information is listed without specific dates.

Federal Resume - education and training

Some higher-level applicants (in particular in the GS-14 and GS-15 range) have exhaustive lists of publications that would significantly lengthen the document. In this case, it is perfectly acceptable to present a selected list of representative publications.

More on SES Jobs

The SES level was established in 1978 as part of the Civil Service Reform Act to provide executive management of 75 federal agencies that are managed by the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM). As previously discussed, SES jobs represent the highest-level federal positions second to presidential appointments.

Although the same general rules of writing a strong federal resume apply, SES jobs have more expansive requirements for application. Depending on the vacancy posting, there are three kinds of SES applications:

  • Traditional Method: 10-page ECQs in the proper format, technical qualifications (TQs) separate, and federal resume.
  • Resume Only: 5-page traditional federal resume incorporating the five ECQs and, if relevant, TQs.
  • Accomplishment Record: Resume and narratives responding to specific guidance for each submission.

ECQS and TQs, like KSAs, must be listed verbatim in your documents. The same procedures apply to an SES resume as with a general federal resume, but the scope is larger and the requirements more specific. If the vacancy post you’re interested in requires the traditional method, you’ll need to craft both a traditional resume as well as a 10-page document outlining how your experience aligns with the five ECQs (and TQs if a technically oriented position).

Resume Builder Compatibility

Because some vacancy postings require resume submission via the Resume Builder, it’s important to format your document so that it can be easily converted to Resume Builder style. If you have followed the general federal resume-writing practices outlined in this guide, then the process of converting to a Resume Builder-friendly format is fairly straightforward. When drafting a federal resume, it’s recommended to have two versions ready to go: your traditional federal resume and a simpler document that is ready for the resume builder.

Resume Builder is a simple text-only interface, so it’s necessary to avoid any graphics or fanciful formatting that won’t translate well to the system. Text styling such as italics, bolding, underlining, or bullets also do not register with Resume Builder, so these will need to be adjusted when converting your document. Additionally, you will need to remove detailed information about each position that will need to be entered manually, such as employment dates, hours worked, and pay grade.

Federal Resumes - Resume Builder Style Tips

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Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

woman writing a resume

Creating a federal resume that brings your qualifications to life and shows that you are a perfect fit for the job can be a challenge. Be sure to demonstrate how your skills, experience, training and education match the employer’s needs. Avoid misspelled words and bad grammar. Following are a few ways to make this easier.

Consider what positions you are interested in and review what qualifications or experience they require by reviewing different types of jobs and job opportunity announcements on USAJOBS . Gather information and begin to build out a description of your knowledge, skills and experience to add to your resume. How you present your skills and experience in your resume will help determine whether or not you are invited to interview for a job.

Attend job assistance training prior to departing the service. Contact your Transition Assistance Center as soon as possible and sign up for a Transition Assistance Program Workshop. If you are not near a Military Transition Center, you may use the services at Transition Assistance Offices operated by the other military services. Use your transition counselors. They have the tools and knowledge you need. If available, get their help in creating your first resume or filling out a draft application. Ask them to critique your work and then make the changes they suggest.

One size never fits all. As you apply for jobs, tailor your resume to the position’s requirements. Study the job opportunity announcement and emphasize the parts of your work history that match the qualification requirements listed there. It is important to portray your knowledge and skills as a match to the requirements of the position and demonstrate the ability to do the job. This is easy to do when you include your results, achievements and accomplishments. Minimize the use of technical jargon or specialized terminology (e.g., military abbreviations) in your resume.

Resumes are generally presented in one of three formats: chronological, functional or a combination of both. Which format you choose will depend, in part, on the type of work you have performed and whether or not you are going to continue in the same field.

  • Chronological resumes list work experience according to date, with the current job appearing first. Chronological resumes work well if your career has been progressive and you plan to continue in the same line of work.
  • Functional resumes are organized by the skills you have used on the job. Functional resumes work well if you are contemplating a new career, do not have a lengthy work history, or have held a number of different positions because they sell your abilities based on the skills you have acquired throughout your career. Be sure to include relevant volunteer experience.
  • Combination resumes both describe your work experience and highlight your skills. Combination resumes usually provide the most comprehensive overview of your career.

Unlike resumes used in the private sector, federal resumes require additional information. For each past job, give the standard information found in most resumes. Your federal resume should include the following:

  • Job announcement number, job title , and job grade of the job for which you are applying
  • Your full name, mailing address , day and evening phone numbers and home e-mail .
  • Country of citizenship , if different from U.S.
  • Veterans – Ensure that you attach or upload supporting documentation (e.g., DD214 or Statement of Service if still on Active Duty; SF-15, Application for 10-point preference; and Disability Rating Letter of 30% or more from the VA, if applicable).
  • Peace Corps / AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers – If you are a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, you will need to provide your Description of Service (DOS) to claim non-competitive eligibility for federal jobs. AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers
  • Persons with Disabilities (Schedule A) – To verify eligibility for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, you must provide proof of disability issued by a licensed medical professions, a licensed vocational rehabilitation specialist, or any federal agency, state agency, or an agency of the District of Columbia, or U.S. territory that issues or provides disability benefits. Contact the Department’s Selective Placement Coordinators for help with hiring and accommodation requests.
  • Veterans – Keep in mind that your military training may count towards qualifications. Use your Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) document (DD Form 2586) to document your training and education.
  • Begin with your current position and list all other positions held in chronological order.
  • State the job title, starting and ending dates (including month and year), prior employer's name and address (or write "self-employed," if that applies), and major duties and accomplishments. Include any positions temporarily held.
  • Show the average number of hours worked per week or simply state "full-time"; salary or wage earned; supervisor's name, address and telephone number; and whether you’re most recent supervisor may be contacted.
  • Veterans - Avoid using military job titles or occupational codes. Instead, look at what you did using your Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET) as a starting point. Employers prefer proven performers, so make sure you know what employers are looking for in comparison to your military work experience.
  • Indicate if your current supervisor can be contacted
  • Job-related training courses (title and year).
  • self-management skills refer to the way you manage yourself on the job (e.g., dependable, resourceful, etc.);
  • functional skills are the skills you use on the job or have used in previous jobs (e.g., operate equipment, supervise, analyze, etc.); and
  • technical skills relate to specific skills required to perform a described task (e.g., computer programming, accounting, sales, etc.)
  • Current job-related certificates and licenses - Make sure you understand the licensure and certification requirements for your job objective.
  • Job-related honors, awards, special accomplishments , leadership activities, memberships, or publications.

Once you have spell checked your resume, take a good look at its overall appearance. Is it appealing and easy to read? Is there enough white space? Are the margins appropriate? Have the headings, font and formatting style been used effectively? Keep in mind that your resume is an employer's first impression of you. Make sure it makes the best one possible.

  • Review the job announcements carefully for key words
  • Use verbs and adjectives (e.g., managed, implemented, created) that match key words identified in the job announcement.
  • Eliminate military lingo (use words such as personnel instead of squad or platoon).
  • Include your accomplishments; do not be shy, be truthful.
  • Focus on the mission of the agency and translate your experiences.
  • Your positive attitude and genuine enthusiasm goes a long way.

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Help Center

How to build a resume.

To build a resume in USAJOBS:

  • Sign into USAJOBS.
  • Go to your Documents .
  • Make sure you’re in the Resumes section and select the Upload or build resume button.
  • Click Build resume .
  • Name your new resume and click Next .
  • Click Add Work Experience , enter the required information and click Save Work Experience . To add additional work experience repeat this step or click Next to continue with your education information.
  • Click Add Education , enter the required information and click Save Education . Repeat this step to add additional education or click Next to continue with your references. You may also click Finish if you don’t want to add more information.
  • Click Add Reference , enter the required information and click Save Reference . You may add up to five references on your resume. Repeat this step to add an additional reference or click Next to continue to the next step.
  • You can enter additional information on your resume such as job related training, language skills, organizations/affiliations, professional publications, and other information. Click the corresponding button under each section to add your information, enter your information and click Add or Save for each section once completed.
  • Click Finish to save your resume. Your new resume will appear in your Documents list.
  • Click View on the resume icon to preview your resume. To edit your resume click Edit on the resume icon and it will bring you to the first page of your resume in the resume builder tool.

Save your work periodically

For security reasons, your session will time out after a period of inactivity. We recommend you Save periodically so that you do not lose any work.

Updating your resume

In order to capture changes that you have made to your profile you will need to build a new resume. USAJOBS does not automatically update existing resumes. This allows you to easily keep a set of resumes to apply to different jobs and only apply changes when you desire.

Tips for formatting resumes in USAJOBS resume builder

You can copy and paste text from Word documents into the resume builder. However, some formatting in these documents may not work in the USAJOBS resume builder. To fix formatting errors inside your resume, you must first save the original file in a .txt format.

To copy and paste from Word:

  • Open up your Word document or other word processing tool.
  • Select the File tab at the top.
  • Go to the Save As option.
  • Choose to save it as a Plain Text (.txt) file.
  • Open the new file and ensure the text appears in an acceptable format.
  • Copy and paste your resume text into the resume builder.

To edit your USAJOBS resume-builder resume:

  • Click on your username at the top of the page and select Documents from the menu.
  • Find the resume you want to edit and click “Edit” (located below the resume).
  • This will bring you to the first page of your resume.

Tips for submitting resumes to agencies

Some agencies accept uploaded resumes and resumes created using the USAJOBS resume builder, while some may only accept one or the other. Even though you may have both types of resumes in the Document section of your profile, the agency determines which ones to accept when you are applying online. The Apply button displayed on the job announcement page activates the process for a job seeker to complete an application.

USAJOBS automatically provides a list of available resumes and other documents to attach to your application, and will only display resumes and documents the hiring agency is willing to accept. For example, if the hiring agency only accepts resumes created using the USAJOBS resume builder, then your uploaded resumes will not be available to add to your application. Please pay special attention to the How to Apply section of the job announcement to find out which resume format and documents are accepted and how to submit them to the hiring agency.

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Federal Resumes: USAJobs Resume Builder Tips

  • Post author By Camille Carboneau Roberts

usajobs resume builder format

You submitted your federal application package with a detailed resume through the USAJobs.gov resume builder tool.

You also included a cover letter and answered the questionnaire.

You submitted your package well before the application deadline, and received the standard email that confirmed submission.

You’ve waited patiently for weeks, but you have still not been referred to a hiring official and are now questioning whether anyone read your application package — or even knows you applied!

Sound familiar?

I have reviewed thousands of resumes and have noticed a broad range of mistakes.

Even the most minor mistakes can prevent your application from reaching the hiring official!

14 Federal Resume Tips for USAJobs.gov

Are you ready to learn how to ensure YOUR resume doesn’t land in the black hole? Here we go…

1. Before you consider applying to a federal job, make certain you are fully qualified.

Many people apply to jobs for which they are not qualified.

If you do not meet the requirements, you simply will not be considered. This may be the reason your resume is orbiting the black hole.

When you find a position for which you would like to apply:

  • Carefully read the requirements and the factors you will be evaluated against.
  • Copy and paste these into a new Word document.
  • Make each requirement and factor a separate bullet point.
  • After each bullet, write a few sentences explaining how you meet that requirement — specifically using experience and accomplishments.

If there are several requirements that you can’t write about to demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and abilities, don’t waste your time applying for the position. Continue looking for another announcement. Then, repeat this exercise with another job.

When you are satisfied that you meet the stated requirements and fully qualify, continue with your application. (If you need a tool to help you do this, please contact me.)

2. Demonstrate on Page 1 that you meet the qualifications and all the requirements.

When they first see your resume, hiring managers should see immediately that you meet the job’s requirements.

Use the information you just developed (in #1, above) to create a marketing section on page one of your resume that demonstrates how you meet each requirement and evaluation factor included in the job announcement.

An ideal first page would include three critical sections:

  • A short profile summary demonstrating your accomplishments and ability to carry out the job duties listed in the announcement.
  • A Key Qualifications section that proves you meet the requirements and evaluation factors included in the job announcement.
  • A Core Competencies section that lists key skills and expertise listed in the job announcement.

Page 1 is prime resume real estate. Throughout the page, incorporate key words and keyword phrases from the job announcement that match up with your expertise.

3. Avoid the mistake of writing one resume for multiple job announcements.

Treat each job announcement and application as a unique submission. Each announcement is different.

Modify your application for each announcement.

You can even do this the old-fashioned way. Print a hard copy of the announcement, mark each requirement with a highlighter, and check off each item when you have incorporated it into your resume.

4. Ensure there are no typographical errors and missing or incorrect data as you create your resume in the USAJOBS builder tool.

While this may seem obvious, I frequently notice mistakes, especially in the contact information and headings.

Typos and other errors are a sure way to create an immediate negative impression sending your resume immediately into the black hole.

Do not rush this process! Proceed carefully and thoughtfully to ensure accuracy. Use spell check, proofread your work, find a friend to review it as well, then hire us to review.

5. Apply as early as you can.

Developing a strong package takes time. Start early!

The process of building your resume and applying online may take several hours. You may encounter technical difficulties or other unforeseen obstacles.

Waiting until the last minute will create unnecessary stress. That could cause you to hurry your work (creating errors), or not have enough time so you miss the deadline. Deadly mistakes!

6. Include names and contact information for past supervisors.

USAJOBS allows you to provide the name and contact information for each of your supervisors. Leaving this blank may spark the hiring manager’s curiosity.

If your job search is confidential, it is appropriate to state so. You can indicate that the supervisor may be contacted after a job offer on your “uploaded” resume.

For former supervisors, list their name and contact information. It’s a reality that not everyone gets along on the job so if you left on bad terms, list their name, and choose the “ May Not Contact ” option.

7. List your GPA.

Many federal job seekers leave this field blank. Regardless of your age and even if your GPA is 2.0 (or below), include it.

GPA is not the only determining factor when interviewing or selecting a candidate. It’s better to put a low GPA on than to leave it off.

There are many strategies one can use to overcome a lower GPA , but do not leave this field blank. Don’t make them look for ANYTHING!

8. Complete the Relevant Coursework section.

Take advantage of this section that many federal job seekers leave blank.

Spend the extra few minutes listing three to four courses you have taken that are relevant to the job. These could be the competitive edge you need to get to the interview.

9. Provide references.

The USAJOBS resume builder allows you to provide up to five references. I recommend taking full advantage of this! Offering several references creates a strong positive impression.

Be sure to include references that can validate your work ethic and character, as well as become your allies in landing your new job!

Contact your references in advance! Request their permission to include their names, and ensure they will speak positively on your behalf. Let them know what you are applying for and advise or remind them of projects you worked on and what you would like them to mention in the conversation.

10. Make your resume searchable.

After you build your resume into the USAJOBS builder, be sure to make it searchable by simply clicking on the link “ Make Searchable .” This will allow prospective employers to find your resume. It will also be the one you choose when you apply to the job announcement.

11. Upload Microsoft Word and PDF versions of your resume.

In the Saved Documents area of your USAJOBS profile, you can upload the PDF version of your resume and other documents. Doing this makes it easy for the prospective employer to retrieve and share your resume.

Uploading your resume is not a replacement for completing the Resume Builder, if the job announcement requires it. Be sure to read the “ How to Apply ” section carefully and follow the instructions precisely.

12. Upload and label accompanying forms.

Be sure to correctly label each required form, and upload them into the Saved Documents area. Leaving out requested forms or making them difficult for the employer to find can get your application disqualified for being incomplete.

13. Save a copy of your answers to the online questions.

Many announcements include an online questionnaire that you must submit.

Write, save, and print the answers in case you run into technical issues during the application process. I recommend that you copy and paste the questionnaire into Microsoft Word. Then, write your answers in Word.

If there are system problems, you can call the contact person listed on the announcement and obtain guidance.

Copy your answers back to the online questionnaire when you are finished. Creating your answers in Word before copying them into USAJOBS should help eliminate misspellings and some other errors.

14. Include your email address and phone number.

Make sure they can contact you easily! Be sure your email address is professional. I recommend setting up a Gmail account with your first and last name.

Make it easy for them to remember you, and contact you. I have seen phone numbers with missing area codes or missing digits and incomplete emails.[Be careful of the email address you use for your federal application !]

The Bottom Line on Federal Resumes

The Federal hiring process is tedious, not impossible. Start off your job search by being organized and have a plan. Prepare the best possible career communications required by the job announcement which could be a cover letter, customized resume , and narratives. Make it easy for them to select you for the interview, as well as to hire you! Give them the information they require. Don’t hesitate to hire a professional career coach . Be thorough, careful, and implement the tips above and your effort should pay off!

Wishing you much success in your job search!

More Information About Landing a Federal Government Job:

  • 7 Steps to Land a US Federal Government Job
  • 10 Federal Job Search Mistakes
  • Don’t Let Your Email Address Ruin Federal Job Opportunities
  • Additional How to Find a Federal Government Job articles on Job-Hunt
  • How to Avoid Common USAJOBS.gov Mistakes

Camille Carboneau Roberts

Job-Hunt’s Federal Job Search Expert, Camille Carboneau Roberts , established CC Career Services in 1989 to provide total career management services to help clients land jobs faster. Expert services include federal resumes, private sector resumes, military-to-federal resumes, and social media resumes and profiles. Contact Camille via email at [email protected] , through LinkedIn , Twitter (@CamilleRoberts), or Facebook (CC Career Services). More about this author …

Don't forget to share this article with friends!

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USAJOBS posts all federal job opportunities with a position description and instructions how to apply. With USAJOBS.gov tools and resources, you can find the right federal job faster.

About USAJOBS

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Security Specialist

Department of energy, office of defense nuclear secruity.

A successful candidate in this position will serve as a Security Specialist and provide technical oversight for Technical Security Program (TSP). The incumbent will provide leadership and guidance in the formation and promulgation of relevant processes and policy and executes plans to implement Departmental and National Technical and Signal Security objectives in support of the NNSA mission.

  • Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

03/11/2024 to 03/15/2024

$139,395 - $204,000 per year

Pay scale & grade

1 vacancy in the following location:

  • Washington, DC

Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required

50% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type.

Permanent -

Work schedule

Full-time -

Promotion potential

Job family (series).

0080 Security Administration

Supervisory status

Security clearance.

Sensitive Compartmented Information

Position sensitivity and risk

Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk

Trust determination process

Credentialing

Suitability/Fitness

National security

Announcement number

24-XA-03042-12338074-EN-NAT

Control number

This job is open to.

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

Open to United States Citizens.

  • Manage and provide technical oversight for a Technical Security Program which encompasses the Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Program and the TEMPEST Program, Wireless Security (WISE) and the Protective Distribution Systems (PDS) and provide program oversight of the NNSA enterprise wide NNSA TSCM and TEMPEST Program Managers.
  • Assess and manager strategic requirements and develop implementing guidance and classification of Secretarial approved security policy programs and the national or agency level.
  • Manage the NA-772 Technical Security Operations.
  • Provide expertise and recommendations to senior managers in all facets of physical, information, personnel, and technical security to identify security shortfalls; assess compliance with Departmental and national requirements; and plan activities to implement, monitor and asses the various NNSA security programs.
  • Formulate and clearly convey organizational perspectives in written form.
  • Apply qualitative understating of strategic and program planning, technical basis, and communication for all aspects of the NA-70 mission.
  • Address and resolve complex problems related to the enterprise security program.
  • Communicate with Management and Operating counterparts' problems to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, deadlines, and time frames for completion.

Requirements

Conditions of employment.

  • Subject to Random Drug Testing
  • Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
  • Favorable suitability determination required.
  • Financial Disclosure is required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a Q level Security Clearance.
  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
  • Compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD-12) governing personal identity which will require that you provide two forms of identification.
  • A two-year trial period may be required.
  • More than one position may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
  • Travel requirements may result in incumbent being away for 3-5 weeks over any 3 month period.

Qualifications

  • Utilizing technical security measures to mitigate risks and reduce vulnerabilities exposure.
  • Staying abreast of the new and emerging technologies relating to technical security administration to prevent security breaches and threats.
  • Proving comprehensive analytical reports to senior management on technical security issues or other technical security vulnerabilities.
  • Planning and Evaluating
  • Oral Communiation

THERE IS NO EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS OR SUBSTITUTION FOR THIS SERIES AND PAY BAND.

Additional information

  • The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets : Click HERE .
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
  • Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
  • Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
  • All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register . If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government.
  • A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a highly qualified applicant in accordance with Agency policy.

EEO Policy: Click HERE. Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Click HERE. Veterans Information: Click HERE. Telework: Click HERE. Selective Service Registration: Click HERE Information about the NNSA Demonstration project can be found by clicking HERE.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

We will review your application to ensure you meet the job requirements. If you meet the qualifications requirements, your application will be referred to the selecting official for further review If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" . To preview the application questionnaire, click the link below. https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12338074

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. If you are unsure, click the link for each document type to read more. ALL APPLICANTS: You must submit a resume supporting your specialized experience and responses to the online questionnaire.

  • Your resume shall list all work experience (paid and unpaid); you must list the full name and address of the each employer.
  • For all types of work experience, you shall indicate the start and end dates (include month, day, and year); you must also list the average number of hours per week that you worked.
  • For paid work experience, you shall indicate your starting salary for each position and the highest salary you earned (if different).
  • Your resume should also include any education and training you have completed (list the program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
  • You may list all incentive awards on your resume.
  • Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require the USAJOBS resume format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which is required. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume.
  • If any of the above information is not included in your resume, we may not be able to fully credit you for your experience.
  • For more information about what to include in your resume, please view this USAJOBS Resume Tutorial video on YouTube.
  • Full position title;
  • appointment type;
  • occupational series;
  • pay plan, grade, and step;
  • tenure code; and
  • service computation date (SCD).

If your current position SF50 does not indicate you have competitive/excepted service status or does not reflect the pay plan and grade of the highest position you have held in the competitive/excepted service, in addition to your current SF50, you must provide your previous SF-50s that provide the proof of competitive/excepted status and highest grade held on a permanent basis. For Professional, Scientific and Engineering Positions: If qualifying on the basis of an alternate method, i.e., professional license, you must submit official documentation to support your claim with your application package. Applicants using education to qualify (if allowed): Documentation verifying your educational claims which can include unofficial transcripts. Education cannot be substituted for experience in some positions at higher grade levels. Please see the Education section for more information. Positive Education requirement: For those positions that have a positive education requirement, you must provide an unofficial transcript to show proof. See the Education section for more information. Veterans: Veteran eligibility documentation (DD-214 Member #4 Copy, VA Letter, Standard Form (SF) 15 as applicable). Please note: If you are a veteran who has not yet been discharged, you may provide a statement of intent to discharge from your agency to receive Veterans Preference under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011. Performance Appraisals: Submit your two (2) most recent performance appraisals. Your performance appraisals and incentive awards will be given due consideration in the selection process based on their relation to the duties of the position and the consistency with which they may be considered in evaluating you against other applicants. If the performance appraisals are not available, please provide a written statement of explanation and upload as a separate document.

To be considered for this position, you must submit your complete application no later than 11:59 pm U.S. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. If you do not submit a complete application prior to the closing time (regardless of when you started) the online application system will not allow you to finish! Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process allowing yourself enough time to finish before the deadline. Our online application system displays a countdown timer at the top of the screen for your reference. For your security, your session in our online application system will "time-out" if you are inactive for a certain period of time. We recommend that you preview the assessment questions before you apply and prepare all of your information prior to beginning the application. If you do get "timed-out" you will have to log back in to USAJOBS and re-visit the vacancy announcement, you can then click "Update Application" to finish where you left off. Steps to submit a complete application:

  • Click the "Apply Online" button. If you are not already logged in, you will need to do so.
  • You must have a complete resume associated with your USAJOBS account. Please note that some DOE offices do not accept uploaded resumes and instead require that you submit a USAJOBS-formatted resume using the Resume Builder .
  • You will be prompted to select a resume and any documentation you have attached to your USAJOBS account before you are transferred to the Department of Energy's online application system. Please be aware that any document you select before being transferred to our system, will not automatically be received. You must take steps to download your documents from USAJOBS during the "Documents" step within our online application system (see Step 6).
  • If you are a first-time applicant to the Department of Energy, you'll be asked to register an account first. If you are a returning applicant, you will skip this step and go straight to the application portion.
  • You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided.
  • You will then be asked to upload additional supporting documentation. If you selected documents from USAJOBS prior to being transferred to our application system (Step 3), you will need to click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process. These documents ARE NOT automatically transferred! It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all required documents are either faxed, uploaded, or transferred from USAJOBS successfully. If you are unsure that your documents went through, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement BEFORE the vacancy closes.
  • After reviewing your submission in the final step, you must click "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page. If you leave the application before clicking Submit, your application will not be received.

If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly. NEED HELP?

  • If you experience any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): contact the HR Office listed on this announcement between normal business hours. If you are receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number. If necessary, we will put you in touch with the technical support number if we are unable to assist you personally.
  • If you need help with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the here to visit the USAJOBS Resource Center.">USAJOBS Resource Center and select a topic of inquiry. Or, you may reach out to USAJOBS directly for support, by visiting the USAJOBS Contact Us page. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the Department of Energy.

Agency contact information

Deborah shells.

[email protected]

After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible. In addition to changing your status online, the system will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

How to apply, fair & transparent.

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov . For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/780500000 . Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

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Learn more about

National Nuclear Security Administration

Would you like to have a job that can ensure national security by providing support to the nation's nuclear weapons stockpile stewardship activities? If so, then the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Security Operations and Special Security Programs, Special and Technical Security Division has the perfect employment opportunity for a Security Specialist (Technical Security Program Manager). In the position, you play an important role in accomplishing the national security mission of the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration. You will utilize your expertise in deploying modern security technologies to support well-trained, world-class protective forces organized to equipped to meet threats.

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Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in eight minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.

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Department of Health and Human Services

Office of policy, legislation, and international affairs.

This Direct-Hire position is in the Food and Drug Administration and is located in the Office of Policy, Legislation, and International Affairs, Office of Economics and Analysis. The mission of OEA is to perform economic, public health, and strategic analyses of FDA's policy and rulemaking decisions and to review the economic content of FDA work products.

  • Reviewing applications

Open & closing dates

03/04/2024 to 03/15/2024

This is a remote position. Therefore, the salary listed is at the base level. The geographic locality pay will be determined at the time of selection.

Pay scale & grade

1 vacancy in the following location:

  • Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job)

Telework eligible

Not applicable, this is a remote position.

Travel Required

25% or less - You may be expected to travel up 25% for this position.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

Appointment type.

Permanent -

Work schedule

Full-time -

Competitive

Promotion potential

Job family (series).

0110 Economist

Supervisory status

Security clearance, position sensitivity and risk.

Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process

Suitability/Fitness

Announcement number

FDA-OC-24-DH-12336048-SA

Control number

This job is open to, career transition (ctap, ictap, rpl).

Federal employees who meet the definition of a "surplus" or "displaced" employee.

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National. Foreign nationals or legal permanent residents are not eligible for consideration. This is a direct hire authority announcement. Traditional federal rules regarding rating, ranking, and veterans' preference do not apply. This vacancy will also be used to clear CTAP/ICTAP.

  • Conducts economic and/or quantitative public health studies of FDA-regulated industries as a basis for forecasting trends, needs, and major problems affecting the Agency.
  • Develops economic and/or quantitative public health data and analyses to be used to show the impact and cost of FDA regulatory actions and programs.
  • Conducts economic and other analytic studies of FDA-regulated industries.
  • Develops flexible policy options to deal with the concerns of those most affected by the Agency’s regulations and policies.
  • Provides consulting services and advice on economic and/or quantitative public health issues to FDA centers as they develop regulatory plans.

Requirements

Conditions of employment.

  • Citizenship Requirement: You must be a U.S. Citizen to be considered for this advertisement unless explicitly stated otherwise.
  • Direct Deposit: You will be required to have all federal salary payments electronically deposited into a bank account with a financial institution of your choice.
  • Background Investigation Requirement: All employees must pass a security investigation. Failing to pass the background check may be grounds for removal or legal action. If hired, you may be subject to additional investigations at a later time.
  • FDA participates in e-Verify: All new hires must complete the I-9 form; this information will be processed through e-Verify to determine your employment eligibility. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter.
  • Certification of Accuracy: All information concerning eligibility and qualification is subject to investigation and verification. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection, or appropriate legal action.
  • This position may be subject to completion of a 1-year probationary period.
  • Position is not drug testing and does not require pre-appointment clearance.

Qualifications

  • individual economic research assignments requiring planning, information assembly, analysis and evaluation, conclusions and report preparation.
  • supervisory or project coordination assignments involving a staff of professional economists, and requiring the evaluation and interpretation of economic information; or
  • teaching assignments in a college or university that included both class instruction in economics subjects and one of the following (1) personal research that produced evidence of results, (2) direction of graduate theses in economics, or (3) service as a consultant or advisor on technical economics problems.
  • National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES)
  • Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE)

Additional information

  • Pre-employment physical required: No
  • Drug testing required: No
  • License required: No
  • Mobility agreement required: No
  • Immunization required: No
  • Bargaining Unit : Yes, 3591 - National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)
  • Telework eligible position : Telework is at the discretion of the supervisor.
  • Moving expenses: May be authorized
  • Student loan repayment: Yes
  • Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon funds availability . If authorized, certain incentives will require you to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a period of up to 3 years. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Incentives include the following: moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentive; student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, creditable service for annual leave for prior non-federal work experience or prior uniformed military service, etc.
  • Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at HHS. Clearance of CTAP/ICTAP will be applied for similar positions across HHS.
  • If you are serving, or have served in the last 5 years (from 03/15/2024) as an Executive Branch political, Schedule C, or Non-career SES appointee, HHS/FDA may be required to obtain approval by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to beginning employment. You can find out if you have held one of these appointment types by looking at your Standard Form 50s in your Electronic Official Personnel Folder (eOPF), in Section 5 where the legal authorities are listed. If you have served or are currently serving, you must provide a copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, documenting this appointment. In addition, you will be required to respond to the question in the assessment and certify your responses to the questionnaire. See Political Appointee FAQ - OPM for more.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits .

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This is a direct hire announcement. Traditional rating and ranking of applications, and veterans' preference does not apply to this vacancy. We will evaluate you against the basic qualifications. Qualified applicants will be referred for consideration in accordance with the Office of Personnel Management direct hire guidelines. Note: Volunteer experience can also be used as qualifying experience. Once the job opportunity announcement closes (at 11:59 pm Eastern Time on 03/15/2024 ), a review of your résumé and supporting documentation will be conducted, the information will be compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine your eligibility for Federal employment, and then whether you are qualified for this particular position. If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your responses when compared to your background information, you may be deemed ineligible. If you are referred to the hiring manager for consideration, you may be further evaluated based on an interview; review of requested work samples, writing samples, most recent performance evaluation(s), or professional references; or results of an oral presentation or work-related test. Failure to comply with any of the additional assessment requirements will result in removal from further consideration. These assessment methods/tools may also be listed under Key Requirements. Interagency / Career Transition Assistance Program (I/CTAP) : Well-Qualified is defined as an applicant who meets the qualification standards and eligibility requirements for the position, including minimum educational and experience requirements; any medical qualifications and suitability; is able to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation; meets any applicable selective placement factors for the position (such as the ability to speak a specific language or any other factor required immediately upon hire); and is able to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry. Learn more on the USAJOBS Career Transition Assistance Site . Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  • Resume Writing Tutorial
  • Resume Writing FAQ
  • Active Duty Members: To claim status under the VOW (Veterans Opportunity to Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, submit written documentation from the armed forces that certifies the service member is expected to be discharged or released from active duty service in the armed forces under honorable conditions not later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application package.
  • Parents of Deceased or Disabled Veterans: To claim preference, you must submit a copy of the deceased or disabled veterans' DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from the armed forces that has the dates of service and discharge status AND the SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. Please follow the instructions in the SF-15 on required documentation to be submitted.
  • Widow or Widower : To claim preference, you must submit a copy of the deceased or disabled veterans' DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from the armed forces that has the dates of service and discharge status AND the SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference. Please follow the instructions in the SF-15 on required documentation to be submitted.
  • Spouse of a Living Veteran: To claim preference, you must submit a copy of the veterans' DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from the armed forces that has the dates of service and discharge status AND the SF-15, Application for 10-point Veterans' Preference, and Documentation of Veteran's Inability to Work Because of a Service-Connected Disability. Please follow the instructions in the SF-15 on required documentation to be submitted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

To apply for positions with the Food & Drug Administration, you must have a USAJOBS Login.GOV account, and be signed in to that account, before you click "Apply Online". See the USAJOBS Help Site article " How does the application process work ? " for more on this process. Additionally, you must provide a resume and any required supporting documentation listed on the announcement, and you must complete all assessment questionnaires BEFORE 11:59 pm Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement, 03/15/2024. We recommend that you start the application process early enough that you can complete and submit your application before this deadline. Please note that you cannot submit documentation or make changes to your application after the close date. If you would like to learn how to use USAJOBS including: accessing and managing your account, adding saved documents, building a resume, or starting an application; we recommend you visit the USAJOBS How To site, and read up on any topic that you need help with. This site is located at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/ . Additionally, if you need technical assistance with USAJOBS (such as account issues) please visit the main USAJOBS Help site at: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/ . FDA's Applicant Help Desk is not able to support USAJOBS-related issues. The Food & Drug Administration uses a system called Application Manager (USA Staffing) to post jobs and accept applications. If you are not familiar with Application Manager or encounter any difficulty with the site, we recommend that you review the Applicant HELP Site at: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Applicant . This help site contains step-by-step instructions for completing the application process, submitting documentation, and completing questionnaires, and should be very helpful to you! You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. The FDA will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities who are not able to apply online. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact the Applicant Help Desk. Decisions on granting a reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. If after reviewing the USAJOBS and Application Manager help sites, you're not able to find the answer to your question or concern, or if you wish to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the FDA Applicant Help Desk at 866-807-3742 , or e-mail [email protected] . The Applicant Help Desk is staffed between the hours of 7am and 6pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except for government holidays. If you contact the Applicant Help Desk, please provide the following Vacancy Identification Number (VIN) 12336048 so that we may assist you faster.

Agency contact information

Fda applicant help desk.

866-807-3742

[email protected]

HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats. Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Once your application is submitted you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. Qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will receive application status updates by email and on USAJOBS as the process unfolds.

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

How to apply, fair & transparent.

This job originated on www.usajobs.gov . For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/779796400 . Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.

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Learn more about

Food and Drug Administration

Become a part of the Department that touches the lives of every American. At the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) you can give back to your community, state, and country, by making a difference in the lives of Americans everywhere! HHS is the principal agency for protecting the health of citizens. Join HHS and help to make our world healthier, safer, and better for all Americans.

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Food and Drug Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

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COMMENTS

  1. USAJOBS Help Center

    Open the new file and ensure the text appears in an acceptable format. Copy and paste your resume text into the resume builder. To edit your USAJOBS resume-builder resume: Click on your username at the top of the page and select Documents from the menu. Find the resume you want to edit and click "Edit" (located below the resume).

  2. USAJOBS Help Center

    How to create a resume. You can create a resume in two ways: Build a resume using our Resume Builder. Upload a resume that you already have. When applying to a federal job, you need to include specific information in your resume. Read our tips on what you should include in your federal resume. Contact us.

  3. PDF Tutorials Resume

    From your "My Account" page, click "Resumes" to expand the view of the available options in the dropdown menu: The "Build New Resume" option allows you to create or build a resume using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. The "Upload New Resume" option allows you to upload your own resume(s) from your computer, flash drive, etc.

  4. USAJOBS Resume Builder: Tips and Examples

    Learn how to use the USAJOBS resume builder to create a standard federal resume format and tailor it for each specific position. Find out the best practices, keywords, and tips for applying for a federal government job.

  5. [2021 Update] USAJobs Resume Builder Ultimate Guide

    Learn how to create a USAJobs.gov account, profile, and resume for federal job applications. Follow the steps to find federal jobs, filter by location, and apply online with your resume.

  6. Federal Resume: Example, Template & How to Write

    Learn how to format and write a federal resume for USAJOBS with examples, tips and a free template. Find out what information to include and how to use a federal resume builder.

  7. USAJOBS Help Center

    To correct any formatting errors inside your announcement, you must first save the original file in a .txt format. To do this, go to the Save As option in Word and then choose to save the document as a "Plain Text (*.txt)" file. Open the new file and ensure the text appears in an acceptable format and then copy and paste your resume text ...

  8. USAJOBS Help Center

    How to create a resume. You can create a resume in two ways: Build a resume using our Resume Builder. Upload a resume that you already have. When applying to a federal job, you need to include specific information in your resume. Read our tips on what you should include in your federal resume. Contact us.

  9. PDF Federal Resume Format

    Learn how to create a federal resume with the USAJobs Resume Builder, which guides you through the sections and format of a federal resume. Find tips, examples and a sample resume for a research assistant in health policy.

  10. USAJobs Resume Builder

    Just a heads up there is a 5000 character count limit per experience block on the usajobs resume builder. In my agency, many selecting officials are stating they loathe getting resumes from the resume builder and the most current advice is to attach a .pdf instead. This is just one agency but previously it was similar, always use the builder.

  11. Federal Resumes Guide for USAJobs

    Resume Builder. Resume Builder is a feature of USAJOBS that allows the user to build components of their resume online rather than providing a full document for submission. Some federal jobs require this feature, so it's important to review the vacancy posting to see if you'll need to provide your resume in this format.

  12. Building Your Federal Resume in USAJOBS

    Info on using USAJOBS' Resume Builder.

  13. Tips for Writing a Federal Resume

    Learn how to create a federal resume that showcases your skills, experience, training and education for the job you want. Find out how to prepare, tailor, format and present your resume effectively.

  14. USAJOBS Help Center

    Open the new file and ensure the text appears in an acceptable format. Copy and paste your resume text into the resume builder. To edit your USAJOBS resume-builder resume: Click on your username at the top of the page and select Documents from the menu. Find the resume you want to edit and click "Edit" (located below the resume).

  15. Federal Resumes: USAJobs Resume Builder Tips

    10. Make your resume searchable. After you build your resume into the USAJOBS builder, be sure to make it searchable by simply clicking on the link " Make Searchable .". This will allow prospective employers to find your resume. It will also be the one you choose when you apply to the job announcement. 11.

  16. PDF writing An EFFECTIVE FEDERAL RESUME

    A guide to understanding and writing an effective Federal resume. Your resume is your marketing tool in which to describe why you may be the best candidate for the position for which you are applying. When writing your resume, you should consider your accomplishments, making your resume is results-driven. It is best to break your resume down ...

  17. PDF Federal Resume Guide

    Federal Resume Guide Page 5 Tab 1 - Overview - briefly describes the job and provides basic information regarding salary, who may apply, duty location, open period for acceptance of applications, and job summary. Tab 2 - Duties - cites the major duties and responsibilities of the job. Tab 3 - Qualifications and Evaluations - lists the type of skills/competencies you need

  18. USAJOBS Help Center

    How to make your resume and profile searchable. To make your resume searchable: Sign into USAJOBS and go to your Profile.; Go to Documents—your resumes will appear in your Documents.; Click Searchable on the resume you want to make searchable—if your profile is complete, your resume will become searchable as well.; If you want to remove your resume from the resume bank, you will have to ...

  19. USAJOBS

    Most DOE offices will allow you to submit a resume in the format of your choice (as an attached document or as a USAJOBS Resume Builder format). However, some offices may require the USAJOBS resume format. You will be notified at the time you click 'Apply Online' which is required. It is important that you are complete and thorough in your resume.

  20. USAJOBS

    Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume. ... you should consider asking the institution to provide the file in a non-secured electronic format. Alternatively, you could scan or take a photo of the printed copy of the transcript. ... before you click "Apply Online". See the USAJOBS Help Site ...