Why use this Federal resume example?
If you’re looking for a job with the federal government, we can help! With this federal resume example and writing guide, we’ll demonstrate how to highlight your skills and background to find the best job for you. The federal government offers a vast number of opportunities in many areas, so whatever your skills, there’s a position for you. Writing a great resume that highlights your background, education, and experience will go a long way to getting you where you want to be. Using this federal resume guide will give you the information you need to land a secure, stable job in the federal government.
How to write a great Federal resume
Once you have decided which department you want to apply to, it’s important to tailor your resume to the listed job requirements. Highlight the areas of your current resume that align with what the department is looking for, including your achievements, accomplishments, and productivity. Avoid using excessive technical jargon or acronyms in your resume. List your work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent experience first. Keep your job description succinct, and consider utilizing bullet points to maximize readability. And don't forget to proofread — there should be no spelling or grammatical errors.
Your resume should include your name, contact information, and citizenship status. All relevant work experience should be listed, including internships, volunteer positions, and other organizations (such as professional groups and philanthropic works). You should not include a photograph or protected personal information, such as age, marital status, religion, social security number, or personal website links. Consider including information that is generally considered optional, such as job-related courses and certifications, references, and professional publications.
Make sure your resume is detailed, comprehensive, and includes software, tools, and systems you used, specific projects you worked on, and positive outcomes of your work, incorporating quantifiable data such as numbers, statistics, and money. Your Federal resume will be a bit longer than for the private sector — up to five pages, depending on your level of experience. And, of course, utilize relevant keywords from the job description in your resume to help the hiring manager recognize your qualifications for the position. Be honest, but don’t downplay your experience. This is the time for you to shine.
Which key skills are relevant for a Federal resume?
When listing skills for a Federal resume, make sure they are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Include examples of these skills in your resume, as a hiring manager will be keeping an eye out for them, and if you can demonstrate you possess those skills, it can provide an advantage.
Hard and soft skills you will want to highlight on your federal resume are:
Leadership skills
Tact
Tolerance
Patience
Time management
Technical or Computer skills
Other languages in which you are fluent
Writing skills
Organizational skills
Federal resume example
Summary example
Highly motivated and results-focused with Master of Science in Health and the Public Interest, excellent analytical skills, and strong knowledge of healthcare policy at the state and federal levels. Known for approaching complex challenges methodically, identifying innovative solutions, and providing sound advice to key stakeholders. Experience in preparing and presenting testimony to federal committees regarding pharmaceutical product approval decisions. Adept at collaborating and communicating effectively with colleagues, senior executives, scientists, and healthcare professionals. Exceptional leadership skills developed during three years with the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
Employment history example
Graduate Student Researcher at Georgetown Washington, DC University 12/2020 - Present
Oversee qualitative research project analyzing Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study data to identify the role of subjective age in depression among men with and without HIV.
Play a key role in preparing manuscript for publication in Summer 2021 issue of Georgetown Medical Review.
Project is first-ever research into topic in the HIV field.
Supervisor: Dr. Michael Plankey, Clinical Infectious Disease & Nutritional Epidemiologist, 202-288-3077. May Contact.
Hours per week: 15-20.
Education example
Georgetown University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS), Master of Science in Health and the Public Interest Washington, DC
Mississippi State University, Shackouls Honors College, Honors Bachelor of Science in Microbiology Mississippi State, MS
