welcome to the hub
Navigating the federal hiring process can feel overwhelming, especially if you're not sure what makes a federal resume stand out. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to transition within the federal sector, this page will provide everything you need to know to make your resume competitive.
use this proven checklist to boost your resume
Use this checklist to ensure your resume meets the specific requirements for federal applications:
Accomplishments
Remember to focus on results, not just what you did. Show how your work made an impact. Did you save the company money or time? Did you lead a team? Write down how you made a difference. Whenever possible, include numbers to show your success (e.g., increased efficiency by 20%, saved $50,000 a year).
Specialized Experience
Read the job posting carefully and include keywords from the listing in your resume. Highlight the experience that directly relates to the job you’re applying for. Before submitting, double-check the job announcement for important keywords and make sure your resume includes them.
Government-Related Skills
If you’ve worked on things like managing programs, following government rules (compliance), working with regulations, or buying goods/services for the government (procurement), make sure to mention those skills in your resume. These are important for federal jobs!
federal jargon
key terms you should know
USAJOBS
The official job site of the U.S. federal government where all federal job announcements are posted. You’ll apply for most positions through this platform.
GS (General Schedule)
The federal pay scale for most civilian employees. Jobs are classified into GS levels based on qualifications and experience. The highest GS level is a GS-15.
Specialized Experience
Specific experience that directly relates to the duties of the job you’re applying for. Federal jobs often require a minimum amount of specialized experience, typically listed in the job announcement.
KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)
KSAs refer to the specific competencies required for the job. Your resume should address how you possess these qualities. Sometimes, you’ll need to provide separate KSA statements that explain how you meet these qualifications.
Job Series
A group of jobs within the federal government classified by similar work and qualifications. For example, the 0343 seriescovers Management and Program Analysis jobs.
Merit Promotion
A method of internal hiring within the federal government. If you’re already a federal employee, you can apply for a higher position through this process based on your performance.