It would be a mistake to assume that a standard resume can be used to apply to a Federal job opening. Not only is a Federal resume graded but both its format and content vary as well.

Federal Qualification Standards

Federal resumes are graded on a point system based on Federal Qualification Standards, which include general and specialized qualifying work experience as well as the required education. Qualification Standards will allow Federal recruiters to easily assess if you're eligible or not for the position.

Federal Resume Format

Federal resumes must be highly structured and feature all the information required by the vacancy announcement. Contrary to civilian resumes that are usually one-page long, Federal resumes are more detailed and longer.

A Federal resume must include:

   The announcement number and the job for which you're applying
   The name, contact info, social security number and country of citizenship
   The Veteran's preference - veterans get extra points
   The Highest Federal grade attained
   Education
   Experience
   Other qualifications such as courses, training, certifications, awards, languages, computer skills, etc..

Federal Resume Keywords

Because Federal hiring managers use a scanning software called "Resumix" to select the most qualified applicants, it is imperative that your resume includes keywords relevant to the job vacancy otherwise your resume will never be seen by a recruiter, even if you are the best candidate.

Importance of guidelines

Whether you submit a standard Federal resume, an SES resume or the SF-171 form, not following the Federal Government strict hiring guidelines when preparing your application will get you irremediably disqualified, especially since interviews are optional.

Additional documents

Federal resumes must also often be accompanied by complementary KSA's, which answer specific questions listed in the vacancy.

Federal career articles

• Federal Resumes
• Federal Jobs
• How to write a KSA
• Resumix
• Federal pay scale