Fact Sheet

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Preparing Your Resume

Building Your USAJobs Resume

Applicants may now submit a standard resume or build one on USAJobs. Listed below are a few suggestions:

  • The USAJOBS Resume Builder allows applicants to create and choose up to five resumes to submit for all agencies.
  • The resume should capture what Personnel (Human Resource Specialists) and hiring managers need to know that are outlined in this document (items to include; resume rules).
  • The resume allows applicants to tailor their resumes for the specific position of interest.

Preparing Your Information

  • Applicants should follow these standard resume rules:
  • Study the job announcement
  • Prepare your “sales pitch” in your cover letter
  • Identify your “major” accomplishments upfront on your resume – in bullets
  • Tailor your resume for the position of interest
  • Pay attention to “key” words
  • Link desired skills to your current and prior work experience
  • Emphasize (underline) critical information, programs, major initiatives/projects
  • Write concisely, using proper grammar and plain language
  • Quantify results you have achieved in your work experience; give examples
  • State your “significant” contributions to achieving results, successes, and best practices
  • Edit and proofread before submitting your resume

What Must Be Included

All applicants must include the following items on their resume:

  • Full name, address, phone number, email address and references
  • Work experience, both paid and non-paid (volunteer work experience opportunities)
  • Training and skills
  • Certifications and awards
  • Type of education received including:
    • Name of the school, city, state, zip and the date they received their degree
    • If degree was not completed, total credit hours earned in what academic areas
    • Foreign degrees must be evaluated by a nationally recognized Accrediting Agency

 

Updated: Friday, May 4, 2012