How To Write A Federal Resume? (Step-By-Step Guide & Tips)



by Kevin Philips · Updated April 01, 2023

How To Write A Federal Resume? (Step-By-Step Guide & Tips)

Want to secure a government job? You must have to submit a compelling, personalized, and comprehensive federal resume for a position. You must be thinking about how to make a federal resume that captures the employers’ attention in one go. Worry not

In this article, we are going to tell you briefly what is a federal resume, why it is written, and a step-by-step guide to writing a resume.

A federal resume is a comprehensive document used to apply for a job within the federal government. Unlike a traditional resume, it is longer and includes detailed information about your qualifications, experience, and achievements. Writing a federal resume can be challenging, but it is essential to have a well-written resume to increase your chances of getting hired. You can write it on your own or get help from a federal resume writing service.

Steps To Write A Federal Resume


Have a look at the step-by-step guide to writing a federal resume:

  1. Review the Job Announcement

    Before you start writing your federal resume, it's important to carefully review the job announcement. This will give you an idea of the specific qualifications, experience, and skills the employer is looking for. You should highlight these requirements in your resume to ensure that you're a good match for the position

  2. Tailor Your Resume

    Tailor your resume to the position you're applying for. Highlight your experience and achievements that align with the specific requirements of the job. Use keywords from the job advertisement throughout your resume to ensure that you're a good match for the position

  3. Include Relevant Information

    Federal resumes usually require some additional and specific details. Include the following relevant information to make your federal resume stand out;

    1. Your contact information
    2. Include your citizenship status
    3. Identify your highest General Schedule (GS) grade.
    4. Mention veterans’ preferences
    5. List your work experience.
    6. Describe your education.
    7. Consider other optional items.

  4. Use the Correct Format

    Federal resumes have a different format than traditional resumes. They are typically longer and more detailed, with a focus on specific accomplishments, experience, and some additional details.

  5. Proofread

    Before submitting your federal resume, make sure to proofread it carefully. Check for typos, grammatical errors, and formatting issues. Ask a friend or family member to review it as well, to ensure that it's error-free and easy to read.

Some Helpful Tips To Write A Federal Resume

Given below are some tips to help you write a successful federal resume:

  1. Read the job announcement carefully and follow its instructions thoroughly. Pay attention to the required level of qualification and experience. Use the keywords and language from the job announcement in your resume
  2. Highlight your relevant qualification & experience to get attention. Be specific and provide concrete examples of your work. Use bullet points to make your resume easier to read and highlight your achievements
  3. Use metrics to show the impact you have had in your previous roles. Quantify your accomplishments and show how you have made a difference in your past positions
  4. Use active language for easy readability. Start each point with an action verb to make your resume more engaging.
  5. Be clear and concise. Avoid exaggeration and unnecessary information that may mislead the reader or waste their time.

Writing a federal resume is different than a regular resume. It requires detailed information. It includes other relevant experiences, achievements, a perfect format, and a clear and concise writing style. By following these tips, you can create a federal resume that showcases your abilities and skill set effectively to increase your chances of getting hired for a federal job. If you find it difficult to implement all these strategies to create an engaging resume. Consult our experts, give your details, and leave the rest to our professionals.