Five Tips on Writing a Compelling Federal Resume

Whether you are intent on working for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), you should provide a comprehensive overview of your education. Beginning with your most recent degree, you can work backward until you’ve given a broad overview of grade point averages, awards and extracurricular activities. Your educational accomplishments, in fact, might also affect your earning power. Six-figure IT salaries, for instance, will usually only be handed out to individuals with advanced technical degrees.

2) Avoid Grammatical Errors

Because dozens of applicants will surely apply for each federal job, your resume will have to be completely free of spelling and grammatical errors. If you are also able to write with a considerable degree of flair, you’ll have a better chance of moving to the front of the line. To be extra safe, you can ask a professional writer or editor to look over your resume before you submit it.

3) Mention Previous Work Experience

You should always mention previous jobs that have some bearing on the position you are hoping to be hired for. If you previously held a college internship as a congressional aide, then you will likely be held in higher regard. If you wish to work in the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), a working knowledge of healthcare salaries and marketing salaries will be important.

4) Tailor Your Resume to Specific Employment Positions

All resumes that are earmarked for federal employment agencies will need to be carefully put together. Most good resumes will begin with clear mission statements that will indicate why you feel that you are qualified for the job. By mentioning particular things that attract you to the position, you’ll be indicating to hiring managers that you’ve done your research. If you are applying for an EPA position, you’ll want to fill your resume with background information that shows you are eminently qualified to work towards the protection of the country’s most important ecosystems.

5) Indicate How You’ll Improve Programs and Policies

Finally, you should set out how you’ll improve the policies that are currently in place at the agency. Hiring managers will always be intrigued by applicants who have innovative ideas for the future. While educational background and work experience are certainly important, you’ll also be expected to make a difference in the months and years ahead. Having separated yourself from the pack, you’ll surely head off on a grand adventure that will leave you satisfied with your life.