What are the grammatical rules for Government resumes? Specifically, resumes submitted through USAjobs.gov?? ?
Ok…I have a few questions regarding how to construct my resume for USAjobs.gov… From what I have read online, the rules/expectations for public resumes and private resumes are very different. I know I will need to be more descriptive with my job descriptions but can I use first-person (ie "I") to do so? Also, I attended 3 community colleges prior to receiving a degree from a university, do I need to list all of these (I did not receive a degree from any of the CCs)? And what about High School?
And what about cover letters? Are they appropriate for jobs applied for through USAjobs where everything must be faxed and there is no "fax cover sheet" for such things? ~ (…if that question makes no sense to you, you have never applied through that site lol) ~ … It is my dream to work for NOAA, am I shooting myself in the foot to call the HR person and say that? … I know that seems like a no-brainer with the answer being "YES! DON’T DO IT!". But I have a degree and am willing to work for free to be given a chance! I don’t have all the experience they are looking for but I know I could learn. Plus, the position is at the gs-01 pay grade which is literally entry level. So again, should I call the HR person?!?!?!?!
Tagged with: brainer • ccs • community colleges • cover letters • fax cover sheet • first person • hr person • job descriptions • jobs • quot • resume • resumes • usajobs gov
Filed under: Fax Cover sheets
I’m pretty familiar with both sides of the job application process using USAJOBS. Couple of quick answers—then more general stuff next:
Use of the word "I" is fine—but I generaly avoid it, myself. I structure my sentences in a chopped sort of way: "Responsible for this, Managed that."
No cover letter necessary—and go ahead and call the HR guy/gal.
It can’t hurt—and, if you’re really personable on the phone, they’ll make sure you don’t get lost in the shuffle. Plus, most Agencies use the same HR specialists over and over—the more they know your name, the better!
I’m a straight-to-the-point gal. HOWEVER, contrary to every fiber of my being, I have learned that Federal resumes are generally scanned using software called Resumix. It doesn’t care how long/short your resume is. It only hunts for words and give you a score. Less words that match the criteria = lower score…and maybe no interview (which is your immediate goal).
As such, my strong advice is to create at least 2 – 3 pages (single-spaced!) for your Federal-ONLY resume. Use lots of ACTION verbs! (guided, directed, lead, managed, designed)
Make sure it is electronic, because you may have to set up an account and cut-n-paste it into the appropriate web-site format. (I have faxed my applications in in the past, but it’s easier and simpler for the reviewer if you bite the bullet and put it in the system!)
Websites to check regularly (try every other day) include http://www.usajobs.opm.gov as well as http://www.cpol.army.mil (for Army civilian jobs—for some cryptic reason, they do not always use "usajobs"). Beware imitators!
Be prepared: Loading your resume into one of these websites can take 2 – 3 hours. The good news is that you can reuse your resume for subsequent announcements.
However—if the job description is appreciably diff from your existing resume…then go ahead and create a more tailored resume for the different job. (You can do this using the same account—just save to a diff name.)
Finally, I found that the best way to find a job is to get to know the folks you want to work for!!! Do research on the web—and if you’re brassy enough, look up a mid-level person in your chosen career and make a cold call. You just might get lucky!
So, get out there and do the right thing for you!! Good luck!!