Should It Stay or Should It Go?

Hardly anyone likes to write a resume. One thing to think about is what to include—and what to leave out. Let’s look at both:

What should I include in a federal resume?

Federal jobs often require that you have experience in a particular type of work for a certain period of time. You must show how your skills and experiences meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job.

• Include important contact information. Don’t forget to add current contact information. Most job applications require this information:
• Address
• Email
• Phone number

Read the job opportunity carefully to make sure you have included all required contact information.

• Include dates, hours, level of experience and examples for each work experience. For each work experience you list, make sure you include:
• Start and end dates (including the month and year—some agencies require the days too!).
• The number of hours you worked per week.
• The level and amount of experience—for instance, whether you served as a project manager or a team member helps to illustrate your level of experience.
• Examples of relevant experiences and accomplishments that prove you can perform the tasks at the level required for the job as stated in the job announcement. Your experience needs to address every required qualification.
• Include volunteer work and roles in community organizations. Don’t limit yourself to only including paid work experience. Include relevant volunteer work or community organizations roles that demonstrate your ability to do the job.

What should I leave out of my federal resume?

Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume:

• Classified or government sensitive information
• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Photos of yourself
• Personal information, such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
• Encrypted and digitally signed documents

Following the rules for federal applications—all of which are clearly outlined in every job announcement—will help your resume receive the attention it deserves!