As you know, federal resumes are now limited to 2 pages. While many of you have adjusted, others are still struggling. Here are some things to know:
- The requirement for submitting a two-page resume should be clearly stated in the “How to Apply” and “Required Documents” sections of the job announcement. Applicants should adhere to the requirements outlined in the job opportunity announcement; failure to do so will result in your elimination (or only the first 2 pages read and considered).
- Be sure to include your contact information including Name, Phone, Email address. Some postings require street address, City, and ST, so I recommend making these additional items “standard” on your resume.
- In add instances, prioritize your recent and relevant experience
- Use precise language and align your language with that from the job posting
- Focus on skills and competencies—use accomplishments to demonstrate those skills and competencies
- Remove outdated (typically >10 years) or unrelated experience
Below, you will see a chart with some additional information:
| Relevant Work Experience | Education/Certification/ Licensure | Optional Details |
| For each relevant work experience, make sure you include: – Job Title and Employer (including series and grade for any Federal position) – Start and end dates with month/year (e.g.,05/2019-08/2022) – The number of hours you worked per week (no extra credit for more than 40!) Ensure work experience descriptions are aligned with the job announcement and address all required qualifications. Brief descriptions should demonstrate your ability to perform the tasks at the required level as stated in the job announcement. | When relevant or required for the position, include your possession of education/certification/license and provide any required documentation such as transcripts, and/or details (type and date) of certification and license. Education information should include: – Name of institution – Completion date – Degree type – GPA | When relevant, include: – Current security clearance – Job-related training – Language skills – Organizations and affiliations – Professional publications – Eligibility for special programs (e.g., military spouse, individuals with disabilities, etc.) |
If you are still struggling to condense your federal resume into the new two-page format while maintaining impact and compliance, don’t hesitate to contact us for our resume writing services so we can help you present your qualifications strategically, clearly, and competitively.
