Preparing Your Resume

Building Your USAJobs Resume

Applicants may now submit a standard resume or build one on USAJobs. Listed below are a few suggestions:

• The USAJOBS Resume Builder allows applicants to create and choose up to five resumes to submit for all agencies.
• The resume should capture what Personnel (Human Resource Specialists) and hiring managers need to know that are outlined in this document (items to include; resume rules).
• The resume allows applicants to tailor their resumes for the specific position of interest.

Preparing Your Information

• Applicants should follow these standard resume rules:
• Study the job announcement
• Prepare your “sales pitch” in your cover letter
• Identify your “major” accomplishments upfront on your resume – in bullets
• Tailor your resume for the position of interest
• Pay attention to “key” words
• Link desired skills to your current and prior work experience
• Emphasize (underline) critical information, programs, major initiatives/projects
• Write concisely, using proper grammar and plain language
• Quantify results you have achieved in your work experience; give examples
• State your “significant” contributions to achieving results, successes, and best practices
• Edit and proofread before submitting your resume

What Must Be Included

All applicants must include the following items on their resume:

• Full name, address, phone number, email address and references
• Work experience, both paid and non-paid (volunteer work experience opportunities)
• Training and skills
• Certifications and awards
• Type of education received including:
  • Name of the school, city, state, zip and the date they received their degree
  • If degree was not completed, total credit hours earned in what academic areas
  • Foreign degrees must be evaluated by a nationally recognized Accrediting Agency