Federal resumes follow a unique structure that differs significantly from resumes in the private sector. To create an impactful federal resume, craft an accomplishment-driven document that highlights your career achievements while maintaining compliance with government requirements. Understanding these prerequisites is essential for obtaining a federal job. We’ll walk you through the unique aspects of federal resumes and provide expert tips to help you land your next big opportunity.

Federal Resume Templates and Examples (Download in App)

Supply Chain Manager Resume Example

Why this supply chain manager resume example is strong:

 

This resume begins by establishing the applicant’s eligibility for the position so recruiters know where they stand before reading further.


Operations Manager Resume Example

Why this operations manager resume example is strong:

 

This resume summarizes nearly a decade of specialized experience and highlights their achievements in each of the roles in their work experience section.


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Security Intelligence Analyst Resume Example

Why this security intelligence analyst resume example is strong:

 

By opening with a strong profile and the applicant’s security clearance, a quick scan of just the beginning of the resume will tell recruiters how well suited they are for the position.


Firefighter Resume Example

Why this firefighter resume example is strong:

 

This resume calls out both education and professional development in one section to show how the applicant has grown in their career.


Law Enforcement Resume Example

Why this law enforcement resume example is strong:

 

The following resume made it easy for hiring managers to see career highlights like “rookie of the year” and included separate sections to make it easy to find the applicant's certifications and language skills.


Military Nurse Resume Example

Why this military nurse resume example is strong:

 

This resume highlights key skills, calls out career highlights in a way that makes it easy for a recruiter to quickly notice them and sets apart the applicant’s language skills in a separate heading for easy scanning.


Federal Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Security Intelligence Analyst
  • Firefighter
  • Law Enforcement
  • Military Nurse

Raheem Richardson 
(123) 456-7890
[email protected]
LinkedIn | Portfolio
123 Bedford Avenue, New York, NY, 12345

Profile

A Supply Chain Manager

with seven years of experience specializing in supply chain management, logistics, vendor management, and fleet management. A proven track record of identifying cost reductions for multimillion-dollar supply chains both domestically and globally.

Eligibility
  • Country of Citizenship: United States of America
  • Veterans’ Preference: No
  • VEOA Eligibility: No
  • Availability: December 1st, 2022
  • Job Type: Permanent
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Target Location: New York, NY
Professional Experience

Supply Chain Manager, Boeing, New York, NY
July 2017 – Present

  • Manage and prepare 10-15 RFPs and RFQs daily and coordinate all aspects of the procurement process for $15M contracts related to military equipment and aircraft
  • Identify opportunities to reduce procurement and delivery costs for contracts by $1.5M-$3M by consolidating customer demand and supply
  • Lead a team of 15+ supply chain coordinators, analysts, and procurement specialists to evaluate technical requirements and create scope of work for client RFPs

Supply Chain Manager, NorthEast Logistics Co., New York, NY
June 2015 – July 2017

  • Managed a fleet of 25+ vehicles valued at $300K, oversaw procurement and fulfillment activities, and ensured a 92% on-time delivery rate for construction materials
  • Drove initiatives to enhance fleet management operations, reduce delivery delays, and enhance route planning to reduce fuel and labor costs by $150K per year

Supply Chain Coordinator, Arthur Transportation Inc., New York, NY
June 2014 – July 2015

  • Provided support to the supply chain manager to identify process gaps, evaluate transportation costs, and evaluate vendor proposals to reduce procurement costs
  • Gathered, analyzed, and delivered data to the supply chain team on supplier performance to ensure adherence with contractual agreements and quality standards
Education
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Supply Chain Management , University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY September 2010 – June 2014
  • High School Diploma, Brooklyn Central High School, New York, NY September 2006 – June 2010
Key Skills
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics
  • Fleet Management
  • Procurement
  • RFPs & RFQs
Certifications
  • Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), 2017
  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), 2015

How To Write a Federal Resume

1. Summarize your federal qualifications in a dynamic profile

Unlike a typical resume, your federal one must include an eligibility section that provides key information for government agencies. When applying for a federal job, give important details such as veterans’ benefits, eligibility under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA), preferred location, citizenship status, desired job type, work schedule, and availability. Failing to include this information in your federal resume could result in your job application being rejected without further consideration of your qualifications.

According to expert recruiter Ernestine Council, those who “join the ranks of federal employees shaping the nation’s future with integrity and commitment embark on a path where dedication meets duty, where service transcends self.”

Eligibility Section Example


Eligibility

Country of Citizenship: U.S.
Veterans’ Preference: 5-point preference
VEOA Eligibility: Yes
Availability: December 1, 2024
Job Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full Time
Target Location: Philadelphia, PA

2. Outline your federal experience in a compelling list

When applying for jobs in the private sector, you may opt to leave off older jobs and experiences that aren’t aligned with your current career goals. On a federal resume, you need to provide a comprehensive timeline of your professional experience. Government agencies typically run thorough background checks on candidates, and it’s important to understand that all of this information will likely be verified. You aren’t subject to length constraints on a federal resume, so including older positions won’t impact your ability to highlight your most recent experience and achievements.

Federal Resume Professional Experience Example


Professional Experience

General Manager, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA 
July 2017 – present

  • Oversee daily operations for a high-traffic airport with over 5,000 passengers, manage over $150 million in annual profit and loss (P&L), and ensure the safety of passengers, flight crews, and personnel
  • Manage over 200 personnel across 15 departments, oversee $5 million in monthly payroll, and identify opportunities to streamline operations and reduce labor costs by 10%
  • Orchestrate the delivery of cultural awareness and racial sensitivity to all personnel to promote diversity and prevent discrimination

Operations Manager, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA 
June 2014 – July 2017

  • Coordinated with the general manager and operations team to ensure compliance with safety as well as import and export regulations across the airport
  • Managed inventory valued at $1.5 million, scheduled maintenance for aircraft, and ensured optimal staffing levels based on flight forecasts and foot traffic

Warehouse Manager, Comcast, Philadelphia, PA 
May 2012 – July 2014

  • Directed operations for seven warehouses across the Greater Philadelphia area and identified opportunities to enhance driver utilization, optimize route planning, and reduce outbound freight costs by 25% over two years

3. List any education and certifications relevant to federal roles

Put all of your education on a federal resume, including your high school diploma. Also include your GPA, even if it’s below 3.0. Certifications and credentials should be featured prominently, as these may be requirements for certain types of positions. Showcasing certifications is also a good strategy for highlighting your industry expertise and qualifications for government agencies.

Education

Template

  • [Degree Name]
  • [School Name], [City, State Abbreviation] [Dates Enrolled]

Example

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Supply Chain Management
  • University of Syracuse, Syracuse, NY September 2010 – June 2014
  • High School Diploma
  • Brooklyn Central High School, New York, NY September 2006 – June 2010

Certifications

Template

  • [Certification Name], [Awarding Organization], [Completion Year]

Example

  • Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), 2017
  • Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), 2015

4. Outline your most useful federal skills and proficiencies

Government agencies utilize Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) just as much as companies in the private sector. Incorporate keywords from the job announcement into your federal resume to achieve ATS compliance. It’s also important to provide specific examples of you using these skill sets and industry knowledge rather than only listing them in your skills section. Below are potential keywords across a broad range of industries:

Key Skills and Proficiencies
Accounting Business intelligence
Continuous improvement Corporate intelligence
Cross-functional collaboration Data analytics
Engineering Financial analysis
Financial reporting Health care management
Information technology Operations management
Political risk analysis Process improvement
Project management Quality assurance
Risk management Security
Supply chain management Team management

5. Feature volunteerism and community service

On a standard resume for the private sector, you would typically prioritize your industry experience over volunteerism in most instances. Federal resumes are different; however, community service is important to highlight when applying for government jobs. Hiring agencies are drawn to candidates with a strong background in public service, so feature relevant volunteer experience on your resume.

How To Pick the Best Federal Resume Template

For federal resumes, select a well-organized, straightforward template that uses minimal color. Although modern templates may seem visually appealing, flashy colors and bulky graphics are often distracting for hiring agencies. This is especially true for federal resumes, as the hiring manager will be reviewing a larger amount of information in comparison to typical resumes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Federal Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for federal resumes?-

It’s easy to run out of action verbs as you build your resume. Often few verbs can describe your professional experience and accomplishments accurately. Using the same verbs repeatedly may cause your bullet points to appear redundant. We’ve compiled a list of action verbs to build your resume:

Action Verbs
Analyzed Built
Collaborated Conducted
Coordinated Created
Delivered Developed
Enhanced Evaluated
Executed Identified
Implemented Led
Managed Oversaw
Performed Planned
Supervised Supported
How do you align your resume with a job announcement?-

Federal jobs offer lucrative salaries and benefits, so carefully align your resume with the job announcement to differentiate yourself from the competition. Each announcement has a detailed description on usajobs.gov and includes specific keywords and qualifications that match the posting.

It’s also important to remember that each job announcement has a specific grade that varies depending on the level of experience required for the role. Apply for an opportunity that matches your current grade. A higher-level position may require you to take additional measures to ensure your resume is perfectly tailored to that particular job announcement.

What is the best federal resume format?-

Although federal resumes are unique in many aspects, it is best to still employ a reverse chronological approach as you build your document. This ensures your most recent experience is featured toward the top of the resume. A functional resume format needs to be avoided in this instance, as a federal job application is expected to have much more detail than a standard resume.

How long should my federal resume be?-

A federal resume should typically be one page long, especially if you have less than 10 years of experience. A two-page resume may be appropriate for seasoned professionals with extensive achievements, but only if every detail adds value to your candidacy. Focus on conciseness and relevance by tailoring your resume to the job you're applying for. Highlight your most impactful accomplishments, certifications, and key skills rather than listing every career detail.

Including work experience from the last 10 to 15 years is generally recommended. Older positions can be summarized briefly or omitted unless highly relevant. Remember, your resume is a snapshot of your qualifications, not an exhaustive career history. Prioritize clarity and impact to make a strong impression.

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Expert Advice
Include a cover letter with your resume

Cover letters can be beneficial for federal job applications. It allows you to showcase other aspects of yourself as a professional that wouldn’t fit in your resume. In the middle paragraphs, mention the government agency and why you’re drawn to apply for the position. This will show hiring managers your vested interest in government programs and initiatives, which may give you an edge over the competition during your job search. For more information, view our cover letter examples.

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