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)
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.
Build Your Resume
Resume Builder offers free, HR-approved resume templates to help you create a professional resume in minutes.
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.
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.
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
Kevin Morrison
(123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio
123 Carpenter Street, Philadelphia PA, 12345
Profile
An Operations Manager with nine years of experience specializing in cross-functional leadership, human resources, team management, and process improvement. A strong history of leading diverse teams to ensure operational excellence across high traffic airports.
Eligibility
Country of Citizenship: United States of America
Veterans’ Preference: 5-point Preference
VEOA Eligibility: Yes
Availability: December 1st, 2022
Job Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full Time
Target Location: Philadelphia, PA
Professional Experience
General Manager, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA
July 2017 – Present
Oversee daily operations for a high-traffic airport with over 5K passengers, manage over $150M in annual P&L, and ensure the safety of passengers, flight crews, and personnel
Manage over 200+ personnel across 15 departments, oversee $5M in monthly payroll, and identify opportunities to streamline operations and reduce labor costs by 10%
Coordinate 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 regulations, import regulations, and export regulations across the airport
Managed inventory valued at $1.5M, scheduled maintenance for aircrafts, and ensured optimal staffing levels based on flight forecasts and foot traffic
Warehouse Manager, Comcast, Philadelphia, PA
May 2012 – July 2014
Managed 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
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Operations Management, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA | September 2008 – May 2012
High School Diploma, North Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA | September 2003 – June 2008
A Security Intelligence Analyst with 10+ years of experience analyzing high-level security threats, evaluating political risks, and providing corporate intelligence. A strong history of performing research to gather corporate intelligence across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Security Clearance
Top Secret Level Clearance, Active
Eligibility
Country of Citizenship: United States of America
Veterans’ Preference: 5-point Preference
VEOA Eligibility: Yes
Availability: December 1st, 2022
Job Type: Permanent
Work Schedule: Full Time
Target Location: Washington, DC
Professional Experience
Senior Security Analyst, Cadence Intelligence Agency, Washington, DC
July 2016 – Present
Define global research for a global business intelligence firm delivering high-level insights on political risks and corporate intelligence for government security agencies
Manage, build, and develop a 20-person intelligence research department conducting due diligence and risk analysis on international markets and sensitive political issues
Perform analysis on confidential financial data and coordinate with the corporate intelligence team to identify trends and uncover fraudulent activity
Business Intelligence Analyst, Centerline Technologies, Washington, DC
October 2013 – July 2016
Managed business intelligence operations for a premiere technology company, translated complex data sets into business reports, and conducted analysis on long-term market and financial trends to support data-driven decision-making
Identified opportunities to enhance data visualization for corporate leadership by implementing a new dashboard to consolidate business intelligence insights
Business Intelligence Analyst, Desmond Pharmaceuticals, Washington, DC
May 2011 – October 2013
Coordinated with the business intelligence team to perform data analysis on research findings, financial indicators, and forecasting to identify business trends and risks for five pharmaceutical product lines
Created business intelligence reports for senior management and business leaders
Education
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Business Intelligence , George Washington University, Washington, DC, September 2007 – May 2011
High School Diploma, Benjamin Banneker High School, Washington, DC, September 2003 – June 2007
Key Skills
Corporate Intelligence
Business Intelligence
Due Diligence
Political Risk Analysis
Security Intelligence
Cristina Mason
(123) 456-7890 [email protected] LinkedIn | Portfolio
Los Angeles, CA 12345
Profile
Dedicated firefighter and EMT with extensive experience in fire prevention and helping victims of house fires and road traffic collisions. Fully certified and highly trained in various firefighting methods and safety measures. Committed to continuous learning.
Key Skills
Emergency response
Fire prevention and safety
First aid
Group leadership
Quality assurance
Rapid solution-finding
Risk assessment
Professional Experience
Firefighter / EMT, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles, CA
October 2018 to present
Respond quickly to disaster situations, evaluate risk, and contain and extinguish fires, handling about 10 calls per week
Perform first aid or CPR on victims of smoke inhalation or other injuries
Lead a team of four responders as needed
Help maintain ladder truck, two ambulances, and six fire trucks to high standards
Firefighter / EMT, City of Fountain Valley Fire Department, Fountain Valley, CA
December 2012 to October 2018
Maintained and safely drove emergency response vehicles to provide prompt disaster assistance
Carried out risk assessments to help contain fires and other emergencies
Education and Professional Development
Associate of Science in Fire Science Technology, City College of San Francisco, CA | 2012
Emergency Medical Technician Training, Orange County EMT | 2012
Community-oriented police officer with over five years of advancement and experience. Calm and decisive in high-pressure situations; as a patrolman, resolved conflicts on the street 15% more often than the department average. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.
Key Skills
Collision investigation procedures
Community relations
Complex solution-finding
Conflict management and resolution
Crime prevention
Cross-department collaboration
Emergency management
Regulatory compliance
Reporting and documentation
Time management
Professional Experience
Police Officer, Tampa South Police Department, Tampa, FL
January 2020 to present
Patrol a large (15-square-mile) suburban area on foot and by car
Respond to about 60 calls per month about traffic incidents and alleged robbery, domestic violence, homicide, and other criminal activity
Highlights:
Named “Rookie of the Year” in 2020 and earned multiple commendations for heroism and public safety
Used Spanish fluency to improve relations between police and the local Hispanic community
Police Cadet, Tampa North Police Department, Tampa, FL
January 2018 to December 2019
Helped senior officers respond to reports of criminal activity and traffic incidents in a large downtown area
Engaged with citizens to build open communication and a strong presence in the region
Education
Associate of Arts — Law Enforcement, Tampa Community College, Tampa, FL | 2017
Police Academy Training, Tampa Police Academy, Tampa, FL | 2017
Efficient medical-surgical nurse with more than five years of military hospital experience. Build and maintain positive relationships with diverse health care professionals. Engage productively with government leaders and facility administrators. Bilingual: fluent in English and Spanish.
Key Skills
Cross-functional coordination
Equipment sterilization
Health care team collaboration
Medical services delivery
Medication and vaccine administration
Patient and family relations
Patient diagnosis and prognosis
Patient documentation
Patient education and instruction
Patient health examination
Process streamlining
Surgery preparation and facilitation
Task prioritization
Vital signs monitoring
Work culture improvement
Professional Experience
Medical-Surgical Nurse, BCB Health
November 2017 – present
40 hours per week | Supervisor: John Bergsen (123) 456-7890
Collaborate with doctors, nurse assistants, physical therapists, and other health care team members
Facilitate patients’ preparations for and recovery from routine surgical procedures
Educate and instruct patients on their prescribed medications
Administer necessary medications and vaccines to enlisted personnel
Highlights:
Worked with nurse managers to enhance several key sanitation procedures, raising efficiency by 8%
Recognized for helping build a more positive and collaborative work culture among nurse staff
Certified Nursing Assistant, MEQ Hospital, Nashville, TN
September 2015 – October 2017
36 hours per week | Supervisor: Meera Patel (555) 456-7890
Gained strong foundations in team collaboration in an acute health care setting
Education
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Languages
Fluency in Spanish | Proficiency in Italian
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
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.
Craft your perfect resume in minutes
Get 2x more interviews with Resume Builder. Access Pro Plan features for a limited time!
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.
Frank Hackett is a professional resume writer and career consultant with over eight years of experience. As the lead editor at a boutique career consulting firm, Frank developed an innovative approach to resume writing that empowers job seekers to tell their professional stories. His approach involves creating accomplishment-driven documents that balance keyword optimization with personal branding. Frank is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PAWRCC).
Ernestine Council is an accomplished chief recruiting executive with over 20 years of experience leading talent acquisition strategies and building high-performing teams across diverse industries. Council has a proven track record of attracting and retaining top talent through innovative recruitment practices and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Passionate about building engaged workforces, optimizing processes, and driving recruiting excellence.
