Robert Jurasek ⋅ Hollywood, FL Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ⋅ 45 years experience

Dear Tommy,

It’s true that Federal résumés are very different than their civilian counterparts. In the past, Federal resumes were often in the range of 7-8 pages long; now, 3-5 pages is considered optimal. However, I agree with Advisor- Mark Aldridge on including all of your experience—relative to the job announcement.

Equally important in Federal job applications is the section for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). The KSAs for a management position might be labeled: Ability to Achieve Results; Ability to Lead People; Skill in Building Relationships; and Ability to Lead Change. Each KSA is described in further detail, on the application.

The answers to the KSA questions generally range from I have no clue what you’re talking about, to I am a subject matter expert (SME) and people come to me for advice and training. The blank space after each KSA allows 10,000 characters for you to provide examples that justify your answer of being a SME.

And while the content of the résumé is very important and should be tailored to a specific job announcement, it also is important that the information be presented in the correct format of a Federal résumé. You mentioned the template on USAJOBS with the résumé builder and résumé tips that you can find at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/documents/resume/build/.

Additionally, The Resume Place (www.resume-place.com) has free résumé and KSA (Accomplishment) builders that might help you. On their website, click on Resources then select Free Builders, Federal Resume Samples, or Accomplishment Samples.

Good luck and thank you for your Service!

Sincerely,
Bob Jurasek

Mark Aldridge ⋅ Horseshoe Bend, ID FAA ⋅ 45 years experience

Tommy,

The answer to your question can vary depending on the Department or Agency you are applying to. For example, I work for the FAA and listing all your aviation experience, training and aircraft certifications is essential to getting hired.

Some of our managers hire from the job bank and others post vacancy announcements for specific jobs that you must directly apply for with a customized application. In the second instance, it is essential that you list your experience and training so that it aligns with the requirements of the job.

I hope this information is helpful.

Merry Christmas!

Lex Levin ⋅ Northborough, MA Lex Levin, LLC ⋅ 13 years experience

Tommy,

Happy to help you. I'm a full-time professional resume writer and a former Fed specializing for the last ten years in working with Active Duty and Reserve Service Members, Veterans, and Military Spouses transitioning to Federal or private sector work.

You can best get in touch with me through my website contact page: https://lexlevinllc.com/contact/.

Most Federal resumes run 4 to 6 pages these days. Federal cover letters are usually just one page long.

Happy holidays,

Lex

Rex Conger ⋅ Gilbert, SC Perry Memorial Hospital NR NH Pensacola ⋅ 50 years experience

Glad to help.

Cover Letters and Resumes are a ticket to gain the attention of the person/persons responsible for seeking candidates for a position.

You look at the position you want to apply for and then look at your background and experience that matches/exceeds what they are looking for and then amend your Cover Letter and Resume to show that you are the BEST CANDIDATE FOR THAT POSITION.

You don't need a bunch of information in your Cover Letter or Resume that is meaningless for the Hiring Manager. So your Cover Letter and Resume need to, ONLY BE, long enough for you to demonstrate that you have the background and experience they are seeking and are the best candidate for the position.

Your first paragraph in both documents need to grab their attention and make them want to read further - but that is where it ends. "Like a great actor - leave them wanting more!"

I've reviewed Cover Letters that were one paragraph and Resumes that less than a page. I've also reviewed Cover Letters that were a single page and Resumes that were two pages - it totally depends on what you need to provide to have them see you are the best candidate.

BEST WISHES ON YOUR SEARCH