Preparing Effective ResumesThursday August 11th 1:15pmFriday August 12th 10:15am

New Orleans, Louisiana

Annual Business Meeting & Training Seminar“AIM...Paving a Pathway to Possibilities”

Dawn L. Hewitt

Joseph F. Ford III

Steps to landing your next Federal job.

Resumes are one of the most fundamental elements of any job search, yet there are many misconceptions out there. Even the most experienced workers are confused about what a resume should say. Think of a resume as a marketing tool.

During this workshop learn how to prepare a comprehensive resume - a resume that provides an overview of your skills and job history that displays relevant experience and information that shows you are a good fit. Specific techniques will be discussed in order to ensure that the new process for applying for vacancies is utilized.

All Resumes

Include “The Basics”• Identify Yourself• Education/Professional

Training• Work/Professional Experience• Activities• Work Skills• Associations/Memberships

Editing Checklist• Perfect spelling/grammar• Neat/Professional• 1 to 2 pages long• Clear Margins—no “crowding”• Organized Layout• Emphasis to highlight focus

Quality Suggestions:

Validate results with dollars, percentages, numbers

Use positive action verbs for accomplishments

Simplify and bullet point information when possible

The Federal ResumeThe federal resume will be different than a private sector resume:

• May be slightly longer

• Qualifications listed are used to confirm eligibility by Human ResourcesPast and/or current federal employmentVeteran QualificationsDisability StatusNon-Competitive appointment information

• May require some additional information

Ensure You…

Do your homework first:

• Read the job announcement carefully

• Note all the steps needed to complete the application process

• Tailor your resume and application to key words found in the posting

Application Requirements:

• Create your resume

• Complete the steps posted online

• Submit the completed application by posted deadline

• Follow up with the appropriate agency contact

Sections of the Federal Resume

• Candidate Information• Work Experience• Education • References• Affiliations • Desired locations

Creating a Federal ResumeLog into your account.

Creating a Federal Resume

Click on Resumes

Creating a Federal Resume

Here you can set the confidentiality of your resume. If you leave your resume as non-confidential, agencies will be able to review your personal information when they are reviewing resumes.

Creating a Federal Resume

The first section is the “Candidate Information” section. Most fields will already be filled out.

Creating a Federal Resume

The “Highest Career Level Achieved” tab was created by USAJOBS.GOV to assist in determining if you're eligible to complete an SES formatted resume for executive positions.

Creating a Federal Resume

Clicking “yes” on the Federal Employee tab will bring up a section for you to fill in your current federal employment information.

Creating Federal Resume

Work experience

In this section, you will want to input your employment history. Enter one position at a time with the opportunity to enter more.

Creating a Federal Resume

After completing work experience, you can input your education.

Creating a Federal Resume

In the “Job Related Training” section, you can enter in any relevant information, up to 5,000 characters. This would include training and development classes from previous jobs as well as current federal employment activity.

Creating a Federal Resume

All reference information on this page is optional but may be required for certain positions. Check the posting for required items.

Creating a Federal Resume

Here you can add any additional languages you speak, write or read. You may also input any organizations you are affiliated with.

Creating a Federal Resume

List any professional publications in which your work has appeared.

Creating a Federal Resume

In the “Additional Information” section, you may list any honors, awards and skills that the vacancy announcement is requesting or that will lend a positive light on your ability to perform the posted job.

Creating a Federal Resume

The availability section is only used when agencies are searching resumes. This section will not eliminate you when applying for jobs.

Creating a Federal Resume

The “Looking for Specific Job Environment” section is used when an agency is searching resumes.

Creating a Federal Resume

The “Desired Location” screen is also used when agencies are searching resumes.

Creating a Federal Resume

From this page, you will choose to save or activate the resume.

Creating a Federal Resume

Now that you have created a resume, you are able to view, edit, duplicate, delete or renew your resume as needed by signing on to your account and making necessary enhancements and changes.

Applying Process

After you locate and apply for a job posting, the agency will assess the applicant for the position in the following ways:

• Application questionnaire• Essays (sometimes called KSAs)

Knowledge Skill Abilities

What is KSAKSA is an acronym for:

Knowledge, Skill and Abilities. You should:

• Specifically address each KSA in your application, providing examples of how your past experience prepares you for this new role.

• Write in complete sentences in first person, using specific examples

• Vary in length, using 2-3 example paragraphs

Agencies commonly require essays as part of the application to address characteristics they seek:

• Used to determine the best qualified candidate

• Vary, depending on the job

The Most Effective Approach To Answering KSAs

The CCAR MethodC: Context

C: Challenges

A: Action

R: Results

CCAR Method: Context

Describe the specific problem you had to address. What did you have to:

solve resolve respond to handle

CCAR Method: Challenges

Describe the factors that contributed to a particular challenge such as:

budget cuts new legislation institutional reform new goals from upper management

CCAR Method: Action

Describe the steps you took to solve the problem.

Be Specific Stay away from the ordinary – be

*extra*ordinary in your response.

CCAR Method: Result

Describe the outcomes of your actions $, %, #, grades. What was the difference you made? Highlight the best—include incentives,

contests, or team activities that enhanced the end results

Tips For Applying

• Plan aheadAllow plenty of time to complete or adjust the resume. Up to five

versions of your resume may be stored in your account for use in applying for different types of postings

• Select CarefullyAlways consider using a tailored application for each vacancy you

apply.

• Prepare for a waitDon’t assume you’ve been rejected if you do not hear back within

weeks of applying.

• Follow-up with an agencyContact the identified representative to learn the status of your

application or find out more about the job.

What Happens Next

• After the closing dates for the applications, the agencies evaluate the candidate’s qualifications.

• From this assessment, the agency produces a list of qualified candidates.

• From this list, the agency selects the top candidates for interviews.

• After the interview, the best candidate is selected. (some agencies require security clearance)

Summary

• Federal agencies hire the best and brightest, and getting a federal position is competitive.

• Increase your chances by following these clear steps:

-Research potential opportunities regularly

-Consider various employment avenues

-Follow the application directions carefully

Thank youQ&A

We are keeping it “Green”

Please provide your email address before leaving to have the links and resources

sent to you for this workshop.