If you're applying for a government job in the United States, using a standard resume format just won’t cut it. You’ll need a federal resume, which is a highly detailed document that aligns with strict federal application guidelines. It’s not just about your job history — it’s about showcasing your qualifications in a way that matches exact job announcements on USAJOBS.gov.
Federal resumes are typically longer than private-sector resumes, often stretching up to five pages. They require specific information like job series numbers, hours worked per week, and detailed descriptions of accomplishments and duties.
To help you better understand what a proper federal resume looks like, here’s a manually written example of federal resume tailored to a common government role: Administrative Officer (GS-0341-09).
FEDERAL RESUME EXAMPLE: ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (GS-0341-09)
Name: Jane L. Applicant
Address: 1234 Elmwood Drive, Washington, DC 20001
Phone: (202) 555-6789
Email: jane.applicant@example.com
Citizenship: United States
Federal Status: No (Applying under competitive status)
Veterans’ Preference: None
Job Announcement Number: USAJOBS-2025-XYZ123
WORK EXPERIENCE
Administrative Coordinator
Department of Veterans Affairs — Washington, DC
GS-0341-07 | Full-time | 40 hours/week
01/2020 – Present
Supervisor: Michael Thompson (202) 555-1234 | Permission to contact: Yes
Serve as the primary administrative support to the Deputy Director, managing day-to-day operations and resource allocation across four departments.
Developed and implemented a digital filing system that reduced paperwork processing time by 30%.
Collaborated with HR to streamline onboarding procedures, ensuring new hires completed federal compliance training within the first week.
Prepared monthly operational reports and presented key data to senior leadership.
Managed purchasing processes, including procurement requests and vendor communications, in compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR).
Office Assistant
U.S. Department of Agriculture — Arlington, VA
GS-0303-05 | Full-time | 40 hours/week
06/2017 – 12/2019
Supervisor: Sarah Miller (703) 555-0009 | Permission to contact: Yes
Scheduled meetings and maintained calendars for three program managers.
Tracked supply inventory and submitted requisition forms through the GSA system.
Drafted routine correspondence and handled confidential records in accordance with agency guidelines.
Assisted with data entry for budget tracking, ensuring 100% accuracy for quarterly audits.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
University of Maryland – College Park, MD
Graduation Date: May 2017
GPA: 3.72 / 4.0
CERTIFICATIONS
Project Management Certificate – George Washington University, 2022
Federal Budgeting Workshop – OPM Training Center, 2023
SKILLS
Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Federal procurement systems (FPDS, GSA Advantage)
Time management and organizational strategy
Interagency communication and reporting
JOB-RELATED TRAINING
Introduction to Federal Budget Process – 20 hours (2023)
Records Management Training (National Archives) – 10 hours (2022)
AWARDS
Employee of the Quarter – VA Administrative Division, Q2 2022
Certificate of Appreciation – USDA Office of Operations, 2019
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR WRITING A FEDERAL RESUME
Follow USAJOBS Resume Builder or Upload a Structured Document: Stick to the federal format — vague or generic resumes will be disqualified.
Use Keywords from the Job Announcement: Tailor your resume using exact phrases from the duties and qualifications section of the job post.
Quantify Accomplishments: Federal hiring managers value measurable results — include numbers and percentages where possible.
Include All Required Information: Like supervisor names, contact numbers, dates, hours per week, and your GS grade (if applicable).
Keep It Clear but Detailed: A federal resume can span several pages, but clarity and relevance are key.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How long should a federal resume be?
A federal resume is usually 4 to 6 pages, depending on your experience. It’s expected to be more detailed than a private-sector resume.
2. Can I use my regular resume for a government job?
No. Government jobs require a federal resume format, which includes additional information such as hours worked per week and supervisor details.
3. Do I need to include every job I’ve had?
Only include relevant work experience, but make sure your history clearly supports the qualifications listed in the job announcement.
4. How do I make my federal resume stand out?
Use keywords from the job post, quantify your achievements, and tailor your duties to reflect what the agency is looking for.
Creating a compelling example of federal resume like the one above can be the difference between landing an interview and missing out. Invest the time to write a thorough, job-specific federal resume that aligns perfectly with the agency’s requirements — your next government career opportunity depends on it.
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