| Federal Resumes and Military Transitions are very different from each other. Which one do I need or do I need both?
A Federal Resume is the most important document for starting or advancing your federal government career. A Federal Resume is different from a private-industry resume because it is typically longer and contains some basic "compliance" information required by government personnel. It is a critical marketing presentation, career summary, and personal presentation. It is not just an outline of your jobs and dates. It is a carefully focused, well-written, clearly organized and professionally presented career package that can help you win jobs and earn promotions. The Federal Resume utilizes a reverse-chronological format (most recent positions first) and could range from two to ten pages. Federal resumes are strategically developed to incorporate the all important key words and core competencies that you take you to the top of the qualification selection.
Military Transition Resumes translate your military experience to relevant opportunities in the civilian marketplace. It is a much shorter document - limited to a two page resume, cover letter, and list of references. As a member of the Military, you have gained a wealth of experience, training, and education. You are qualified to work in a variety of civilian and contractor positions, both as a team member and a leader. For a Military Transition resume, we review your military background and match your skills and experience to civilian job requirements and of course "LISTEN" and conform to your career marketing goals. We translate ranks, titles, jargon, missions, and acronyms, allowing corporate employers to understand your career history. We review your duties and accomplishments, creating an individualized, dynamic package that highlights how the skills you obtained in the military translate to civilian workplaces. In other words, we enlighten the civilian hiring managers and ensure they understand the "VALUE" you bring to their organization.

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Writing A Federal Resume
Writing A Federal Resume
When it comes time to respond to that Federal job opening, you need to send a resume designed for that purpose. There is a large difference between a Federal resume and one used in the civilian sector. Federal resumes require much more information and other details showing how you qualify for the position. Here are some details about how you should go about writing a Federal resume.
Measure up!
You need, first, to make sure that you read the qualifications for the position in the ad. Besides giving the job title and type of work, this information will be followed by rather specific qualifications that any would-be candidate must meet. These are expected to eliminate those that do not meet the criteria - so if you do not measure up - look for another position. Don't waste your time applying for a Federal job position you are not qualified to do - you will not get it.
Optional Form OF 612!
A standard form was quite suitable for the purpose of supplying the job position with the required information. This form was called the SF 171. Now it has been more or less replaced with the newer Optional Form OF 612. This newer form actually reduces some of the information that you need to supply the government. Other changes, though, may require you to submit one of that particular agency’s forms for an application. This means that you will need to check with that agency's Web site beforehand to make sure you follow their instructions.
KSAs:
Be sure that you answer all of the information required. Other paperwork will probably be asked for. The federal resume application package often requires statements known as KSAs: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities that relate to the announcement.With each job opening, there may be up to six KSA's that are specifically requested. This simply refers to your knowledge, skills, and abilities - generally looking for information about your achievements, education, certifications, etc.
This requires that you write a paragraph or two about any specific KSA that is asked for. It will show why you are the best candidate for the position, so you do not want to leave any KSA requirement unanswered. You want to answer all KSA's carefully and with much attentiveness to detail - probably the more information is the better way to go, rather than to supply too little. We have experience in preparing KSA's as stand alone documents or together with your federal resume. The truth is that a Federal resume will show that you are generally qualified for the job, but it is the KSA's that prove you best fit the exact position. A "Federal Resume" is formatted to highlight this specialized information. Each KSA receives a grade from the HR manager - so they need to be just as well written as your resume.

Keywords:
Another feature of major importance that needs to be put into the Federal resume is having the right keywords. Resumes are often put into computers and then they are all scanned by keywords. Generally, a resume must have several keywords in order for the computer to have it show up at all. Federal Resumes need to include the correct key words required for the job(s) being applied for.You will find most of the needed keywords in the ad itself. It is very important that you especially use them - if you want the government job.
It is also important to note the location of the job. Generally the location will be listed, as well as whether or not expenses for relocation will be given. Be sure to note your response concerning relocation on your Federal resume if you do not live in the area. If you do not include the right keywords, your Federal Resume will be less likely to be one of those selected for review by the hiring authority.
You will also need to supply information about whether or not you are claiming military preference with the job application, and if you had prior Federal job experience. All information will need to be verified if you actually become a candidate for the position, and you will need to fill out and sign the proper form. The main idea here is that you cannot follow the same rules for federal resumes as for civilian ones.
Writing a federal resume and completing a federal job application packet are not jobs for the inexperienced. In order to make sure that your Federal resume gets the attention it deserves, you may want to have a professional resume service write your Federal resume. A powerful resume written by federal resume specialists gives you a big advantage over your competitors. They know all the things that make it stand out so you look good to the potential employer - and their computer. After all, you may have only one chance at your dream job.
Barbara Adams, President & CEO of CareerPro Global, the parent company of www.careerproplus.com and www.militaryresumewriters.com has been a member of the careers community for the past 17 years. Ms. Adams holds four distinctive certifications. CareerProPlus is one the fastest growing Civilian, Military, Federal and Resume Writing and Careers Coaching companies in the industry. Barbara's team of Certified Professional Federal and Military Resume Writers assist thousands of clients applying for and gaining employment each year. Questions may be emailed to badams@careerprocenter.net .

The Federal Government is hiring and there are thousands of job openings each day. Writing a federal resume and completing a federal job application packet are not jobs for the inexperienced or faint of heart. Federal Resumes need to include the key words required for the job being applied for.
The federal resume application package usually requires supplemental statements known as KSAs: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities that relate to the announcement. A "federal resume" is formatted to highlight this specialized information. A powerful resume written by federal resume specialists gives you a big advantage over your competitors. Successfully Writing a Federal Resume applying for a vacancy in the federal government is considerably different than in a private company.
On-line Federal resumes and applications are searched electronically for the key words required for the position. If you do not include the right keywords, your Federal Resume will not be one of those selected for further review by the hiring authority. Professional Militay resume writers can help you with other documents in the federal application packet, so if your dream is being hired for a federal job, find a qualified professional who will help you get through this process successfully.
Additionally we have experience in preparing KSA's as stand alone documents or together with your federal resume. We can also improve, enhance, edit and format your Federal resume draft that you have prepared. The bottom line here is that you cannot follow the same rules for federal resumes as for civilian ones. Our specialty is federal resumes and packages required for federal employment.

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