Re: USA APPLICATION

Resumes should not go on for pages. Trust me, too many words, many selecting officials will move on to the next application without reading everything you've written. Pare it down; you don't need to use long, compound sentences. As a matter of fact, you can probably skip using sentences altogether and just list your KSAs and achievements (results). You need to catch their attention. You can reel them in at the interview!

Re: Think of it as an application, not a resume

When was the last time you filled out an "application?" I see announcements for positions that require you to write out your entire life on paper. No one could possibly need that much information in order to consider a person for a job. I have sent out applications with information on them and when I am invited to an interview, I am told that "no one has had the time to read your application - can you provide the information verbally so that we don't have to read it? It has become totally ridiculous. That much information is not needed to determine if a person is suited for a position - private industry hires with a resume, why can't the government do it the same way? Seems like things are made hard and complicated when they don't have to be!

Re: Think of it as an application, not a resume

No one wants "your entire life on paper" - however, it IS necessary for Federal agencies to request a deeper level of personal information than what is standard on a resume. For one thing, the typical government application is an official document that requires your signature attesting to the accuracy of the info; your unsigned resume could be science fiction with the employer forced to take a "caveat emptor" approach. HR in a Fed agency must verify citizenship; veterans status; in some cases, scholastic grade point average; & always, security/sensitivity/suitability considerations. Further, the typical white-collar Federal job is heavily information-based. If an applicant is NOT comfortable sharing a certain level of personal information, for whatever reason, one could question how well-suited they would be to the information-related demands of the job. If you think the application process requires a lot of "stuff", wait until in-processing on the first day on the job.

Re: Think of it as an application, not a resume

One point I'd like to make here is this...when an HR specialist gets an application, they are determining your qualifications for the position. So let's say the job is advertised at multiple grades levels, you need to be sure that your application is detailed enough to ensure that you are determined to be qualified for all grade levels. And, you should always specify that you want to be considered for all grade levels eligible.

Why can't the Federal govt use a typical resume...well because we want to give you the highest grade possible...qualifications are determined based on (1) education alone, (2) experience alone unless the occupation has a positive education requirement, and/or (3) a combination of education and experience. It's in your best interest to include more detailed information. Otherwise the HR community may only be able to qualify you based solely on education which may be at a lower grade than you could have qualified for.

Re: Think of it as an application, not a resume

Well, I just went on an interview. The long application that I had filled out had been condensed to just a few pages. The manager stated that he did not have time to read it, so if I did not mind, could I tell him about myself so that he did not have to read it. He played with his "Blackberry" during the interview. I was invited to the second round of interviews - but I must say that the first interview was the worst interview that I have ever had. The interviewer said that he did not know exactly what position, what the grade of the position was, what office, etc. He stated that he only know that there were some vacancies in some of the offices, but not which vacancies had been announced or the grade level of the available positions. So now when they call me back for the second interview, I will have to ask for what position and at what grade level. I know what I applied for, but have no idea of what I was interviewed for. My plans are to decline the second interview.

Re: Think of it as an application, not a resume

To HR Spec., VA - in the real world that does not happen. If you check all of the information on an application, why do you turn around and ask again? If you verify my citizenship, why am I required more than once to prove that I am a citizen? I think the process is more about endurance.....can I put you through the wringer and still keep your interest in a Federal job. And why once a person is in the Federal workforce, should they have to go through the process over and over again if they want to move to another Federal agency? It just does not make sense - the initial hiring process may possibly have to involve a little more, but once in Federal employment it should all be streamlined. The Federal Government is losing out on the best and the brightest because of this ridiculous process of Federal hiring. Work smarter, not harder!

Re: Think of it as an application, not a resume

To Analyst, USDA...I personally do not believe all that bunk about the federal government losing out on the best and brightest.

In terms of once in the system, you should already have a good resume to use and then just be able to apply and address any questions asked. Why should the process be different? It's a COMPETITIVE hiring process which means that applicants both internal and external have to compete. Be glad that some agencies still make people compete...my agency is just giving promotions away to people while others who could do the job never get a chance to compete for it.

Re: length

As long as you feel it needs to be. There is no page limit on the Federal resume. Just keep in mind that the reader may lose interest if you ramble on and on and on...

Re: length

Your resume should be of adequate lenght to discuss work that is relevant to the job you're applying for. If you're applying for a relatively low level position (GS-7 equivalent or below), or a position with straighforward requirements (e.g., non-management), or you lack experience, probably two pages max. If you are applying for a more complex job, try to limit your description of previous work to two pages, with bullet point lists or tables, and accomplishments/pubs on a separate page. List all jobs held but only relevant skills & duties. Include all education, and relevant training.

Don't exaggerate your duties or use jargon. This only irritates federal staffing specialists.

And some federal applications do have page/word/character limits - at least those submitted electronically.

Re: Confused

Admittedly, you get some conflicting answers. If I could offer one piece of advice to anyone, it would be to put the word "resume" out of your mind; resumes are intended largely for private-sector employment. The word "resume" is used a lot in government circles because it is politically correct; it sounds good, i.e. like something private enterprise does & therefore something to be emulated by govt. In reality, no one gets hired in the Fed without completing some laborious government form, then completing more forms processing in on the first day of work. If in doubt about how much info to provide, I would add in whatever you think might be applicable. It's easier for HR and selecting officials to ignore what they don't need than to request info which was omitted.