What Is a USAJobs Resume?

A USAJobs resume is created specifically for submission to the USAJobs application website, where federal government positions are available and open to the public to apply. Examples of thousands of high-demand jobs found at USAJobs include finance, cyber-security, health care, budget analyst, aircraft mechanic, quality control inspector, computer scientist, mathematic statistician, mechanical or civil engineering, contracting and information technology management.

However, a USAJobs resume is not like a standard resume. In fact, this type of resume is perhaps the most complicated and detailed type of resume to build. One small formatting error or content mistake can automatically disqualify a resume even before it is seen by a hiring manager. The response to a single question can sometimes be grounds for immediate disqualification of your resume.

The federal government must ensure each applicant they accept is the best of the best. In addition, competition for jobs posted at USAJobs is incredibly steep, since the pay rate, benefits package and long-term stability of federal jobs is high. Unless you’re USAJobs resume is comprehensive, detailed and formatted properly, and highly competitive it will likely get set aside as not qualified in favor of professionally developed resumes that clearly communicate experience and match the series and grate expertise in the job vacancy announcement.

What Is a USAJobs Builder Resume?           

When deciding how to apply for USAJobs, you will be encouraged to use the USAJobs Resume Builder tool. The tool offers the following resume templates:

• Chronological — A chronological resume lists your education, work experience, recognitions and service activities are listed in reverse chronological order. For example, instead of listing your first job at the beginning, your newest job will be placed first. This applies to all other information as well.
• Targeted — Created especially for a certain position or company, a targeted resume may assume a combination, chronological or functional resume. Job applicants typically submit a targeted resume when they are aware of a position existing but do not want to apply to an advertised job vacancy.
• Series Based – A series based USAJobs Resume is created for a specific type of job. For example a 0301 if for administration and the vacancy announcements provide keywords that should be integrated into the USAJobs Resume using the individual job seekers experience.

What Is a Good USAJobs Score?

After submitting a USAJobs resume, it is given a score, with 100 being the best possible score. Job applicants are designated as best qualified, well qualified or qualified. Veterans typically have preference among those submitting resume at USAJobs.  There are three category ratings used as well. Best Qualified, Qualified and Not Qualified.

You can maintain up to five different resumes on USAJobs that have specific language included for select series, grade and experience. Assessment questions are provided online for each job vacancy that you apply. If you rate yourself not familiar with or have experience in any of the assessment questions, it is highly likely you will automatically be rated not qualified even before your resume is forwarded to a hiring official. Realize that your resume may not be at fault, but since you cannot answer the assessment question you might not be a good fit for the job. Since screeners may be computers, your resume needs to include special keywords describing your status — Veteran, disabled Veteran or volunteer work performed in relation to the position being applied for — and content to support your qualifications in precise detail.

 What Are Some Common USAJobs Mistakes to Avoid?

 If you submitted a resume to USAJobs that is not giving you the results you wanted to see, check these mistakes commonly seen on federal resumes failing to receive a good USAJobs score:

• Using the USAJobs resume builder — Although they suggest using the government resume builder, the USAJobs website neglects to emphasize the importance of submitting a customized, professionally written resume. Be aware that it is critically important for your resume to incorporate select keywords, skills core competencies and qualifications specified in the job announcement. Although job openings may come from the same government agency, that does not mean you can submit the same resume to all positions advertised by that agency.
• Carelessly responding to job opening announcements — Many USAJobs resumes receive low scores and only a “qualified” rating because the applicant did not read every word of the announcement. Not following instructions immediately shows the hiring manager the applicant may be a sloppy or irresponsible worker.
• KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Ability Statements – KSAs have not gone away. Many agencies incorporate language on the vacancy announcement that ask for KSA specifics, yet they announce you do not have write KSAs. We have found it is essential to write what we call mini-KSAs and incorporate into the job block associated, or use the additional information space to address them.
• Submitting resumes beyond the submission deadline — Times and dates by which resumes must be received are always specified explicitly on position announcements. Sending your resume even a few hours late and thinking it still has a chance is not an option.

Get Results When You Submit a USAJobs Resume

Instead of worrying about receiving a good USAJobs score, feel confident when you submit your federal government resume to USAJobs.com by contacting us today for a free consultation at 800-471-9201.

Learn More About Federal Government Jobs & Resumes

• Federal vs. Private Sector Jobs
• How to Get a Job in the Intelligence Community
• Federal Jobs with Customs and Border Protection
• How to Land a Defense Contractor Job
• USAJobs Training
• Administrative Law Judges
• All Resume Services
• Federal Resume Writing Services
• Federal Job Search & Application Training
• Sample Federal Resumes