Federal Resume Tips

[Anonymous]

There are a couple of federal jobs that I would like to apply for, but I need some help with updating my resume for federal jobs. From what I've read, it's important to use the key words in the job posting in your resume, but are these the key words from the Duties Section, the Assessment Questionnaire, or from the listing of competencies on which you will be evaluated? Or all of the above? If all of the above, which section is the most important to match? Also, I've read that you should highlight your accomplishments in your resume and quantify everything that you can. Is this correct? Any other tips?

[Anonymous]

More federal agencies need to take control over their resume/hiring process instead of using usajobs.

CIA has the best system when it comes to the application itself. I can't understand why other agencies put up with usajobs.

[Anonymous]

I used both the job description and the questions. I put both into a single document, and after I'd added a phrase to my resume, I highlighted it in the description/question doc. As I recall, by the time I'd finished, about 3/4 of the document was highlighted.

And I got the job, and it's been a great fit.

[Anonymous]

hit as many key words as you can...my agency uses a scanner, even for higher grade level positions. annoying, but true. my resume became an 11 page document but hey, got the job.