Resume for Federal Job - Copy duties from posting?

[Anonymous]

There's a federal job that I would like to apply for and I think I have the right skills and experience for it. I have updated my resume to be more detailed, include keywords, numbers, etc., but I'm wondering if I should copy the duties from the posting literally word for word (only if they apply to my experience, of course). I would then follow them up with concrete examples of tasks I've performed. But it just seems so wrong to me to copy the duties word for word. Any advice on how to go about this to get referred to the hiring official?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't copy them exactly, but wouldn't reword them that much if that makes sense. It might help for you to print out the posting and literally highlight some keywords and use those in a way that's not exactly the same sentences. Actually what I've done is use some whole phrases from a posting in my summary/skills/additional info, then use smaller phrase clips and single keywords within my own wording in the duties section for each position.

However, I've not received an interview for a Fed job (yet! hopeful!) so maybe someone will say that you SHOULD copy exactly. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

I've applied for two and received interviews both times. Don't copy verbatim anything, but do you best to address the listed job qualifications. Don't assume the reviewer knows that two and two are four, either. In other words, address each requirement as thouroughly as possible. They will not assume many years of professional experience means you can tie your shoes in a bow knot. It that's a requirement, address it.

Another thing, if this is a multi-grade level listing, e.g., GS 11-12-13 and you are not a veteran, apply one level below the highest. The vets will knock out of competition otherwise. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

^^^"knock you out"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another thing, if this is a multi-grade level listing, e.g., GS 11-12-13 and you are not a veteran, apply one level below the highest. The vets will knock out of competition otherwise. Good luck.

Not OP but THANK YOU! I am currently applying to a posting and it is a 9-11-12 level. I had previously stated that the lowest level I'd accept was 12 but in the interest of just getting the position, which seems awesome, I am going to right now change that to 11.

Do you know whether moving up the various "steps" withing each GS level is merit-based or based on "time-in-grade" or the like? Meaning if they offered me the position as GS-11 Step 3 salary (getting ahead of myself yes), would moving up to 11 Step 4, 5 and so on to get to GS 12 take excellent performance or just happens every year you're there?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the info! Not sure if it makes a difference, but the position I'm interested in is with the FDA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another thing, if this is a multi-grade level listing, e.g., GS 11-12-13 and you are not a veteran, apply one level below the highest. The vets will knock out of competition otherwise. Good luck.

Not OP but THANK YOU! I am currently applying to a posting and it is a 9-11-12 level. I had previously stated that the lowest level I'd accept was 12 but in the interest of just getting the position, which seems awesome, I am going to right now change that to 11.

Do you know whether moving up the various "steps" withing each GS level is merit-based or based on "time-in-grade" or the like? Meaning if they offered me the position as GS-11 Step 3 salary (getting ahead of myself yes), would moving up to 11 Step 4, 5 and so on to get to GS 12 take excellent performance or just happens every year you're there?

You're welcome. If you are hired at 11 and do a good job, they will bump you to 12 after one year. You then go through the steps at the 12 grade level. Good luck.