Federal Resume vs Civilian Resume: Key Differences Veterans Must Know

Your civilian resume won't work for federal jobs.

That one-page, polished resume that civilian recruiters love? It'll get you automatically screened out of federal positions. Not because you're unqualified—but because you're playing the wrong game.

Federal hiring has completely different rules. HR specialists aren't skimming for potential—they're checking boxes on a qualification standard. If your resume doesn't explicitly show you meet every requirement, you won't make the referral list.

This guide explains exactly what makes federal resumes different and shows you how to transform your military experience into a document that gets results.

The Fundamental Difference

Civilian Resume Philosophy

Concise (1-2 pages)
Highlight achievements
Show potential
Let personality shine
Assume human reader scans for fit

Federal Resume Philosophy

Comprehensive (3-6 pages is normal)
Document EVERYTHING relevant
Prove qualifications
Mirror job announcement language
Assume HR checklist verification

The key insight: Civilian resumes sell. Federal resumes prove.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Element	Civilian Resume	Federal Resume
Length	1-2 pages	3-6 pages
Supervisor info	Not included	Required (name, phone, may contact?)
Hours per week	Not included	Required
Salary	Usually not included	Often required
Dates	Years often okay	Month/Year required
Detail level	Highlight key achievements	Comprehensive duties AND achievements
Keywords	Strategic	Critical—mirror announcement exactly
Format	Creative acceptable	Conservative, structured
Gaps	Can de-emphasize	Must be explained

What Federal Resumes Must Include

Every position on your federal resume needs these elements:

1. Complete Job Information

Position Title (MOS/Rating if military)
Organization/Agency
City, State (or overseas location)
Start Date – End Date (Month/Year format)
Hours per week: XX
Salary: $XX,XXX per year (or grade/rank)
Supervisor: Name, Phone Number
May we contact? Yes/No

2. Comprehensive Duty Description

Start with a 2-3 sentence overview of the position
List ALL major duties (not just highlights)
Use bullet points for readability
Include scope (how many people, what dollar amounts, what equipment)

3. Quantified Accomplishments

Specific achievements with metrics
Awards and recognition
Cost savings or efficiency improvements
Training or mentorship impact

4. Keywords from the Job Announcement

Mirror exact language from "Specialized Experience" section
Include technical terms and systems
Match skill descriptions word-for-word when accurate

Example: Transforming Military Experience

Civilian Resume Version (Too Brief)

Infantry Team Leader | US Army | 2019-2023

Led 4-person fire team in combat operations

Trained junior soldiers

Maintained equipment and weapons

Received Army Commendation Medal

This won't work. It's missing required information and lacks the detail HR needs to qualify you.

Federal Resume Version (Proper Format)

INFANTRY TEAM LEADER (MOS 11B)
United States Army
Fort Bragg, NC
March 2019 – June 2023
Hours per week: 50+
Salary: $52,000/year (E-5/SGT)
Supervisor: SFC Michael Johnson, (555) 123-4567
May Contact: Yes

OVERVIEW: Served as Infantry Team Leader responsible for training,
readiness, and tactical employment of a 4-Soldier fire team within
a 9-person rifle squad. Operated in high-stress environments requiring
rapid decision-making, physical endurance, and technical proficiency.

LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION:
• Led, mentored, and evaluated 4 Soldiers in all aspects of military
  operations, including tactical maneuvers, weapons proficiency, and
  physical fitness
• Conducted formal and informal counseling sessions, providing career
  guidance and performance feedback that contributed to 2 Soldiers
  earning promotions ahead of peers
• Developed and delivered training programs on land navigation, combat
  first aid, and small unit tactics for groups of 10-40 personnel
• Served as Acting Squad Leader for 3 months during supervisor's
  absence, managing 9 personnel and maintaining 100% operational readiness

OPERATIONS AND PLANNING:
• Planned and executed 45+ combat patrols and security operations,
  coordinating movement, communications, and logistical support
• Conducted mission analysis and risk assessment for squad-level
  operations, briefing company leadership on threat conditions
  and mitigation strategies
• Coordinated with adjacent units, interpreters, and host nation
  forces to accomplish mission objectives in complex environments
• Managed time-sensitive intelligence reports, disseminating
  information to higher headquarters and lateral units

EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:
• Maintained accountability for $350,000+ in weapons, night vision
  equipment, communications gear, and tactical vehicles
• Achieved zero loss or damage to sensitive items across 4-year
  assignment, receiving commendation from Battalion Commander
• Conducted preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on M4 rifles,
  M249 squad automatic weapons, and AN/PVS-14 night vision devices
• Managed ammunition allocation and expenditure tracking for
  squad operations

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:
• Designed and executed weekly training events covering weapons
  qualification, urban operations, and medical evacuation procedures
• Qualified as Master Marksman and trained 12 Soldiers to achieve
  Expert qualification on M4 rifle
• Mentored 3 junior team leaders, developing their planning and
  leadership capabilities for future assignments
• Coordinated with battalion training section on annual qualification
  requirements, achieving 100% compliance rate

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Army Commendation Medal for exceptional leadership during
  combat operations
• Selected as "Team Leader of the Quarter" for 3rd Battalion,
  outperforming 25 peers
• Unit achieved highest readiness rating in brigade during
  deployment preparation
• Zero UCMJ actions or disciplinary issues among subordinates

See the difference? The federal version is detailed, comprehensive, and provides everything HR needs to evaluate your qualifications.

The Keyword Strategy

Federal resumes live and die by keywords. HR specialists use the job announcement as a checklist—if they can't find evidence of required experience, you won't get referred.

Step 1: Analyze the Job Announcement

Look for the "Specialized Experience" section. It usually reads something like:

"Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level that includes: (1) planning and coordinating operational activities; (2) preparing reports and briefings for senior leadership; (3) training and mentoring subordinate personnel; and (4) managing organizational resources and equipment."

Step 2: Match Your Experience to Each Requirement

Requirement	Your Evidence
Planning and coordinating operational activities	Combat patrol planning, coordination with adjacent units
Preparing reports and briefings	Mission briefs, intelligence summaries
Training and mentoring subordinate personnel	Team leader duties, formal counseling
Managing organizational resources	$350K equipment accountability

Step 3: Use EXACT Language in Your Resume

Don't say "led missions" when the announcement says "planned and coordinated operational activities."

Weak: "Led team on combat missions" Strong: "Planned and coordinated operational activities for combat patrols, including route selection, coordination with adjacent units, and logistical preparation"

Common Military-to-Federal Translations

Military Term	Federal Language
Battle rhythm	Operational tempo / workflow management
CONOP	Concept of operations / operational planning document
OPORD	Operations order / written operational directive
AAR	After action review / post-operation analysis
NCO	Supervisor / team leader / first-line manager
PCS	Permanent change of station / relocation
TDY	Temporary duty / business travel
Sensitive items	Controlled equipment / accountable property
Smoke session	Physical training (don't include this one)

Formatting Your Federal Resume

Structure Options

Chronological (Most Common)

List positions in reverse chronological order
Best for showing career progression
Preferred by most federal HR

Functional (Use Carefully)

Organize by skill area rather than timeline
Can help if changing careers significantly
Some HR specialists dislike it—harder to verify

Combination (Good for Career Changers)

Skills summary up front
Chronological work history following
Best of both worlds

Layout Best Practices

Headers: Clear and consistent

WORK EXPERIENCE

JOB TITLE
Organization Name
Location
Dates | Hours per week | Salary
Supervisor: Name, Phone | May Contact: Yes/No

Bullet Points: Use them consistently

Start with action verbs
Include quantifiable results
Be specific about scope
Connect to job requirements

Font: Standard and readable

Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri
10-12 point size
Consistent throughout

Margins: Standard 1-inch

Don't cram text to save space
White space improves readability
Federal HR reviews many resumes daily

Sections to Include

1. Contact Information

JOHN SMITH
1234 Main Street, Anytown, VA 22030
(555) 123-4567 | john.smith@email.com

2. Work Experience

Most important section. Include all relevant positions with full detail.

3. Education

Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
University of Maryland Global Campus
Graduation Date: May 2022
GPA: 3.45 (include if 3.0 or higher)
Relevant Coursework: Public Administration,
Organizational Leadership, Criminal Law

Include military schools:

Advanced Leader Course (ALC)
United States Army
Fort Benning, GA | June 2021
120 classroom hours

4. Certifications and Licenses

Project Management Professional (PMP), #12345678
Project Management Institute
Issued: January 2023 | Expires: January 2026

CompTIA Security+, #CE123456
Issued: March 2022 | Expires: March 2025

SECRET Security Clearance
Issued: 2020 | Investigation: SSBI

5. Military Service (if not covered in Work Experience)

Some veterans include a summary:

UNITED STATES ARMY
Active Duty: June 2015 – June 2023
Final Rank: Staff Sergeant (E-6)
MOS: 11B Infantry
Clearance: SECRET
Awards: Army Commendation Medal (2),
Army Achievement Medal (4),
Combat Infantryman Badge

6. Additional Information (Optional)

Languages (with proficiency level)
Technical skills
Volunteer work
Professional memberships

What NOT to Include

Personal Information

❌ Social Security Number (provide separately if requested)
❌ Photograph
❌ Age, birth date
❌ Marital status
❌ Number of children
❌ Physical characteristics
❌ Religious affiliation
❌ Political affiliation

Outdated or Irrelevant

❌ Jobs from 20+ years ago (unless directly relevant)
❌ High school info (if you have college degree)
❌ "References available upon request" (obvious)
❌ Hobbies (unless directly relevant to position)

Exaggerations

❌ Inflated job titles
❌ Responsibilities you didn't actually have
❌ Skills you can't demonstrate
❌ Fake certifications or education

HR will verify. Dishonesty = disqualification.

USAJOBS Resume Builder vs. Upload

USAJOBS Resume Builder

Pros:

Ensures you include all required fields
Formatted consistently
Easy to update

Cons:

Limited formatting options
Can look plain
Character limits on some sections

Uploaded Resume

Pros:

Full control over formatting
Can be more visually appealing
No character limits

Cons:

Must ensure all required information is included
Formatting may not transfer perfectly
Must update and re-upload for each change

Recommendation: Create your resume in Word, ensuring it includes ALL required information, then upload. Use the builder as a checklist to verify you haven't missed anything.

The Questionnaire Connection

Your federal resume must support your questionnaire answers. This is where many veterans fail.

How It Works

You answer self-assessment questions (rate your experience)
HR reviews your resume to verify your answers
If your resume doesn't support your rating, you're disqualified

Example Questionnaire Question

"Select the statement that best describes your experience with project management:"

A: I have no experience

B: I have basic familiarity with project management concepts

C: I have independently managed projects

D: I have managed complex projects and supervised other project managers

If you select "D," your resume MUST clearly show:

Specific projects you managed
Complexity indicators (budget, scope, stakeholders)
Evidence of supervising other project managers

Strategy: Before answering questionnaire, Ctrl+F your resume for supporting evidence of each claim.

Quality Checklist

Before submitting, verify your federal resume has:

Required Information

Complete contact information
Month/year start and end dates for each position
Hours per week for each position
Supervisor name and phone for each position
May contact yes/no for each supervisor
Salary for each position

Content Quality

3+ pages of relevant detail
Keywords from job announcement appear in your text
Quantified accomplishments (numbers, percentages, dollars)
Action verbs starting each bullet point
Military jargon translated to civilian terms
No unexplained gaps in employment

Formatting

Consistent formatting throughout
Standard font (Times, Arial, Calibri)
Readable font size (10-12 pt)
Clear section headings
No spelling or grammar errors

Documents

DD-214 ready to upload
SF-15 if claiming 10-point preference
VA disability letter if applicable
Transcripts if education is qualifying
Certifications relevant to position

Common Mistakes

1. Too Short

Civilian habit of brevity kills federal applications. Provide comprehensive detail.

2. Missing Required Fields

Hours per week and supervisor info are often forgotten. Include them.

3. Wrong Language

"Battle drills" means nothing to civilian HR. Translate to "emergency response procedures."

4. Keyword Gaps

If the announcement requires "budget management" and your resume doesn't include those words, you won't get referred.

5. Unsupported Questionnaire Answers

Rating yourself highly without resume evidence = disqualification.

6. Copy-Paste Everything

Tailoring your resume to each announcement is tedious but necessary. Generic resumes underperform.

Getting Help

Free Resources

VA for Vets – Free federal resume reviews
Hire Heroes USA – Career coaching and resume help
American Job Centers – In-person assistance
TAP Program – Resume workshops before separation

Paid Services

If you use paid resume services, ensure they understand federal requirements specifically. Many civilian resume writers don't know federal rules.

The Bottom Line

Federal resumes are a different game with different rules:

Longer is better – 3-6 pages is normal
Detail is required – Include hours, supervisor, salary
Keywords are critical – Mirror the job announcement
Verification is real – HR will check your claims

Your military experience is valuable. A proper federal resume lets that value shine through in the language federal HR understands.

Ready to apply? Check out our USAJOBS Complete Guide and learn about veterans preference to maximize your advantage.

Federal Resume vs Civilian Resume: Key Differences Veterans Must Know

Your civilian resume won't work for federal jobs.

This guide explains exactly what makes federal resumes different and shows you how to transform your military experience into a document that gets results.

The Fundamental Difference

Civilian Resume Philosophy

Concise (1-2 pages)
Highlight achievements
Show potential
Let personality shine
Assume human reader scans for fit

Federal Resume Philosophy

Comprehensive (3-6 pages is normal)
Document EVERYTHING relevant
Prove qualifications
Mirror job announcement language
Assume HR checklist verification

The key insight: Civilian resumes sell. Federal resumes prove.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Element	Civilian Resume	Federal Resume
Length	1-2 pages	3-6 pages
Supervisor info	Not included	Required (name, phone, may contact?)
Hours per week	Not included	Required
Salary	Usually not included	Often required
Dates	Years often okay	Month/Year required
Detail level	Highlight key achievements	Comprehensive duties AND achievements
Keywords	Strategic	Critical—mirror announcement exactly
Format	Creative acceptable	Conservative, structured
Gaps	Can de-emphasize	Must be explained

What Federal Resumes Must Include

Every position on your federal resume needs these elements:

1. Complete Job Information

Position Title (MOS/Rating if military)
Organization/Agency
City, State (or overseas location)
Start Date – End Date (Month/Year format)
Hours per week: XX
Salary: $XX,XXX per year (or grade/rank)
Supervisor: Name, Phone Number
May we contact? Yes/No

2. Comprehensive Duty Description

Start with a 2-3 sentence overview of the position
List ALL major duties (not just highlights)
Use bullet points for readability
Include scope (how many people, what dollar amounts, what equipment)

3. Quantified Accomplishments

Specific achievements with metrics
Awards and recognition
Cost savings or efficiency improvements
Training or mentorship impact

4. Keywords from the Job Announcement

Mirror exact language from "Specialized Experience" section
Include technical terms and systems
Match skill descriptions word-for-word when accurate

Example: Transforming Military Experience

Civilian Resume Version (Too Brief)

Infantry Team Leader | US Army | 2019-2023

Led 4-person fire team in combat operations

Trained junior soldiers

Maintained equipment and weapons

Received Army Commendation Medal

This won't work. It's missing required information and lacks the detail HR needs to qualify you.

Federal Resume Version (Proper Format)

INFANTRY TEAM LEADER (MOS 11B)
United States Army
Fort Bragg, NC
March 2019 – June 2023
Hours per week: 50+
Salary: $52,000/year (E-5/SGT)
Supervisor: SFC Michael Johnson, (555) 123-4567
May Contact: Yes

OVERVIEW: Served as Infantry Team Leader responsible for training,
readiness, and tactical employment of a 4-Soldier fire team within
a 9-person rifle squad. Operated in high-stress environments requiring
rapid decision-making, physical endurance, and technical proficiency.

LEADERSHIP AND SUPERVISION:
• Led, mentored, and evaluated 4 Soldiers in all aspects of military
  operations, including tactical maneuvers, weapons proficiency, and
  physical fitness
• Conducted formal and informal counseling sessions, providing career
  guidance and performance feedback that contributed to 2 Soldiers
  earning promotions ahead of peers
• Developed and delivered training programs on land navigation, combat
  first aid, and small unit tactics for groups of 10-40 personnel
• Served as Acting Squad Leader for 3 months during supervisor's
  absence, managing 9 personnel and maintaining 100% operational readiness

OPERATIONS AND PLANNING:
• Planned and executed 45+ combat patrols and security operations,
  coordinating movement, communications, and logistical support
• Conducted mission analysis and risk assessment for squad-level
  operations, briefing company leadership on threat conditions
  and mitigation strategies
• Coordinated with adjacent units, interpreters, and host nation
  forces to accomplish mission objectives in complex environments
• Managed time-sensitive intelligence reports, disseminating
  information to higher headquarters and lateral units

EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCE MANAGEMENT:
• Maintained accountability for $350,000+ in weapons, night vision
  equipment, communications gear, and tactical vehicles
• Achieved zero loss or damage to sensitive items across 4-year
  assignment, receiving commendation from Battalion Commander
• Conducted preventive maintenance and troubleshooting on M4 rifles,
  M249 squad automatic weapons, and AN/PVS-14 night vision devices
• Managed ammunition allocation and expenditure tracking for
  squad operations

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:
• Designed and executed weekly training events covering weapons
  qualification, urban operations, and medical evacuation procedures
• Qualified as Master Marksman and trained 12 Soldiers to achieve
  Expert qualification on M4 rifle
• Mentored 3 junior team leaders, developing their planning and
  leadership capabilities for future assignments
• Coordinated with battalion training section on annual qualification
  requirements, achieving 100% compliance rate

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
• Army Commendation Medal for exceptional leadership during
  combat operations
• Selected as "Team Leader of the Quarter" for 3rd Battalion,
  outperforming 25 peers
• Unit achieved highest readiness rating in brigade during
  deployment preparation
• Zero UCMJ actions or disciplinary issues among subordinates

See the difference? The federal version is detailed, comprehensive, and provides everything HR needs to evaluate your qualifications.

The Keyword Strategy

Federal resumes live and die by keywords. HR specialists use the job announcement as a checklist—if they can't find evidence of required experience, you won't get referred.

Step 1: Analyze the Job Announcement

Look for the "Specialized Experience" section. It usually reads something like:

"Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level that includes: (1) planning and coordinating operational activities; (2) preparing reports and briefings for senior leadership; (3) training and mentoring subordinate personnel; and (4) managing organizational resources and equipment."

Step 2: Match Your Experience to Each Requirement

Requirement	Your Evidence
Planning and coordinating operational activities	Combat patrol planning, coordination with adjacent units
Preparing reports and briefings	Mission briefs, intelligence summaries
Training and mentoring subordinate personnel	Team leader duties, formal counseling
Managing organizational resources	$350K equipment accountability

Step 3: Use EXACT Language in Your Resume

Don't say "led missions" when the announcement says "planned and coordinated operational activities."

Common Military-to-Federal Translations

Military Term	Federal Language
Battle rhythm	Operational tempo / workflow management
CONOP	Concept of operations / operational planning document
OPORD	Operations order / written operational directive
AAR	After action review / post-operation analysis
NCO	Supervisor / team leader / first-line manager
PCS	Permanent change of station / relocation
TDY	Temporary duty / business travel
Sensitive items	Controlled equipment / accountable property
Smoke session	Physical training (don't include this one)

Formatting Your Federal Resume

Structure Options

Chronological (Most Common)

List positions in reverse chronological order
Best for showing career progression
Preferred by most federal HR

Functional (Use Carefully)

Organize by skill area rather than timeline
Can help if changing careers significantly
Some HR specialists dislike it—harder to verify

Combination (Good for Career Changers)

Skills summary up front
Chronological work history following
Best of both worlds

Layout Best Practices

Headers: Clear and consistent

WORK EXPERIENCE

JOB TITLE
Organization Name
Location
Dates | Hours per week | Salary
Supervisor: Name, Phone | May Contact: Yes/No

Bullet Points: Use them consistently

Start with action verbs
Include quantifiable results
Be specific about scope
Connect to job requirements

Font: Standard and readable

Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri
10-12 point size
Consistent throughout

Margins: Standard 1-inch

Don't cram text to save space
White space improves readability
Federal HR reviews many resumes daily

Sections to Include

1. Contact Information

JOHN SMITH
1234 Main Street, Anytown, VA 22030
(555) 123-4567 | john.smith@email.com

2. Work Experience

Most important section. Include all relevant positions with full detail.

3. Education

Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
University of Maryland Global Campus
Graduation Date: May 2022
GPA: 3.45 (include if 3.0 or higher)
Relevant Coursework: Public Administration,
Organizational Leadership, Criminal Law

Include military schools:

Advanced Leader Course (ALC)
United States Army
Fort Benning, GA | June 2021
120 classroom hours

4. Certifications and Licenses

Project Management Professional (PMP), #12345678
Project Management Institute
Issued: January 2023 | Expires: January 2026

CompTIA Security+, #CE123456
Issued: March 2022 | Expires: March 2025

SECRET Security Clearance
Issued: 2020 | Investigation: SSBI

5. Military Service (if not covered in Work Experience)

Some veterans include a summary:

UNITED STATES ARMY
Active Duty: June 2015 – June 2023
Final Rank: Staff Sergeant (E-6)
MOS: 11B Infantry
Clearance: SECRET
Awards: Army Commendation Medal (2),
Army Achievement Medal (4),
Combat Infantryman Badge

6. Additional Information (Optional)

Languages (with proficiency level)
Technical skills
Volunteer work
Professional memberships

What NOT to Include

Personal Information

❌ Social Security Number (provide separately if requested)
❌ Photograph
❌ Age, birth date
❌ Marital status
❌ Number of children
❌ Physical characteristics
❌ Religious affiliation
❌ Political affiliation

Outdated or Irrelevant

❌ Jobs from 20+ years ago (unless directly relevant)
❌ High school info (if you have college degree)
❌ "References available upon request" (obvious)
❌ Hobbies (unless directly relevant to position)

Exaggerations

❌ Inflated job titles
❌ Responsibilities you didn't actually have
❌ Skills you can't demonstrate
❌ Fake certifications or education

HR will verify. Dishonesty = disqualification.

USAJOBS Resume Builder vs. Upload

USAJOBS Resume Builder

Pros:

Ensures you include all required fields
Formatted consistently
Easy to update

Cons:

Limited formatting options
Can look plain
Character limits on some sections

Uploaded Resume

Pros:

Full control over formatting
Can be more visually appealing
No character limits

Cons:

Must ensure all required information is included
Formatting may not transfer perfectly
Must update and re-upload for each change

Recommendation: Create your resume in Word, ensuring it includes ALL required information, then upload. Use the builder as a checklist to verify you haven't missed anything.

The Questionnaire Connection

Your federal resume must support your questionnaire answers. This is where many veterans fail.

How It Works

You answer self-assessment questions (rate your experience)
HR reviews your resume to verify your answers
If your resume doesn't support your rating, you're disqualified

Example Questionnaire Question

"Select the statement that best describes your experience with project management:"

A: I have no experience

B: I have basic familiarity with project management concepts

C: I have independently managed projects

D: I have managed complex projects and supervised other project managers

If you select "D," your resume MUST clearly show:

Specific projects you managed
Complexity indicators (budget, scope, stakeholders)
Evidence of supervising other project managers

Strategy: Before answering questionnaire, Ctrl+F your resume for supporting evidence of each claim.

Quality Checklist

Before submitting, verify your federal resume has:

Required Information

Complete contact information
Month/year start and end dates for each position
Hours per week for each position
Supervisor name and phone for each position
May contact yes/no for each supervisor
Salary for each position

Content Quality

3+ pages of relevant detail
Keywords from job announcement appear in your text
Quantified accomplishments (numbers, percentages, dollars)
Action verbs starting each bullet point
Military jargon translated to civilian terms
No unexplained gaps in employment

Formatting

Consistent formatting throughout
Standard font (Times, Arial, Calibri)
Readable font size (10-12 pt)
Clear section headings
No spelling or grammar errors

Documents

DD-214 ready to upload
SF-15 if claiming 10-point preference
VA disability letter if applicable
Transcripts if education is qualifying
Certifications relevant to position

Common Mistakes

1. Too Short

Civilian habit of brevity kills federal applications. Provide comprehensive detail.

2. Missing Required Fields

Hours per week and supervisor info are often forgotten. Include them.

3. Wrong Language

"Battle drills" means nothing to civilian HR. Translate to "emergency response procedures."

4. Keyword Gaps

If the announcement requires "budget management" and your resume doesn't include those words, you won't get referred.

5. Unsupported Questionnaire Answers

Rating yourself highly without resume evidence = disqualification.

6. Copy-Paste Everything

Tailoring your resume to each announcement is tedious but necessary. Generic resumes underperform.

Getting Help

Free Resources

VA for Vets – Free federal resume reviews
Hire Heroes USA – Career coaching and resume help
American Job Centers – In-person assistance
TAP Program – Resume workshops before separation

Paid Services

If you use paid resume services, ensure they understand federal requirements specifically. Many civilian resume writers don't know federal rules.

The Bottom Line

Federal resumes are a different game with different rules:

Longer is better – 3-6 pages is normal
Detail is required – Include hours, supervisor, salary
Keywords are critical – Mirror the job announcement
Verification is real – HR will check your claims

Your military experience is valuable. A proper federal resume lets that value shine through in the language federal HR understands.

Ready to apply? Check out our USAJOBS Complete Guide and learn about veterans preference to maximize your advantage.