Thread: How to write a federal resume for a job with little responsibilities

My supervisor, the guy that hired me, told me I was the only person on the list of possible hires that told the truth (i.e. I didn't have much experience at all in the task indicated). Others didn't make any sense with their job/education background.

Not only did he like I was being totally honest, he was looking for someone that didn't have hard-wired ways of doing things, and wanted someone fresh to train/teach.

I am not saying that will work for all positions, maybe I just got really lucky!

i don't know so much about writing the perfect resume.

maybe try some of this:

never say 'it's not my job'; cultivate open communication with your direct supervisor - show them you are always available for any task and you got their back before they have to ask; measure yourself by how well you accomplish your goals - and make sure management is aware of your progress - never measure your success in comparison to how poorly someone else is performing; apply for a management training program; volunteer for duties like awards comittees and peer review boards; buy extra coffee for the breakroom when it's not your turn; compliment and acknowledge the contributions of others when deserving; listen more than you speak and don't complain; be flexible and prepare for multiple scenarios - one of them is bound to present itself and you will have a full toolbox of options and skills to take advantage.

finish school, be patient - we are very fortunate to have solid employment we can be proud of, good luck.

*Sigh* look for the buzz...er action words in the job description for the job you want to apply to. Make sure that your resume explicitly states how you qualify/what you've done that fit the job qualifications. You need to get through Human Resources first, and often they don't know the difference between a computer chip and a potato chip - so you have to spell it out for them. They have to pick the top 3-10 resumes out of whatever they get. Make sure you fax all the paperwork they ask for, or else it will also bounce. If you work in a federal building, DO NOT fax your resume from your office. It will get bounced, as you are supposed to use the resources in your workplace for your *ahem* current job.

Your mileage may vary. But at least that's been the problem down here - if you don't have your resume matching the qualifications in the job description, you never get to an interview. We've had qualified people who somehow never make it to the interview, and some people who are not so qualified who get their resumes past HR every time.

Career Development Plans are great. Most agencies have some version of these. Select the job you would like to have, review the requirements, and work your plan to meet those requirements. Whether it is accounting courses, in-house training, etc. prepare, prepare, prepare. Then when the opportunity comes you'll be ready! The suggestion to volunteer is excellent. Keep a good attitude! My dad used to have a saying "its not what your going through but where you're going to". Keep your eyes on the prize! Good luck!

I will echo the Buzz Word theme....They run the resume's through computer software designed to look for the buzz words to cut the list down.