A Guide for FSIS Job Applicants - Writing Great Resumes

USDA

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Un

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ed states Department

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Ag

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culture

Food Safety and Inspection

Se

rvice

A Guide for FSIS Job Applicants

Writing

Great

Resumes

February 2020

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 2

2. Resumes for a 21

st

Century Workforce....................................................................................... 2

3. Finding Vacancies........................................................................................................................ 3

4. Writing the Resume .................................................................................................................... 3

4.1. Using USAJOBS ..................................................................................................................... 3

4.2. FSIS Automated Hiring ......................................................................................................... 4

4.3. Objective .............................................................................................................................. 4

4.4. Work Experience .................................................................................................................. 4

4.5. Education and Training......................................................................................................... 4

4.6. Supplemental Information ................................................................................................... 5

4.7. Final Review.......................................................................................................................... 5

5. Applying for Vacancies................................................................................................................ 5

6. List of Action Verbs ..................................................................................................................... 6

7. Resume Writing Samples ............................................................................................................ 7

7.1. Inspection Positions (Resume Writing Samples).................................................................. 8

7.2. Veterinary Medical Officer Positions (Resume Writing Samples) ..................................... 10

7.3. Management Positions (Resume Writing Samples)........................................................... 11

7.4. Scientific Positions (Resume Writing Samples).................................................................. 12

7.5. Administrative Positions (Resume Writing Samples)......................................................... 13

8. Federal Resume Writing Tips .................................................................................................... 14

9. References ................................................................................................................................ 15

10. Conclusion............................................................................................................................... 15

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1. Introduction

A career in the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) provides you the opportunity to make

a significant difference. A great resume can help you find the right job in FSIS. What is the right

job for you?

- Food Inspectors provide the first line of defense against adulterated meat and poultry.

- Consumer Safety Inspectors enforce industry HACCP and sanitation plans.

- Veterinarians oversee the effectiveness of farm-to-table food safety systems.

- Scientists conduct analyses of meat, poultry and egg products to protect public health.

- Administrative positions maintain infrastructure to support front-line workers.

An effective resume gives others a clear picture of you. It’s worth the time and effort you need to

put forth to write a great resume. While there are no guarantees, you are likely to benefit personally

and professionally if you build a strong resume. You will clearly highlight your personal and

professional strengths, improving your chances of being selected. The bottom line is that when

job applicants write great resumes, high caliber candidates are more likely to be selected. Effective

resume writing helps the Agency put the right person in the right place at the right time.

2. Resumes for a 21

st

Century Workforce

The President’s Management Agenda (PMA) lays out a long-term vision for modernizing the

Federal Government. The PMA goal with the biggest impact on hiring is Cross-Agency Priority

(CAP) Goal #3, “Developing a Workforce for the 21

st

Century.” Agencies have been called upon

to manage employees more strategically and to simplify the hiring process. It all sounds good, but

you may be wondering, “What does all of that mean to me?”

It means the way we fill jobs will keep changing. Vacancies are filled faster, and you don’t need

to jump through as many hiring hoops. Automated systems are becoming easier to use. For many,

it is now easier to apply than ever. However, modernizing the hiring process has not made resumes

obsolete. Office of Personnel Management surveys show that resumes are the key factor in the

selection process 91% of the time. Your federal resume is as important as ever!

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3. Finding Vacancies

To target a resume effectively, you need to first find a vacancy and learn about the job. One great

way to find out about FSIS employment and promotional opportunities is the USAJOBS.gov

website. The site provides information on current federal government vacancies across the United

States. Aside from listing job postings, USAJOBS offers other useful options, especially when

searching for employment or promotional opportunities. You can save job postings, and use the

search option to look for similar job descriptions. The USAJOBS website changes on a regular

basis, so go directly to www.usajobs.gov for the latest guidance.

RESUME TIP #1: Set up your profile in USAJOBS so that an email is sent to you whenever

an FSIS vacancy is posted. It allows you to stay current on all FSIS staffing activity. Plus,

casting a wider net helps ensure that you don’t miss an opportunity!

4. Writing the Resume (Using USAJOBS)

4.1. Getting Started

This entire guide was written to give you the basics on what to put in the resume. This particular

part of the guide provides a brief summary on the mechanics of using USAJOBS to write a resume.

While we provide an overview, you’ll still want to go to OPM’s USAJOBS website for more

detailed instructions.

First, you need to register. If you have an email account, you are ready to visit www.usajobs.gov

and follow OPM’s registration instructions. Second, create a resume. You can build a resume

from scratch and upload it, but using the “Build Your Resume” portion of USAJOBS helps to

ensure that your resume is complete. USAJOBS asks questions regarding employment history,

salary, education, skills, and so forth. At every step of the way, you can see a preview of the

resume. Remember to complete all the required sections of your resume. If you don’t include

required information, such as an employer’s name, dates of employment (month/year) and work

schedule, you may be found ineligible and not be considered for the job.

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4.2. FSIS Automated Hiring

When you find an FSIS vacancy in USAJOBS and apply for it, you’ll be moved to the FSIS

Automated Hiring system, USAStaffing. The transition is essentially seamless, and instructions

are provided along the way in the FSIS Automated Hiring system.

4.3. Objective

Keep this short and sweet. While you might get points for honesty if you say your objective is to

get a raise, it probably won’t impress the selecting official. Focus on professional development

and professional goals. Start with a phrase such as “A position in…” or “An opportunity to…”

4.4. Work Experience

This section requires the most thought and preparation. Find a good spot away from others to

work on it. Take the time needed to do it right. Consider what is needed to be successful in the

job you want to do. Consider key accomplishments you’ve made over the years.

- What have you done in your job that goes beyond the job description?

- What did you include in past accomplishment reports that could be part of your resume?

- What impact have your contributions had on your organization and your customers?

Keep these things in mind as you complete the work experience section. List specific examples

of what you have accomplished. Quantify impact, if possible. Show what you can contribute to

FSIS, if selected. In short, demonstrate that you are an excellent candidate for the job!

RESUME TIP #2: Do NOT simply record what is in your job description. Write down, in

your own words, what you do and how it shows that you are a top performer. Use clear

language. Provide details. Cite specific examples.

4.5. Education and Training

Be sure to include all of your formal education on your resume. Emphasize the coursework or

certification that is the most closely related to the vacant position, but all formal education should

be listed. Show courses in date order. Start with the most recent education/training and work

backward. List course titles, briefly explain what was covered, and show the completion date.

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4.6. Supplemental Information

You may want to list awards, certifications, publications, panels, and speaking engagements in this

section of the resume. Also, this is a good place to highlight volunteer experience, community

involvement or other activities which help show that you have the skills needed to succeed.

Activities do not necessarily need to be directly related to the vacant position. If your activities or

hobbies have given you skills that will be useful on the job, then briefly showcase them here.

Broad competencies, such as communication ability or organizational skills, are often

demonstrated by volunteer activities.

4.7. Final Review

Carefully review the resume, make changes, let it sit for a while, and then review it again. Ask

someone else to look at it and provide feedback to you. Is it clear? Is it accurate? Does it provide

enough detail? Are there any typos? Does it sound professional? While it is good to be concise,

don’t worry too much about length. FSIS typically does not set page limits on resumes. Federal

resumes are typically two to six pages, or even longer. Given the way federal hiring works, you

will usually need the extra length to effectively make the case that you are the best person for the

job. Still, don’t overdo it. Longer is not necessarily better. Finally, when you’ve followed these

steps and you think the resume is good to go, think again. Print it and review it one more time.

RESUME TIP #3: When doing the final review of your resume, take a close look at your

email address. First impressions matter, so use a professional sounding email address

based on your name. Save your [email protected] account for personal use!

5. Applying for Vacancies

The whole point of writing a resume, of course, is to apply for jobs. Search USAJOBS to find a

job that you want, and then carefully follow the instructions in the vacancy announcement on how

to apply. Remember that the resume is just one part of an application package. An online

questionnaire and supplemental documents are usually required. After you’ve applied, FSIS will

review what you have submitted to see if you are eligible. The most highly qualified candidates

will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possibly an interview.

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6. List of Action Verbs

RESUME TIP #4: Use action verbs to energize your resume. Some action verbs are

listed below to get you started. In general, use present tense verbs (e.g. “adapt”) for

your current job; use past tense verbs (e.g. “adapted”) for your previous positions.

Achieved

Decided

Formed

Modernized

Researched

Acquired Delivered Formulated Modified Resolved

Activated Demonstrated Fostered Monitored Responded

Adapted Designed Fought Motivated Revised

Administered Detailed Found Moved Sampled

Advanced Determined Fulfilled Named Satisfied

Advised Developed Functioned Negotiated Saved

Analyzed Devised Furthered Notified Scheduled

Applied Diagnosed Generated Obtained Screened

Appointed Directed Governed Offered Secured

Appraised Discovered Granted Operated Selected

Approved Displayed Guided Ordered Settled

Arranged Documented Headed Organized Simplified

Assembled Doubled Hired Originated Solved

Assisted Drafted Hosted Paid Sought

Assumed Edited Illustrated Participated Specified

Assured Educated Implemented Performed Started

Audited Effected Improved Persuaded Stimulated

Awarded Elevated Incorporated Piloted Strengthened

Balanced Eliminated Increased Pioneered Structured

Budgeted Employed Influenced Placed Studied

Catalogued Enabled Informed Planned Submitted

Caused Encouraged Initiated Prepared Substituted

Changed Enforced Inspired Presented Succeeded

Charted Engineered Instructed Prevented Suggested

Classified Enlarged Integrated Procured Summarized

Coded Enlisted Intensified Professed Supervised

Collaborated Ensured Interacted Programmed

Surveyed

Collected Equipped Interpreted Projected Synthesized

Combined Established Interviewed Promoted Tackled

Compared Estimated Introduced Provided Tapped

Competed Evaluated Invented Published Targeted

Compiled Exceeded Invested Purchased Taught

Completed Excelled Investigated Qualified Tested

Composed Executed Issued Ranked Traced

Condensed Expanded Joined Received Trained

Conducted Expedited Justified Recognized Transformed

Consolidated Explained Kept Recommended Translated

Constructed Extended Keynoted Reconciled Traveled

Contracted Faced Launched Recruited Treated

Controlled Facilitated Leaned Reduced Updated

Converted Fashioned Led Renegotiated Upgraded

Convinced Filled Maintained Reorganized Used

Coordinated Finished Managed Repaired Validated

Corrected Focused Mandated Replaced Verified

Created Forecasted Maximized Replied Volunteered

Curtailed Forged Mediated Reported Worked

Dealt

Formalized

Minimized

Represented

Wrote

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7. Resume Writing Samples

Is your resume fair, good, or excellent? We have included some writing samples to help you strive

for excellence! The following pages give examples of the kind of writing found on resumes for

various types of positions, although we haven’t gone into as much detail as one would on an actual

resume. Resume writing is perhaps more of an art than a science, but we have done our best to

give some examples of weak writing alongside examples of strong writing.

As you look at these writing samples, first look at the “weak” examples, and think about how you

could change them into something you would find in an excellent resume. How could it be

reworded to be more specific, or more confident, or more understandable, or more professional?

Then look at the “strong” column to see examples of more effective resume writing. We hope you

will use these samples as a springboard to write or rewrite your own resume. The editorial process

is simply a lot of work. Keep at it. Don’t be afraid to seek the help and opinion of others. How

can your resume be rewritten to be more specific, more confident, more understandable and more

professional? We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to spend a lot of time and effort on

your resume. Your efforts will show up in the final product. Let’s put it this way. If you brag

about being a hard worker who pays attention to detail in your resume, but appear to have

carelessly thrown it together, your claims simply will not ring true with a selecting official.

RESUME TIP #5: When you review your own resume, pretend you are the selecting

official. By changing your frame of mind, you will be more likely to aim a critical eye

toward your resume. Sometimes we are much too easy on our own writing.

As a reminder, these are examples, not templates. Don’t forget that the USDA is the People’s

Department, the one founded by the President with the nickname of “Honest Abe.” Honesty truly

is the best policy. Not only is copying others’ work dishonest, but you will also miss out on a

chance to truly show what you can do if you parrot the words of others. More than one applicant

has faced disciplinary or legal action because they “borrowed” others’ writing or misrepresented

themselves on a resume. Yes, show yourself in the best light possible, but be truthful. In other

words, be honest, but don’t be modest. Tell your story. Make the resume your own!

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7.1. Inspection Positions (Resume Writing Samples)

WEAK STRONG

I conduct regulatory oversight

Serve as lead QC Specialist, assisting with

activities inside plants in matters

regulatory oversight for a large beef kill operation.

relating to other consumer

Under my leadership, the plant carefully recorded

protections.

violations, took corrective action and reduced

(LACKS SPECIFICS)

consumer protection violations by more than 50%.

(SIMPLY RESTATES

(INCLUDES SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS)

POSITION DESCRIPTION)

I have been taught proper usage of Place USDA retained and condemned tags properly

USDA retained and condemned tags. and accurately. Seen as an expert in this area,

I adequately handle tags without too providing newer Inspectors with OJT on the proper

many problems or complaints. use and placement of official tags.

(OVERLY HUMBLE) (HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTHS)

I am the best in the business at Expertly examine carcasses, and regularly bring

identifying life-threatening pathology pathology and adulterations to the attention of

and adulterations, bringing these appropriate officials. This greatly furthers the

nearly impossible-to-detect agency’s food safety mission, which saves lives. In

abnormalities to the attention of 2017, I received three cash awards for identifying

officials, saving thousands of lives. TB in cattle at Establishment Number 251.

(OVER STATED) (CLEAR AND ACCURATE)

My writing and editing skills are

highly coveted by my colleagues.

Peers cajole me to straighten out their

decidedly crooked prose, and I

display literary aplomb by writing a

variety of articles for newsletters.

(FLOWERY LANGUAGE)

I write and edit a variety of materials. I am often

asked by coworkers to review and comment on NRs.

I have contributed articles to the local bargaining

unit newsletter on a quarterly basis, and I have

assisted the editor with final proofreading.

(PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE)

Source: Fictitious examples, for illustration purposes only.

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7.1. Inspection Positions (Resume Writing Samples - CONTINUED)

WEAK STRONG

I inspect the slaughter and processing

As an on-line inspector, while working in the State’s

of food animals in privately owned

largest poultry facility, I provided instructions to

meat or poultry slaughter and

plant personnel regarding the disposition of

processing plants.

carcasses. My accurate and clearly communicated

decisions, which were recognized by a cash award in

(LACKS SPECIFICS)

2018, helped the slaughter facility successfully

(SIMPLY RESTATES

inspect carcasses and helped ensure food safety.

POSITION DESCRIPTION)

(INCLUDES SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS)

I perform verification procedures.

My supervisor doesn’t complain too

much about my work, so I guess I’m

doing a pretty good job.

(OVERLY HUMBLE)

I perform verification procedures and consistently

document supportable NRs. During the first six

months in my current assignment, the number of

NRs I wrote dropped from five a week to five a

month because of my attention to detail.

(HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTHS)

Acting without any help from others, Working with the other Inspection Personnel, I help

I ensure that all meat and poultry is ensure that all meat and poultry produced by my

safe, wholesome, & truthfully labeled. plant is safe, wholesome, and truthfully labeled.

(OVER STATED) (CLEAR AND ACCURATE)

I envision myself as the Sherlock

Holmes of FSIS. Using keen

deductive reasoning, I look for plant

deficiencies and then hand off the

culprit (usually not the butler, in my

case) to officials.

(FLOWERY LANGUAGE)

I monitor plant activities, review records, and verify

compliance with regulatory requirements. I write

up non-compliance records when I discover

deficiencies. I forward matters for enforcement

action, when necessary. For example, while

performing label verification, I determined my plant

had omitted an allergen. I moved ahead with my

findings, and 20,000 pounds of meat was recalled.

(PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE)

Source: Fictitious examples, for illustration purposes only.

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7.2. Veterinary Medical Officer Positions (Resume Writing Samples)

WEAK STRONG

Supervised USDA poultry inspectors.

(LACKS SPECIFICS)

(SIMPLY RESTATES

POSITION DESCRIPTION)

Supervised plant inspectors during the transition

from carcass by carcass inspection to Products

Based Inspection (PBIS) to Hazard Analysis and

Critical Control Points (HACCP). Sought out by

other SVMOs for guidance on ways to help

Inspectors successfully handle procedural changes.

(INCLUDES SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS)

Watched over inspection operations

in a poultry plant. Tried to make

sure the plant met HACCP

requirements.

(OVERLY HUMBLE)

Served as Veterinarian with overall responsibility

for ensuring food safety in a federally inspected

plant which processed as many as 100,000 chickens

each day. Worked extensively with plant to ensure

that the HACCP plan met requirements, and

provided extra guidance on how to handle

complicated export issues.

(HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTHS)

Identified a planet-threatening Identified a recurring pathology. Conducted a

pathology that all others had missed. detailed study of the pathology, and then used

Took photographs and conducted photographs I had taken and research I had

crucial research against all odds. completed as part of a presentation given to State

Brought the emergency to forefront Inspectors. My efforts helped reduce pathology

with an award-winning presentation. 25% over the next year, and I was given a bonus.

(OVER STATED) (CLEAR AND ACCURATE)

Strove to perfect the art of veterinary Practiced general veterinary medicine and surgery.

medicine and surgery. Prepared Responsible for developing and maintaining

powerful protocols as part of protocols in pain management that led to improved

pioneering pain panaceas for pooches. patient care and increased customer satisfaction.

(FLOWERY LANGUAGE) (PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE)

Source: Fictitious examples, for illustration purposes only.

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7.3. Management Positions (Resume Writing Samples)

WEAK STRONG

Director of operations, overseeing all Director of financial management support office

activity in my unit. Ensured that work for a mission area of 5,000 employees. Managed

was carried out in accordance with receivables and debt management collection,

policies, procedures and work plans. improving overall efficiencies and increasing the

Managed issues. Handled tasks. percentage of collected debt three years in a row.

(LACKS SPECIFICS) (INCLUDES SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS)

Was assigned to be team leader on a Served as team leader for a critical project during

project because individuals with more a time when resources were scarce. Established

experience were unavailable. I did my the framework needed to move the project

best to complete the assignment, but I forward, and received a cash award for my strong

was unable to finish it. leadership abilities on this project.

(OVERLY HUMBLE) (HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTHS)

Supervised 549 employees, personally

ensuring that all their needs were met.

Took an active interest in all my

employees, making sure that I

addressed both professional and

personal needs.

(OVER STATED)

Served as Director, providing leadership to the 549

employees within the organization. Solicited

feedback from all employees through the

management team and a quarterly climate survey,

and addressed general concerns that were raised.

(CLEAR AND ACCURATE)

Supervision is a calling, and not for the Supervised a team of five area managers.

faint of heart, but for the stout of

heart.

Gathered input from the management team, and

As a true leader, I know when to lead, established new performance goals. Met with each

when to follow, and when to get out of manager on a daily basis to gather feedback and

the way. If you don’t get out of the way provide coaching. Delegated partial budget

once in a while, you’ll get run over by authority to each manager, and profitability in the

the freight trains of life. unit increased by over 1 million dollars.

(FLOWERY LANGUAGE) (PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE)

Source: Fictitious examples, for illustration purposes only.

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7.4. Scientific Positions (Resume Writing Samples)

WEAK STRONG

Serve as Laboratory Assistant. Assist

Adjunct Professor by performing

various duties related to teaching the

course. Work with students.

(LACKS SPECIFICS)

Serve as Laboratory Assistant in introductory

college Chemistry classroom. Assist in material

preparation and clean up in lab. Answer student

questions after class, and lead the bi-weekly

tutoring sessions.

(INCLUDES SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS)

Observed rats to try and figure out

how memory works in people.

(OVERLY HUMBLE)

Head investigator for pilot study on proline

injections into the brain as part of tract tracing

studies on memory. Study resulted in new insights

that were highlighted in two academic journals.

The final results identified some of the key factors

that lead to memory preservation and restoration.

(HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTHS)

As a world-renowned expert on high As a consultant, routinely conducted training for

blood pressure medicine, trained all of members of the pharmaceutical manufacturing

the pharmaceutical manufacturing industries on the interpretation and implementation

industry, and used my considerable of various FDA regulations related to high blood

influence to determine the course of pressure medicine. Advised both industry and

both industry and government. government as they determined a course of action.

(OVER STATED) (CLEAR AND ACCURATE)

As a result of my tireless efforts and

innate creativity, an innovative new

technique for sample preparation

sprang to my mind. Many accolades

followed my brilliant work.

(FLOWERY LANGUAGE)

Developed new techniques for sample preparation,

and was formally recognized for my efforts when

my techniques were integrated into the standard

operating procedures in the laboratory.

(PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE)

Source: Fictitious examples, for illustration purposes only.

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7.5. Administrative Positions (Resume Writing Samples)

WEAK STRONG

I serve as the Secretary for the As Secretary to the Director, I oversee efficient

Director of the Division. I perform administrative and support operations for the entire

secretarial duties assigned to me. I Division. I sort and distribute mail coming into the

am the central point of contact for all front office, and handle incoming calls. I was

matters related to the successful recognized for my efficiency and accuracy

administration of the division. managing phone calls during the last rating cycle.

(LACKS SPECIFICS) (INCLUDES SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS)

Tried my best to carry out work in

compliance with applicable

regulations. No one complained

much. I guess I did okay.

(OVERLY HUMBLE)

Awarded certificate of merit for finishing the

project ahead of schedule while still maintaining

100% compliance with Title 5 U.S.C. 2301.

(HIGHLIGHTS STRENGTHS)

Single-handedly implemented a

publicity program for the agency Managed publicity for the agency mediation

mediation program. My publicity program during a period in which participation

efforts, and only those efforts, increased by nearly 50%. Surveys showed that

resulted in 50% participation publicity was a key factor leading to the increase.

increase.

(CLEAR AND ACCURATE)

(OVER STATED)

Selflessly served as a “single-person

word processing department” of

sorts, being called on to come to the

rescue of those struggling with

presentations, spreadsheets, merged

mailings and so forth.

(FLOWERY LANGUAGE)

As the Division’s only Microsoft Office certified

employee, provided expert document management

support on PowerPoint presentations, Excel

spreadsheets, organizational charts, merged

mailings in Word, and a number of special projects.

(PROFESSIONAL LANGUAGE)

Source: Fictitious examples, for illustration purposes only.

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A summary of resume tips in the format of a resume.

Federal Resume Writing Tips

The Road to Success

Anywhere, USA

beselecte[email protected]

OBJECTIVE

• FIRST SEEK TO UNDERSTAND. Learn how to build a resume on USAJOBS. Carefully read

the announcement so you know whether or not you qualify, and what type of employee the

selecting official wants and needs. “What would a successful person in this job bring to the

table?”

• THEN SEEK TO BE UNDERSTOOD. Tailor the resume to the specific position. Spell it out.

What are your strengths that would help you succeed in this job? Why should you be selected?

WORK EXPERIENCE

Your Current Position

• LIST EXPERIENCE THAT DEMONSTRATES YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES. Start with your

current job. Don’t just list things from your job description. In your own words, describe how and

what you have done on the job. List specific examples of what you have accomplished, and how

it demonstrates that you are a strong candidate for the vacant position. As with accomplishment

reports, you need to emphasize situations, actions and results.

Previous Positions

• FOCUS ON DIRECTLY RELATED POSITIONS. Share key examples that show you have the

experience needed to succeed. More briefly describe experience not related to the target job.

EDUCATION

REMEMBER THAT KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. Be sure to include your formal education on your

resume. Emphasize the coursework or certification that is the most closely related to the vacant position,

but all formal education should be listed.

JOB-RELATED TRAINING

OUTLINE TRAINING THAT HIGHLIGHTS YOUR ABILITIES. List course titles, briefly explain what was

covered, and show the date you completed the training. Start with the most recent job-related training.

AFFILIATIONS

LIST YOUR AFFILIATIONS TO SHOW OTHER CHARACTERISTICS. Include a description of outside

activities related to the position, credentials, and so forth to help show that you are a strong candidate.

REFERENCES

BE ACCURATE. Contact information for your references should be accurate and up-to-date. It is usually

best to let your references know that you are applying for the job. It is often helpful to have one of your

references, or someone else whose judgment you trust, review the draft of your resume.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

BE HONEST, BUT DON’T BE MODEST. Be honest, but don’t sell yourself short by skimping on your

accomplishments. Take the time to tell your story. Include supplemental information that will highlight

your knowledge and skills. With integrity, show yourself in the best possible light.

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9. References

There are thousands of websites and books that provide help with resumes. Visit your local library

to check out some books and search online. Use caution, however. Remember that not all advice

is good advice. One size does not fit all when it comes to resumes! We realize there is so much

information out there that it can be overwhelming. So, to get you started on your research, here

are some references that others have found helpful.

Federal Resume Guidebook: Strategies for Writing a Winning Federal Resume by Kathryn K. Troutman

Resume Magic: Trade Secrets of a Professional Resume Writer by Susan Britton Whitcomb

The Resume Handbook: How to Write Outstanding Resumes by Arthur D. Rosenberg

www.usajobs.gov

RESUME TIP #6: When researching online or in the library, remember the old adage:

“Buyer Beware.” In fact, that may be a good thing to keep in mind when it comes to this

resume guide! Rely on your own judgment and common sense when writing your resume.

10. Conclusion

You’ve reached the end of this guide, but hopefully, it’s just the start of your journey to write a

better resume. Remember, modernization efforts haven’t made resumes obsolete. A good resume

is more important than ever! It gives others a clear picture of you and your strengths.

Be confident as you move forward to apply what you learned here. Do some extra research on

your own. Take time to review your accomplishments and credentials. Think about how you can

best convey your strengths to others. Don’t just repeat phrases from your Position Description.

Instead, use clear and concise writing to tell others about your strengths and your key

accomplishments. If you do all of this, you will have a good resume. Maybe even a great resume.

And a great resume will help you reach your career goals.

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