USDA FSIS Resume Writing Workshop 5 Steps to a Successful

USDA FSIS Resume Writing Workshop

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Workbook 1 of 2

FSIS USDA RESUME WRITING WORKSHOP

Workbook 1 of 2

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................................................................ 1

Course Overview............................................................................................................... 1

Resume Basics ..................................................................................................................... 2

Module Overview .............................................................................................................. 2

What is a Resume?........................................................................................................... 3

Federal vs. Non-Federal Resumes – What’s the Difference? ........................................ 4

Federal Resume Structure ............................................................................................... 6

Sample Federal Resume – Food Inspector – Poultry Focused ..................................... 7

Sample Federal Resume – Consume Safety Inspector – Swine/Beef Focused ......... 12

Federal Resume Writing Tips ......................................................................................... 18

5 Steps to a Successful Resume ....................................................................................... 20

Module Overview ............................................................................................................ 20

Step 1 – Gather Information ........................................................................................... 21

Available Resources ....................................................................................................... 22

Step 2 – Identify Your Daily Duties ................................................................................ 23

Daily Duties Example of a Food Inspector .................................................................... 24

Step 3 – Write 10 Accomplishments Stories in the SAR Format ................................. 25

Activity: Accomplishments .............................................................................................. 29

Activity: Develop an Accomplishment Story .................................................................. 30

Step 4 – Integrate Action Verbs and Keywords ............................................................ 31

Activity: Identify and Integrate Action Verbs .................................................................. 33

Step 5 – Tailor Your Resume ......................................................................................... 34

Tailor Your Federal Resume .............................................................................................. 36

Module Overview ............................................................................................................ 36

Parts of the Job Announcement ..................................................................................... 37

Example Food Inspector Job Announcement ............................................................... 39

Activity: Identifying Key Terms for FI’s........................................................................... 40

Activity: Identify and Use Key Terms ............................................................................. 41

CSI Position Description Example ................................................................................. 42

Activity: Identifying Keywords/Requirements for CSI’s ................................................. 43

Activity: Using Key Terms and Keywords for Inspection Program Personnel ............. 44

Assessment Questionnaire............................................................................................. 45

Previewing the Assessment Questionnaire ................................................................... 46

Complete the Assessment Questionnaire ..................................................................... 47

Proofread Your Resume..................................................................................................... 52

Module Overview ............................................................................................................ 52

Why is Proofreading so Important?................................................................................ 53

Edit Your Resume ........................................................................................................... 54

Writing Tips...................................................................................................................... 55

Activity: Proofread Sample Resume .............................................................................. 56

Action Plan & Next Steps ................................................................................................... 59

Module Overview ............................................................................................................ 59

Review 5 Steps to a Successful Resume ...................................................................... 60

Activity: Prepare an Action Plan ..................................................................................... 61

Introduction

Course Overview

The purpose of the Resume Writing and USAJOBS Workshop is to provide detailed explanations,

as well as step-by-step processes, for creating an effective resume. This workshop integrates

the use of interactive activities and detailed content to provide you with the opportunity to

learn the necessary skills to develop a successful resume.

The workshop includes two (2) sections: the Resume Writing Guide and practical exercises to

build a Federal resume, and, the USAJOBS Hands-on in-class training for submitting your

resume on USAJOBS.GOV.

The Resume Writing Guide includes the following modules:

•

Resume Basics

•

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

•

Tailor Your Federal Resume

•

Proofread Your Resume

•

Action Plan & Next Steps

The USAJOBS Hands-on Training includes the following:

•

Create a USAJOBS Account

•

Activate an Email Account

•

Set up a USAJOBS Account

•

Create a Profile

•

Build a Resume

•

Navigate USAJOBS Homepage

•

Discover Search Options

•

Explore USAJOBS Help Center

Resume Basics

Module Overview

The goal of this module is to educate you on the basics of Federal resume writing.

It is important to understand the fundamentals of a high-quality, professional resume before

you get started on your own.

The following topics covered in this module include:

•

What is a Resume?

•

Federal vs. Non-Federal Resumes

•

Federal Resume Structure

Resume Basics

What is a Resume?

A resume is a document that summarizes your professional background and includes sections

related to your work history, experience, and qualifications. Your resume serves as your first

impression on a hiring management team. It is important to make sure that your resume

effectively represents you and your accomplishments. In some cases, the written resume serves

as the basis for hiring consideration (there may not be a full interview to supplement the

resume).

Your resume should:

•

Describe your education and training

•

Show your level and amount of experience

•

Highlight your expertise and skills

•

State your accomplishments

•

Demonstrate that you meet the job requirements

The goal of the Resume Writing Guide is to provide the best strategies and recommendations

for you to meet those requirements and develop an effective resume that will help you get

rated highly qualified.

Resume Basics

Federal vs. Non-Federal Resumes – What’s the Difference?

Resumes are used to apply to a variety of jobs, including positions in the public (government),

non-profit, and for-profit sectors (industry/Department of Defense (DoD)). While most

positions in the private and non-profit sectors require a regular/non-Federal resume, when

applying for a Federal position, the required resume has a different structure and content.

Federal resumes and non-Federal resumes are not the same things.

Federal resumes are much longer than non-Federal resumes. Non-Federal resumes are typically

1 to 2 pages maximum and use bullet-point lists, while Federal resumes are ideally 3 to 5 pages

in length and include short topical paragraphs to allow you an opportunity to provide more

information, specific examples of what you do, and demonstrate how what you do impacts the

organization. As you will see in the Federal resume samples, keywords also play a unique role as

headers in paragraphs.

Additionally, Federal resumes require more detailed personal information including, but not

limited to, veterans’ preference status, country of citizenship, supervisors’ names, and past

salaries. A non-Federal resume may not typically require such specific information. A non-Federal

resume is more concise and used to get your foot-in-the-door for an interview.

Essentially, a Federal resume needs to clearly and explicitly state your relevant qualifications for

a position and why you are a top candidate. At the United States Department of Agriculture’s

(USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), you may be hired based on your Federal

resume alone.

Resume Basics

Federal vs. Non-Federal Resumes – What’s the Difference? (Continued)

The table below highlights some of the similarities and differences between Federal and non-

Federal resumes:

FEDERAL RESUME NON-FEDERAL RESUME

Focus on Agency mission Focus on the business mission

Unlimited length (ideally 3-5

pages)

1-2 pages (maximum)

Short topical paragraphs Bullet points

Keywords required Keywords required

Detailed personal information Not as much personal information

Traditional format (reverse chronological) Can be a functional or creative format

More specific and detailed More concise

Selected by Human Resource personnel

Selected by Applicant Tracking Systems

(ATS)

Resume Basics

Federal Resume Structure

A Federal resume includes nine (9) main sections. These sections include:

•

Basic Information: Legal name, contact information (address, city, state, zip, phone,

email), citizenship, veterans’ status, Federal status, employment status, and more. Fill in

all of the required boxes inside the USAJOBS builder.

•

Work Experience: Employer, job title, full address, start and end dates (with months and

years), average hours per week, salary, duties, accomplishments, related skills, and

more as required.

•

Education: School, location, degree attained, GPA, relevant coursework, etc.

•

References (Professional or Personal): Reference name(s) and phone number(s).

•

Job-Related Training: Titles and completion dates of relevant training (different from

“Education”). Pull information from AgLearn.

•

Language Skills: Reading, writing, and speaking proficiency.

•

Organizations/Affiliations: Organization name, affiliation/role.

•

Professional Publications: Any relevant professional publications.

•

Additional Information: Related honors, awards, leadership activities, skills, information

requested in the job posting, computer proficiencies, certifications, unique experiences

(Marathon runner, mountain climber, soccer coach).

You may not have relevant information to include in all nine of the sections. That is okay.

However, you must fill out the sections that are relevant to you as completely as possible.

Review the sample resumes to identify the main sections of a Federal resume. It is important to

become familiar with the format and structure of a Federal resume. As you review the sample

Federal resume, think of your related experiences that may apply to each section.

Resume Basics

Sample Federal Resume – Food Inspector – Poultry Focused

SUSAN SMITH

1234 N Main Street

Atlanta, GA 30338 USA

Mobile: (770) 555-1234 / susansmith@yahoo.com

Availability: Job Type: Permanent, Temporary, Telework

Work Schedule: Full-Time, Part-Time

Work FSIS USDA OFO

Experience: 9876 Plant Lane (Use the plant address)

Atlanta, GA 30338 USA

01/2016 – present / Salary: 38,000 USD Per Year / Hours per week: 40

FOOD INSPECTOR (GS-1863-07)

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

FOOD (SLAUGHTER) INSPECTION: Perform ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection of poultry.

Perform visual, tactical, and incisor inspections of 35 slaughtered carcasses per minute in a

poultry plant processing 72,000 carcasses daily. Determine the presence of sanitary and

pathological conditions. Condemn carcasses or parts of carcasses that are unfit for human

consumption. Tag and hold unfit products and ensure disposal in accordance with regulations.

Make on-the-spot decisions to stop the production line, tag contaminated carcasses, and/or take

immediate action to correct problems with line speed.

SANITATION: Maintain sanitation procedures, verify compliance with sanitation regulations, and

identify and report inspection violations, in accordance with Hazard Analysis Critical Control

Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures

(SSOPs), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other regulations for

sanitation in a poultry plant. Observe for the following conditions: diseases, dirty chillers,

equipment oil, condensation, broken plumbing, extremely slippery walkways, rodents and

insects, employee hygiene, line speed, feathers, cross-contamination, viscera trays not aligned

with carcasses, and other conditions that may contaminate or adulterate and prevent poultry

from entering production.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS: Communicate regularly with Supervisory Public Health

Veterinarians (SPHV), plant management, peers, Helpers, Consumer Safety Inspectors (CSI), and

other plant workers in on-line and off-line operations. Remain calm and resolve conflicts

between plant management and inspectors concerning the condition of carcasses identified as

condemned or needing trimming, shutting down the line, and or resolving insanitary or

dangerous conditions.

SHADOWING: Shadow the Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI) (GS-8). Observe CSI in executing

appropriate inspection me thods, performing Hazard Analysis Verification (HAV), determining

noncompliance with regulatory requirements, documenting noncompliance, and initiating

enforcement ac tions. Shadow CSI reviewing r e cords, observing plant operations and conducting

hands-on verification to e nsur e c ompliance with r egulatory requirements; conducting r egulatory

oversight activities (e.g., e conomic adulteration and misbr anding); interacting with plant

managers, owners, and others to e xplain legal and regulatory requirements, discuss operation of

the plants' SSOP, HACCP plan and other food safety programs; and conducting var ious samplings,

surveys, and tests to obtain pertine nt data on potential problem areas including performing

health and safety verification sampling and tests for detection of specific microbes (e.g.,

salmonella, listeria, etc.), residues, or contaminants, or suspected economic violations involving

net weight or labeling.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Observed that chickens entering the plant from the truck were slimy and foamy. Stopped

production. Spoke with the truck drivers on the landing to inquire about the condition of the

chickens. Learned from the truck drivers that the mister broke on the truck, and they cooled the

chickens off at the car wash on the weekend. Informed plant management and SPHV of the

situation. The entire truckload of chickens was condemned. Prevented thousands of

contaminated chickens from entering production. Wrote a report and provided the report to the

team at a brown bag lunch.

- Identified that more than 20 carcasses being presented were in poor health with a high degree

of pathology. Called for the Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV) to the evisceration

line, where numerous carcasses with inflammatory processes had severe airsacculitis. As a result

of my notification, the SPHV reduced the speed of the evisceration line by 5%, ensuring adequate

inspection of all carcasses. Carcasses with localized or mild disease were appropriately marked

for reconditioning, and wholesome carcasses were passed, or trimmed accordingly.

- Obser ved five carcasses that appeared to be cadavers or mis-bleeds while performing on-line

inspections. Immediately instructed the Helper to retain the carcasses; and notified the

supervisor. The supervisor verified Good Commercial Practice (GCP) and identified that the kill

machine was not properly calibrated. My quick discovery prevented further improper slaughter,

saving the plant money and time.

- While shadowing a CSI, observed steam leaking from a pipe in the ceiling, which was dripping

water onto and contaminating carcasses on the line. Called the CSI to the location, who shut

down the line and called plant management and maintenance to fix the leak. Several carcasses

were cleaned; others were trimmed. The line was restarted in 20 minutes.

Supervisor: Alex Johnson (555)-555-5555) / Okay to Contact this Supervisor: Yes

FSIS USDA OFO

4739 Plant Lane (Use the plant address)

Birmingham, AL 35212 USA

07/2013 – 12/2016 / Salary: 29,000 USD Per Year / Hours per week: 30

FOOD INSPECTOR (GS-1863-05)

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

SLAUGHTER PLANT PROCESSING INSPECTIONS: Gained exper ienc e in a slaughter processing plant

that processed food for human c onsumption. Made major obse rvations to identify diseased or

contaminated carcasses and brought such to the attention of the Consumer Safety Inspectors

(CSIs). Observed carcasses for tumors, airsacculitis, glucoses, c r oss-contamination, and other

conditions that may cause a carcass to be conde mned or trimmed. Made decisions to stop the

line if carcasses or line speed would deliver adulterated food to the chiller.

SANITATION REGULATIONS: Maintained current knowledge of general sanitation practices, laws,

and regulations governing the food and poultry industry; and Fe der al regulations and laws on the

fitness of poultry for human consumption. Used good judgment and interpretation of various

requirements to sort acceptable from unacceptable carcasses.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- While inspecting 35 carcasses a minute, applied proper inspection techniques by identifying

that the line speed was too fast, potentially causing excessive contamination, as the carcasses

could not be properly inspected. Notified plant management to check the line speed; they

agreed with my assessment, and the line speed was adjusted.

- Performed quality assurance checks in the chiller. Noted that scores of poultry were

contaminated with metal. The employee shoveling ice was using an aluminum shovel that was

breaking off aluminum fragments into the carcasses. Notified supervision; and tagged 65 combos

(300 chickens per box) that had to be condemned, by separating them into separate trailers for

removal. Sent some boxes to another plant for inspection with metal detection equipment.

Wrote several reports of the incident, pre venting thousands of contaminated poultry from

entering commerce, and ensuring safe and wholesome food for the consumers.

- Noticed water droplets over the production line, and called the SPHV to the line, who then

stopped it. Plastic was placed to protect the production line, and condensation was mopped.

Fans were installed in the area to present further condensation. Noncompliance Record

AAA12345610 was written as a result of my obser vation s.

- Nominated and elected as Union secretary. Attended quarterly meetings, took minutes and

mailed out the newsletter.

Supervisor: Tom Sawyer (555)-555-5555) / Okay to Contact this Supervisor: Yes

ChickenAmerica Farms

9573 Plant Lane

Birmingham, AL 35212 USA

04/2009 – 07/2013 / Salary: 42,000 USD Per Year / Hours per week: 40

SHIFT QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

PERSONNEL SUPERVISION: Supervised and coordinated the activities of Quality Inspectors

engaged in inspecting incoming materials, in-process products, and finished products to ensure

adherence to company quality standards and customer specifications.

FOOD SAFETY: Supported the quality assurance and food safety program. Audited the Quality

systems, including Safe Quality Foods (SQF), HACCP, GMP, and Standard Operating Procedures

(SOP) for the plant Quality department.

COMMUNICATIONS: Communicated food quality standards to plant personnel through training,

corrective actions, quality audits, production, and facility monitoring. Worked with customers,

suppliers, corporate personnel, and manufacturing staff.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Discovered that the water in the drinking fountain smelled distasteful. Immediately submitted a

water sample to the lab. The lab identified that the water contained bird feathers, blood, and

fecal materials. As a result, the plant was shut down for 3 days to resolve a serious plumbing

problem that was cross-contaminating the water system. Once resolved, plant employees were

no longer subjected to unclean drinking water.

- Conducted pre-op inspection for sanitation. Noted that the electrical box room was flooded. A

hole in the back of the room was leaking contaminated water from the plant floor. Called for

plant management, who called for maintenance. The hole was patched, the facility was sanitized,

and the production equipment was turned on in 30 minutes for on-line plant operations to

commence.

Supervisor: L isa Zo nes (5 55)-555-5555) / Okay to Contact this Supervisor: Yes

Brighton Hospice

2009 ABC Street

Birmingham, AL 35212 USA

02/2007 – 04/2009 / Salary: 25,000 USD Per Year / Hours per week: 40

CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA)

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

Served patients’ daily needs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assisted patients with

patient assessment and care plans, including collecting specimens and recording vitals. Assisted

patients with nutrition and mobility needs, including transferring and turning patients as

prescribed, and assisted patients with personal hygiene and grooming. Ensured patient safety

and environmental cleanliness.

Supervisor: Bob McKay (555)-555-5555) / Okay to Contact this Supervisor: Yes

Subway

5632 Pond Lane

Birmingham, AL 35212 USA

02/2005 – 02/2007 / Salary: $10 per hour / Hours per week: 40

MANAGER / SANDWICH ARTIST

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS: Managed and held accountable for store staff. Held store to

corporate standards. Enforced and advised on corporate guidelines and regulations. Counted

inventory. Proficient in POS system. Provided excellent customer service. Cleaned food prep and

restaurant areas. Followed sanitation regulations. Stocked supplies.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Completed a monthly corporate evaluation. Completed daily and weekly inventory controls.

- Managed all bank deposits and till tender.

- Trained crew on all new promotions and new products.

- Oversaw food preparation of and completed large orders and catering orders.

Education: USA College Atlanta, GA USA

Bachelor’s Degree 05/2008

GPA: 3.4 of a maximum of 4.00

Relevant Coursework, Licenses, and Certifications:

Completed 18 semester hours of biological and agricultural sciences. Courses included Biology,

Feed and Feeding, Genetics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Business Management, and Agri-business

Job Related Food Safety Regulation Essentials, FSIS, 2013

Training: HACCP, FSIS, 2013

Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), FSIS, 2013

Inspection Methods, FSIS, 2013

Food Safety Fundamentals Sanitation Performance Standards (SPS), FSIS, 2013

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), 2007

Food Preparation, Hunts Foods (Conagra), 2006

Language Language Spoken Written Read

Skills: Spanish Intermediate Novice Novice

Affiliations: International Association for Food Protection (IAFP) – Member, 2015 – present

Local Union – Secretary, 2018 – present

Professional N/A

Publications:

References: Name Employer Title Phone Email

John Myers FSIS Inspector (333)333-3333 john@yahoo.com

Additional COMPUTER SKILLS: Microsoft Office 2013 (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)

Information: CERTIFICATIONS: Quality Control, Food Handling, OSHA, First Aid, CPR, Sanitation

JOB SKILLS: Meat cutter, Butcher, and Trimmer; Quality Control; Personnel

Supervisor; Food Safety; HACCP; SSOPs

VOLUNTEER: Volunteer at the local soup kitchen; prepare, cook, and serve bread

and soup. Clean the food preparation and service lines, meeting OSHA

sanitation standards (2 hours per month, 2015 to present)

AWARDS: Letter of Appreciation, First-line Supervisor, 2012

Outstanding performance evaluations, 2018, 2017, 2016

Special Act Award, 2018

OTHER: Blogger for the MeatingPlace, 2017 to present

EARLIER EMPLOYMENT: FastFood America, 4/2003 – 2/2005. Prepared fast food and ensured

restaurant cleanliness. Completed daily sanitation checks.

Resume Basics

Sample Federal Resume – Consume Safety Inspector – Swine/Beef Focused

JOHN MYERS

1234 S Maple Road

Dodge City, KS USA

Mobile: (555) 555-1234 / johnmyers@gmail.com

Availability: Job Type: Permanent, Temporary, Telework

Work Schedule: Full-Time, Part-Time

Work FSIS USDA OFO

Experience: 9876 Plant Lane (Use the plant address)

Dodge City, Kansas USA

01/2018 – present / Salary: 45,000 USD Per Year / Hours per week: 40

CONSUMER SAFETY INSPECTOR (GS-1862-08)

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

ANTEMORTEM INSPECTIONS: Observe live animals presented for slaughter for numbers, overall

health, and physical abnormalities. Notify the Supervisory Public Health Veterinarian (SPHV) of

any suspect animals. Execute appropriate inspection me thods, pe rform Hazard Analysis

Verification (HAV), determine noncompliance with r egulatory requirements, document

noncompliance, and initiate enforcement actions.

PRE-OPERATIONAL INSPECTION: Evaluate plant equipment for cleanliness and sanitation before

use. Write Noncompliance Records (NRs) for areas that do not meet written standards according

to Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP),

Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), Occupational Safety and Health

Administration (OSHA), and other regulations for sanitation in a swine plant.

POST-MORTEM INSPECTION: Observe slaughter operations to include inspecting of carcasses,

viscera and slicing, and evaluation of specified lymph nodes for a plant processing 1,500 swine

carcasses in a day. Retain any abnormal carcasses for veterinary disposition.

OPERATIONAL SANITATION: Evaluate maintenance of a clean and sanitary environment of the

plant during operations. Observe employee hygiene, sanitation of the production environment,

and processing of meat products. Write NRs for areas or processes that do not meet written

standards.

MONITOR AND OBSERVE THE PLANT’S HACCP PROGRAM: Review the plant’s ability to meet the

Critical Control points set forth in the HACCP program. This includes ensuring all product is free

from adulteration, time and temperature requirements are met, and correct ingredients are

added. Observe the packaging, labeling, and storing of products. Observe for the following

conditions: diseases/pathology (salmonella), dirty chillers, equipment oil, condensation, broken

plumbing, extremely slippery walkways, rodents and insects/pest control, employee hygiene, line

speed, cross-contamination, viscera trays not aligned with carcasses, and other conditions that

may contaminate or adulterate and prevent swine from entering production. Observe for

adequate lighting, ventilation, water usage, sewage removal, and grounds. Prepare

Noncompliance Records (NRs) and other reports indicating the number and types of carcasses

passed for food, retained, and disposed of; and the number of inspection hours worked by the

establishment.

SAMPLE COLLECTION: Retrieve meat products in an aseptic manner and submit for analysis to

FSIS laboratories. Conduct var ious samplings, surveys and tests to obtain pertinent data on

potential problem areas including performing health and safety verification sampling and tests

for detection of specific microbes (e.g., salmonella, listeria), residues or contaminants, or

suspected e conomic violations involving net weight or labeling.

COMMUNICATIONS: Conduct periodic meetings with plant management to relay results of

testing, and discuss noncompliance records with subsequent corrective actions and operation

schedules.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Inspected for and identified diseases/pathologies and contamination, including feces, ingesta,

infections, bruising, and more. Inspected the lymph nodes, heart, liver, spleen, and looked for

color, size, broken bones, tumors, abscesses, puss, hard masses, and consistency. Held, tagged,

and retained all parts of an abnormal carcass, including head and viscera. Used the USDA retain

tag’s, notified the SPHV for the disposition of the carcass. Ensured only unadulterated products

entered production and commerce.

- Identified a swine carcass with fibrous heart and puss. Railed off to the side, held, tagged, and

retained the carcass for disposition by SPHV.

- Identified multiple carcasses with feces on the front legs. Stopped the line and walked back on

the line to determine the source. Notified the SPHV.

- Observed carcasses with increased contamination on the line. Notified the SPHV and HACCP

Coordinator to slow the line. Retrained the employee skinning the carcasses, and added a hand

wash area. Raised the work platform to ensure the trimmer had adequate visuals for eac h

carcass. Ensured that proper sanitation was maintained.

- Inspected swine antemortem in the holding pens to ensure human handling. Identified swine

with symptoms of foot and mouth disease (swine vesicular disease (SVD), on the nose and feet).

Notified the SPHV and plant management. The animals presenting with the vesicular disease

were segregated. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) was contacted to

collect samples.

- Reviewed records, observe d plant operations, and conducted hands-on verification to ensure

compliance with r egulatory requirements. Conducted r e gulato ry oversight activities (e.g.,

economic adulteration and misbr anding).

- Tested animals for antibiotics using the KIS (Kidney Inhibition Swab) test. Retrieved livers,

muscles, kidneys, and more to be sent to the USDA lab for testing of suspected antibiotics above

the violation level. Identified such things as small abscesses on a shoulder, an indication of

antibiotics. Wrote NRs for any positive antibiotics checks.

- Pulled samples when requested by the USDA lab.

FSIS USDA OFO

2030 Plant Lane (Use the plant address)

Dodge City, Kansas USA

01/2015 – 12/2017 / Salary: 38,000 USD Per Year / Hours per week: 40

Food Inspector (GS-1863-07)

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

FOOD (SLAUGHTER) INSPECTION / BEEF: Performed ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection of

beef. Performed visual, tactical, and incisor inspections of beef in a plant processing 2,000

carcasses a day. Determined the presence of sanitary and pathological conditions. Condemned

carcasses or parts of carcasses unfit for human consumption. Tagged and held unfit products and

ensured disposal in accordance with regulations. Made on-the-spot decisions to stop the

production line, tag contaminated carcasses, and/or take immediate action to correct problems

with line speed. Applied thorough knowledge of animal physiology and pathology to determine

if an animal could be slaughtered and if abnormal animal carcasses or parts should be held for

veterinary examination. Applied strong knowledge of bacteriology and microbiology of meat

products to determine the wholesomeness of products. Observed for the following conditions:

diseases, equipment oil, condensation, rodents and insects, line speed, cross-contamination,

viscera trays not aligned with carcasses, and other conditions that may have contaminated or

adulterated and prevented beef from entering production.

SANITATION: Maintained sanitation procedures, verified compliance with sanitation regulations,

and identified and reported inspection violations in accordance with Hazard Analysis Critical

Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Sanitation Standard Operating

Procedures (SSOPs), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other

regulations for sanitation in a beef plant.

COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS: Communicated regularly with Supervisory Public Health

Veterinarians (SPHV), plant management, peers, Helpers, Consumer Safety Inspectors (CSI), and

other plant workers in on-line operations. Remained calm and resolved conflicts between plant

management and inspectors concerning the condition of carcasses identified as condemned or

needing trimming, shutting down the line, and/or r esolving insanitary or dangerous conditions.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Shadowed a CSI evaluating the health of live animals. Observed antemortem inspection of live

animals in the pen for odd eye movements, drooling, staggering, or other symptoms. Noticed a

bovine down and not ambulatory. Informed plant management and the SPHV of the downer

bovine. Removed the animal to be condemned and euthanized. Sent animal for an autopsy to

check for mad cow disease, encephalitis, or other neurological symptoms.

- Shadowed a CSI in managing a recall. A BBQ product at a ready-to-eat plant presented with

listeria. The product tested positive for listeria, and the plant unknowingly shipped the product

to a distributor. Worked with investigators to recall the lot number distributed into commerce.

Assisted in writing an NR that stated the violations and corrective actions required.

- Attended weekly meetings with plant management.

Supervisor: Bob Bergie (555)555-5555) / Okay to Contact this Supervisor: Yes

The Coffee Company

1234 Main Street

Kuna, ID 55555 USA

01/2012 – 01/2015 / Salary: 25,000 USD Per Year / Hours per week: 40

QUALITY ASSURANCE TECHNICIAN

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

QA MANAGEMENT: Managed Quality Assurance for the Coffee Lab and the Food Lab. Monitored

the quality of production operations and performed laboratory services to ensure high product

standards. Brewed coffees and teas, and set up tastings with management. Performed sensory

evaluation of products (taste, appearance, properties, color) for food and beverages, including

gluten-free products. Determined product and ingredient Hold and Release. Assisted in audits

and exercises. Completed quality, safety, and GMP walkthroughs.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Conducted environmental testing and swabbed for listeria, salmonella, and E. coli.

- Prepared daily biologic charts in Microsoft Excel and sent it to the laboratory for microanalysis.

- Properly documented all tastings, test results, and compliance issues in Excel spreadsheets and

proprietary software.

- Performed regular scheduled and unscheduled coffee lab and food lab inspections that ranged

from inspecting for air bubbles to physical packaging, labels (dates, weights), grind, and more.

- Verified organic food (coffee beans) from foreign countries and calculated how much was

blended into products.

- Initiated 2-week project and renamed and recompiled the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) files

(lab report analyses files).

Supervisor: Linda Evans (555)-555-5555) / Okay to Contact this Supervisor: Yes

Specialty Baking Company

1234 Jefferson Ave

Clovis, CA 55555 USA

02/2008 – 01/2012 / Salary: 23,000 USD Per Year / Hours per week: 40

LINE FOREMAN/SUPERVISOR

Duties, Accomplishments and Related Skills:

MANAGEMENT: Managed and implemented all standard operating procedures for all production

operations. Monitored lock-out tag-out procedures. Coordinated with Maintenance and the

Planner to perform planned maintenance (PM) and equipment repairs. Monitored Quality

Control Checks. Forklift trained and certified.

PRODUCTION & OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT: Operated and managed an Autobake production

line making desserts (cakes) for major retailers. Oversaw the production of the Pie line and Bagel

Line, as requested, managing a mixing team of 3 and a pack team of 10 for each line. Effectively

directed and ran each line and adjusted for changeovers from product to product and

documented all production operations consistent with paperwork.

SUPERVISION: Documented all employee-related issues and incident reports. Resolved conflicts,

responded to EEO complaints, and worked with HR to track employee performance issues.

Motivated team members and evaluate employees to encourage high performance. Enforced

discipline. Monitored time and attendance.

SANITATION & EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT: Operated, cleaned, maintained, adjusted, and

calibrated equipment and machines such as ovens, mixers, slabbers, folding machines, labelers,

metal detectors, air compressor pumps, fryers, proof boxes, coolers, glazers, sorters, depositors,

sprayers, heat tunnel, shrink wrap, and more.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

- Conducted Research & Development. Developed and made special samples, properly

documenting ingredients, flavors, and temperatures. Presented samples to management for

selection into the product line.

- Managed on-the-spot production requirements/special projects; quickly coordinated with

machinery, adjusted production demands, ensured GMP requirements, and led the team to

produce more than one product in a shift.

- De ve loped and tracked improveme nts in the reduction of downtime. Tracked performance

against the schedule to continuously improve revenue per employee hour worked. Drove

continuous improvements and implementations of best practices to change management

processes.

- Performed traceability exercises and made necessary changes to the recall procedures.

Adjusted production and communicated with cleaning, maintenance, QA, production, and

packing to produce two products simultaneously, carefully monitoring allergen ingredients and

preventing cross-contamination.

- Ensured that QA received retained samples of all products run during every shift.

- Read and adjusted production schedules based on production plan changes.

- Maintained excellent rapport with the maintenance team; clearly communicated which tools

were needed for maintenance issues in order to keep production on schedule. Anticipated issues

and worked proactively to resolve problems.

- Monitored temperature control equipment and, metal detectors, and ensured scales were

accurate.

- Monitored cleaning practices; ensured production line workers cleaned as they went.

- Enforced adherence to allergen program. Ensured adherence to GMP, SOP and SSOP standards.

Managed monthly inspection requirements; reported corrective actions taken.

- Performed line inspection and ensured in-process checks were properly conducted by

supervisors and PICs.

- Made improvements to the production process to reduce ingredients, packaging, and finished

goods waste.

Education: USA College Atlanta, GA USA

Bachelor’s Degree 06/2015

GPA: 3.6 of a maximum of 4.00

Relevant Coursework, Licenses, and Certifications:

Completed 18 semester hours of biological and agricultural sciences. Courses included Biology,

Toxicology, Mathematics, Chemistry, English, Economics, Business Management, and Agri-

business

Job-Related Food Safety Regulation Essentials, FSIS, 2015

Training: HACCP, FSIS, 2015

Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP), FSIS, 2015

Inspection Methods, FSIS, 2014

Food Safety Fundamentals Sanitation Performance Standards (SPS), FSIS, 2015

OSHA Training, 2013

ServeSafe, sponsored by FastFood America, 2012

Clean Hands Self-Certification, 2010 (online course)

Food Preparation, Hunts Foods (Conagra), 2009

Language Language Spoken Written Read

Skills: Spanish Intermediate Novice Novice

Affiliations: Marathon Runners of Amer ica – Member, 2010 – present

Professional N/A

Publications:

References: Name Employer Title Phone Email

James Brydon FSIS Inspector (333)333-3333 j@gmail.com

Additional COMPUTER SKILLS: Microsoft Office 2013 (Word, PowerPoint and Excel)

Information: CERTIFICATIONS: Forklift, Quality Control, Food Handling, OSHA, First Aid, CPR,

Sanitation

JOB SKILLS: Quality Assurance Manager; Baking Production; Butche r; Personnel

Supervision; Food Safety; HACCP; SSOPs, Good Manufacturing

Practices (GMP), Good Commercial Practices

VOLUNTEER: Volunteer at the local homeless shelter. Serve food, babysit children,

and donate clothes. (2 hours a month, 2016 to present)

AWARDS: Letter of Appreciation, First-line Supervisor, 2018

Outstanding performance evaluations, 2019, 2018, 2016, 2012, 2011

On-the-Spot Award for Perfect Attendance, 2019, 2018, 2017

Special Act Award, 2017

OTHER: Ran 15 Marathons (including the Boston Marathon)

Resume Basics

Federal Resume Writing Tips

Now that you have seen the structure of a Federal resume, let’s review some Federal resume

writing tips. Keep these in mind as you begin thinking about what information you will include

in your own resume.

List all jobs you’ve held for the last ten (10) years, including:

•

Your supervisors’ names and contact information

•

The street address of each job location

•

The dates you worked (including the month, year, and how many hours you worked per

week)

•

Your ending salaries

•

Detailed duties for each position

•

A minimum of 10 accomplishments (2 to 3 accomplishment stories for each position

back to 10 years)

If you have jobs that are more than ten (10) years old, only list them if they are relevant, and

only include a short sentence description.

• Put your most recent job first and your oldest job last, unless: You are returning to the

government. If so, you should list your government experience before your other

experience regardless of the dates.

• Include military service in your experience (if applicable).

• Volunteer work counts too; if your volunteer and community service activities are

relevant, list them.

• If you don’t say what you mean, recruiters will not try to read your mind; clearly write

down your accomplishments.

• Do not use the same resume for every job application. Customize it to the position for

which you are applying.

5 STEPS TO A SUCCESSFUL RESUME

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Module Overview

Resumes play a dual role. They allow employers to find the best-qualified candidates and allow

candidates to showcase their job-related skills and professional experiences. Your resume is

your opportunity to tell your story and demonstrate how well it relates to the position for

which you are applying.

This module will walk through five (5) steps to creating a successful Federal resume. These

steps summarize strategies and recommendations for you to effectively tell your story. You will

have an opportunity to practice the skills you need to successfully create a Federal resume.

“Emphasize your strengths on your resume...Convey your passion and link your strengths to

measurable results.”

~Marcus Buckingham, New York Times best-selling author

The following topics covered in this module include:

•

Gather Information

•

Identify Your Daily Duties

•

Write 10 Accomplishment Stories in the SAR Format

•

Integrate Action Verbs and Keywords

•

Tailor Your Resume

Buckingham, M. (n.d.) BrainyQuotes.com. Retrieved from

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/m/marcusbuck526900.html

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 1 – Gather Information

Before you write the body of your resume, you need to gather information. Below are some

examples:

•

Find job postings that interest you.

•

Review the relevant Agencies’ mission statements and visit their websites.

•

Locate your past resumes, performance reviews, and award justifications, if available.

•

If applicable, request a copy of your training records through AgLearn+.

These items provide you with valuable information that is helpful throughout the resume

writing process. It is a good idea to gather them before you start.

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Available Resources

The USDA has several resources available that can assist you in gathering information. The table

below highlights the resources you can use to access your training records and USDA

employment history records. The table also highlights how you can obtain assistance with

resume writing, USAJOBS navigation, and general questions about documentation, records,

and/or USDA eAuthentication (eAuth).

RESOURCE CONTACT INFORMATION

TYPE OF ASSISTANCE

AgLearn+ FSISAglearn@fsis.usda.gov • Training records

Electronic Official

Personnel

Folder(eOPF)

(eAuth Level 2 Required)

Inside.fsis.usda.gov

EOPF@fsis.usda.gov

• Access to your

USDA employment

history records

Resume Writing and

USAJOBS Hotline

1-800-336-3747

CFLHelpDesk@fsis.usda.gov

• Assistance with

resume writing

and USAJOBS

navigation

• General questions

about documentation,

records, and eAuth

If you have any questions or need additional support, please call: Resume Writing and USAJOBS

Hotline at 1-800-336-3747.

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 2 – Identify Your Daily Duties

The next step in writing your resume is identifying your daily duties. Daily duties are the

responsibilities and work activities that you engage in that are related to your position. You will

need to identify your daily duties for all of your current and previous jobs.

When you describe your daily duties from your current and previous employment, use action

words to start each sentence – words such as “Inspect,” “Ensure,” “Determine,” “Report,”

“Detect,” and “Maintain.”

The short duties paragraphs will be topical. This means that as you identify your duties, you

should group them by topic rather than stringing multiple duties together in larger paragraphs.

Topics may include:

• ORAL COMMUNICATION: Communicate with plant management, veterinarians,

trimmers, and ________________ for _________________________.

• WRITTEN REPORTS / REPORT WRITING / WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Write

sampling reports. Write noncompliance reports (NR), complete tags, and

___________________________.

• MATHEMATICS: Weigh _____________________. Read labels. Calculate

_________________.

• ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Identified diseased / contaminated carcass. Called

__________________ to __________________________.

• DEPENDABILITY: Received an award for perfect attendance.

• INSPECTIONS: Inspect poultry carcasses for disease and contamination.

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Daily Duties Example of a Food Inspector

Let’s look at some examples of the possible duties of a Food Inspector. Notice the action words

that begin each statement.

Make on-the-spot decisions to stop the production line, tag contaminated carcasses, and/or

take immediate action to correct problems with line speed.

Perform ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection of poultry; perform visual, tactical, and

incisor inspections of 35 slaughtered carcasses per minute in a poultry plant processing

72,000 carcasses daily.

Shadow the Consumer Safety Inspector (GS-8) in executing appropriate inspection methods.

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 3 – Write 10 Accomplishments Stories in the SAR Format

After you identify your daily duties, it is time to develop a list of 10 accomplishment stories.

Accomplishment stories are more specific than duties and help “paint a picture” of your

abilities and experience. You want to clearly spell out your strengths and achievements in your

resume. For example, janitors do not simply pick up trash and clean; they significantly

contribute to the health and safety of the individuals in their organization.

Likewise, entry-level Food Inspectors provide a very valuable service that goes beyond their

daily duties (e.g., observing meat and poultry carcasses) may reveal. Food Inspectors provide

the first line of defense against diseased and adulterated meat and poultry. They are

responsible for much of the day-to-day in-plant inspection of animals before and after slaughter

and serve as safeguards of public health (tie your accomplishment stories to the FSIS mission).

A well-developed accomplishment story effectively shows your expertise in food safety, while

highlighting how your actions contributed to the organizational mission (ensuring clean food

into commerce).

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 3 – Write 10 Accomplishments Stories in the SAR Format (Continued)

Accomplishments help you show others the value that you bring to an organization, so take the

time to think about the great things that you have already achieved.

•

Have you identified any disease/condition, contamination, or other issues in the plant that

resulted in sample submission or line speed control?

•

Have you participated in a recall?

•

Have you ever identified issues affecting sanitary dressing conditions to offline

inspection personnel that resulted in inline speed reduction and/or product

retention/condemnation?

•

Have you ever identified, and brought to the attention of the off-line inspection

personnel, contamination issues that resulted in regulatory control action and the

issuance of non-compliant reports (DNR / similar)?

•

Did your manager or team implement your ideas?

•

What unhygienic issues have you noted/reported in the workplace?

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 3 – Write 10 Accomplishments Stories in the SAR Format (Continued)

To help you identify your accomplishments, consider what results you have achieved at work.

Ask yourself the following questions. Some of them are specific to your role as a Food Inspector

or Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI).

What projects were you involved in?

•

Are there times you performed above average? (Check your performance evaluations or

award justifications; keep a list of accomplishments in a log.)

•

Have you solved any problems at work?

•

Have you saved the Agency money or time?

•

Can you incorporate numbers to show the results of your work clearly?

•

Did you serve on a Safety or Union committee?

•

What accomplishments can you develop from previous jobs outside of FSIS? (Perhaps

you used Microsoft Word and wrote reports read by executives at a previous

administrative job; or communicated with customers at a retail job, which led to an

award.)

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 3 – Write 10 Accomplishments Stories in the SAR Format (Continued)

Developing and writing 10 accomplishment stories is an important part of creating a successful

resume. To help effectively build and write your accomplishments, use the SAR format. SAR

stands for Situation, Actions, and Results.

Let’s take a look at an example of this format using a sample daily duty that we discussed

earlier.

Example Duty: Make on-the-spot decisions to stop the production line, tag contaminated

carcasses, and/or take immediate action to correct problems with line speed.

•

Situation: While inspecting 35 poultry carcasses a minute, observed that the line

presentation was off. The carcasses and viscera were not aligned.

•

Actions: Decided to stop the line, spoke with the plant management (who called for

maintenance), and readjusted line speed.

•

Results: The carcasses and viscera were then properly aligned for inspection, resolving

the problem quickly, preventing further delay in plant operations. Ensured properly

inspected carcasses were moved into production.

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Activity: Accomplishments

Write a list of 10 accomplishments – these accomplishments can be from your current position,

previous Federal positions, or industry positions (non-Federal positions).

1) ________________________________________________________________________

2) ________________________________________________________________________

3) ________________________________________________________________________

4) ________________________________________________________________________

5) ________________________________________________________________________

6) ________________________________________________________________________

7) ________________________________________________________________________

8) ________________________________________________________________________

9) ________________________________________________________________________

10) ________________________________________________________________________

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Activity: Develop an Accomplishment Story

Using the Situation, Actions, Results format below, select a favorite accomplishment from the

list above and write the story in short sentences:

Situation:

______________________________________________________________________________

Action:

______________________________________________________________________________

Result:

______________________________________________________________________________

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 4 – Integrate Action Verbs and Keywords

Use present tense verbs for your current job and past tense verbs to describe previous

employment duties/responsibilities. Identify keywords from the target announcement and

highlight the keywords to build the topical paragraphs on the resume. Below are sample action

verbs and keywords to integrate into your resume:

Accelerated

Accomplished

Achieved

Acted

Activated

Adapted

Addressed

Adjusted

Administered

Advanced

Advertised

Advised

Advocated

Aided

Allocated

Analyzed

Answered

Applied

Appraised

Approved

Arbitrated

Arranged

Assembled

Assessed

Assigned

Assisted

Attained

Augmented

Authorized

Awarded

Balanced

Began

Briefed

Budgeted

Built

Calculated

Captured

Cataloged

Centralized

Charted

Checked

Clarified

Classified

Coached

Collaborated

Collected

Combined

Communicated

Compared

Compiled

Completed

Composed

Computed

Conceived

Conceptualized

Condensed

Conducted

Conferred

Conserved

Consolidated

Constructed

Consulted

Contacted

Contributed

Controlled

Converted

Conveyed

Convinced

Coordinated

Corresponded

Counseled

Critiqued

Cultivated

Customized

Debugged

Decided

Defined

Delegated

Delivered

Demonstrated

Designated

Designed

Detected

Determined

Developed

Devised

Diagnosed

Directed

Disc overed

Dispensed

Displayed

Distributed

Diverted

Documented

Drafted

Earned Edited

Educated

Effected

Eliminated

Emphasized

Employed

Encouraged

Enforced

Engineered

Enhanced

Enlarged

Enlisted

Ensured

Entertained

Established

Estimated

Evaluated

Examined

Executed

Expanded

Expedited

Exper imented

Explained

Explored

Expressed

Extended

Extracted

Fabricated

Facilitated

Fashioned

Finalized

Fixed

Forecasted

Formed

Formulated

Fostered

Found

Fulfilled

Gained

Gathered

Generated

Governed

Grossed

Guided

Handled

Headed

Heightened

Helped

Hired

Honed

Hosted

Hypothesized

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 4 – Integrate Action Verbs and Keywords (Continued)

Identified

Illustrated

Imagined

Implemented

Improved

Improvised

Incorporated

Increased

Indexed

Influenced

Informed

Initiated

Innovated

Inspected

Inspired

Installed

Instituted

Integrated

Interacted

Interpreted

Interviewed

Introduced

Inventoried

Investigated

Involved

Issued

Joined

Judged

Kept

Launched

Learned

Lectured

Led

Lifted

Listened

Located

Logged

Managed

Manipulated

Marketed

Maximized

Measured

Mediated

Merged

Mobilized

Modified

Monitored

Motivated

Navigated

Negotiated

Netted

Observed

Obtained

Opened

Operated

Ordered

Orchestrated

Organized

Originated

Outlined

Overcame

Overhauled

Oversaw

Participated

Performed

Persuaded

Photographed

Pinpointed

Piloted

Pioneered

Placed

Planned

Played

Predicted

Prepared

Prescribed

Presented

Presided

Prevented

Printed

Prioritized

Processed

Produced

Programmed

Projected

Promoted

Proofread

Proposed

Protected

Proved

Provide d

Publicized

Purchased

Qualified

Questioned

Raised

Ran

Rated

Reached

Realized

Reasoned

Received

Recommended

Reconciled

Recorded

Recruited

Reduced

Referred

Regulated

Rehabilitated

Remodeled

Rendered

Reorganized

Repaired

Replaced

Reported

Represented

Researched

Reshaped

Resolved

Responded

Restored

Retrieved

Reviewed

Revised

Revitalized

Routed

Saved

Scheduled

Screened

Searched

Secured

Selected

Separated

Served

Shaped

Shared

Simplified

Simulated

Sketched

Sold

Solved

Sorted

Spearheaded

Specialized

Specified

Spoke

Sponsored

Staffed

Standardized

Started

Streamlined

Strengthened

Structured

Studied

Suggested

Summarized

Supervised

Supplied

Supported

Surpassed

Surveyed

Sustained

Synthesized

Systematized

Targeted

Taught

Terminated

Tested

Tightened

Totaled

Tracked

Traded

Trained

Transcribed

Transformed

Transmitted

Translated

Traveled

Tutored

Uncovered

Undertook

Unified

United

Updated

Upgraded

Used

Utilized

Validated

Verbalized

Verified

Vitalized

Volunteered

Weighed

Widened

Won

Worked

Wrote

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Activity: Identify and Integrate Action Verbs

Directions: These sentences list generic daily duties of a Food Inspector (FI). The beginning of

each sentence is intentionally left blank. Pick a keyword from the list to fill in the blank.

Keywords:

•

Instruct

•

Observe

•

Ensure

•

Guide

•

Train

diseased, contaminated, or defective carcasses.

Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) on how to maintain good

manufacturing practices (GMP).

meat and meat products comply with sanitary practices,

regulations, and directives defined in the Federal Meat

Inspection Act (FMIA).

Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) on how to maintain good

manufacturing practices (GMP).

Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) in food safety guidelines and

ensure the facility is kept clean and properly maintained.

5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Step 5 – Tailor Your Resume

The last step to creating a successful resume is to tailor your resume to match the position that

you are interested in for each application.

Federal Job Opportunity Announcements (JOAs) list the exact education, experience,

knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs), time-in-grade requirements, minimum qualifications,

and other criteria that you will need to do a particular job.

Before you apply for a job, look at the duties and qualifications sections of the JOA to see

if you have the required experience.

If you do have the required experience, you will need to tailor your resume to match the

position description, making it easy for hiring managers to see that you are a qualified

applicant. Use the resume sample format starting on page 7. Write the resume in your own

words and use your accomplishments.

The Resume Builder inside of USAJOBS allows you to create and use up to five (5) different

resumes, so you can tailor your resume for a variety of positions that interest you.

TAILOR YOUR FEDERAL RESUME

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Module Overview

When applying for Federal job positions, it is essential to tailor your resume to show that you

meet the requirements of the specific job. If your resume does not adequately demonstrate

that you meet the required qualifications, then you will not be considered. This module will

review steps to tailor your resume for a Federal position effectively.

The following topics covered in this module include:

•

Parts of the Job Opportunity Announcement

•

Identifying Key Terms

•

Complete the Assessment Questionnaire

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Parts of the Job Announcement

The term “Job Opportunity Announcement” (JOA) refers to job postings hosted on

USAJOBS.gov. JOAs provide information about the nature of the job, including the major

assigned duties and level of responsibility, as well as the requirements for evaluating applicants.

There are five (5) main sections of JOAs:

Job Overview:

•

Includes general information, such as job title, department, Agency, salary range,

location(s), who may apply, a summary of the position, travel requirements,

whether relocation is authorized, and any other key requirements.

Duties:

•

Describes the responsibilities and work activities of the position (i.e., position

description).

Job Requirements:

•

Lists all of the required qualifications that you must have in order to be considered

for the position, such as specialized work experience or education, and any other

requirements (e.g., pre-employment medical examination, security clearance

requirements, etc.).

Additional Information:

•

Lists any employee benefits, such as eligibility to enroll in a Federal Employee Health

Benefit (FEHB) health plan.

•

Provides additional relevant information such as work schedule, Selective Service

requirements, and background investigation requirements.

How to Apply & Required Documents:

•

Lists required documentation (e.g., college transcripts, Application for Veteran

Preference, etc.) and the specific procedures you must follow in order to apply.

•

Provides information on how you will be evaluated, the basis of rating, and the

online assessment questionnaire.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Parts of the Job Announcement (Continued)

As previously covered, the duties section of a JOA outlines the description of the particular

position. The following discussion will focus on the position descriptions for two specific roles:

•

Food inspector

•

Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI)

CSIs work in one or more meat, poultry, or egg processing plants and ensure the plants are

operating within their written plans for Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP),

sanitation, and processing.

If you want to apply for a CSI position, it is important to note that the duties are different than

those of a Food Inspector, so you will need to tailor your resume accordingly. For example, the

duties of a CSI are more policy-driven than those of a Food Inspector, call for specific

knowledge of regulations and types of adulteration, and require greater levels of responsibility.

CSIs communicate with people at all levels in a plant, and with FSIS and USDA, they write

reports, pull samples, weigh and measure, review labeling, and more. Much of the CSI’s role is

off-line.

When applying for a CSI position, it is important to highlight your experiences that will most

contribute to your success as a CSI. You can do this by incorporating the key terms specified in

the CSI position description in your resume, where applicable. Use these keywords to outline

the topical paragraphs like you see on the resumes beginning on page 7; this will help you

demonstrate that you are a qualified candidate for the CSI position.

Continue to see example position descriptions for these two roles and learn about how you can

tailor your resume to each one.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Example Food Inspector Job Announcement

Review the duties of a Food Inspector in the example position description below:

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Activity: Identifying Key Terms for FI’s

When you see a JOA that appeals to you, it is time to review the position description for key

terms. Key terms are words or phrases that refer to significant aspects of the job.

You should customize your resume to include the key terms that you find in the announcement.

Use key terms / keywords as headings for your daily duties.

Let’s practice identifying key terms.

Directions: Read the example Food Inspector position description excerpt below. Identify and

underline the keywords/key terms. Make a list of the keywords that you identify to integrate

into your resume.

Food Inspector (Slaughter) Position Description Excerpt:

Performs all inspection processes either on a sequential or rotational basis. Makes visual and

tactile and/or incisors inspections of heads, viscera carcasses, and edible offal. Determines

whether pathological and/or sanitary conditions make the product unfit for human

consumption. Condemns portions that cannot be corrected by trimming. Tags and holds

carcasses which cannot be corrected by trimming for final disposition by Veterinary Medical

Officer.

For both animals and poultry, the incumbent performs required inspection of inedible tanking

areas to ensure that products condemned, inedible offal, and other such products not fit for

human consumption are disposed of in accordance with regulations.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Activity: Identify and Use Key Terms

Some of the key terms in the example position description excerpt from the previous page

include:

•

Perform slaughter inspection processes

•

Visual, tactile, and/or incisor inspections

•

Determine pathological/sanitary conditions

•

Condemn/Tag and hold

•

Ensure products

•

Dispose of

•

Not fit for human consumption

•

Regulations

Directions: Practice incorporating these keywords in your daily duties. You might list similar

duties on your resume. Read the paragraph below and fill in the blanks.

FOOD (SLAUGHTER) INSPECTION:

Perform __________________, _____________________, and _____________ inspections of

slaughtered animal and poultry carcasses. ______________________ product(s) unfit for

________________________________. Tag and hold unfit products and ensure disposal in

accordance with _________________________.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

CSI Position Description Example

Review the duties of a CSI in the example position description below.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Activity: Identifying Keywords/Requirements for CSI’s

Directions: Read the CSI position description below and underline all the key terms you find.

Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI) Position Description Excerpt:

As a CSI, you will ensure that regulated establishments produce safe product by executing

appropriate inspection methods, determining noncompliance with regulatory

requirements, documenting noncompliance, and initiating enforcement action where

warranted. Here is what you will be assigned to do:

• Verify that meat and poultry slaughter and/or processing establishments’ Sanitation

Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Point

(HACCP) Plans meet regulatory requirements and are being executed effectively to

prevent unsanitary conditions and adulteration of product.

• May be required to perform Hazard Analysis Verification (HAV) under the oversight

of the supervisor. HAV is an analytical review of establishment’s product process to

ensure that regulatory obligations to conduct a food safety hazard analysis are being

met.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Activity: Using Key Terms and Keywords for Inspection Program Personnel

Some of the key terms in the CSI position description from the previous page include:

•

Ensuring safe products

•

Executing inspection methods

•

Determining/documenting noncompliance

•

Initiating enforcement actions

•

Verifying SSOP/HACCP

•

Regulatory requirements

•

Preventing unsanitary conditions/adulteration of product

•

Performing Hazard Analysis Verification (HAV)

Directions: You can highlight key terms from a CSI position description in the daily duties of a

Food Inspector. For example, discussing experience shadowing a CSI or your knowledge of

different types of adulteration. Fill in the blanks for the job excerpt below:

SHADOWING: Shadow the Consumer Safety Inspector (CSI) in _________________

appropriate _________________________ methods. Verify that Sanitation Standard

Operating Procedures (_______) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plans

are being executed effectively to prevent _______________________. Conduct Hazard

Analysis Verification (HAV); and determine noncompliance with __________________,

documenting ______________________, and initiating enforcement actions.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Assessment Questionnaire

Part of the application process includes a self-assessment questionnaire. The self-assessment

questionnaire is another important part of the Federal job application process. It must be

completed for each application.

What is the self-assessment questionnaire?

•

A set of self-assessment questions that ask about your qualifications and activities (e.g.,

years of experience, types of experiences, knowledge of policies and procedures).

•

Helps hiring officials to identify the most qualified applicants.

•

It supplements your resume and addresses the minimum qualifications for the position.

Can I preview the questions?

•

Yes, you can often preview the questionnaire on USAJOBS before applying for a position

(instructions on the next page).

•

It is recommended that you preview the questionnaire before starting the application

process and finalizing your resume, because it can help you determine what to include

in your resume.

Why is this important?

•

Demonstrates and reinforces your qualifications for the position.

•

Your answers on the self-assessment questionnaire must be consistent with your

resume; do not oversell your qualifications, and always provide evidence and examples

of your experience in your resume.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Previewing the Assessment Questionnaire

You can preview the assessment questionnaire on the JOAs on USAJOBS.gov by following the

instructions below.

Locate the section of the JOA entitled “How You Will Be Evaluated” (typically under the

“How to Apply” section). Click the link that is directly below “To view the application form,

visit:” (It may also say “View Assessment Questionnaire.”)

A new page will open that shows the Application Form Preview. Preview the assessment

questionnaire under the Assessment Questions tab.

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Complete the Assessment Questionnaire

In addition to tailoring your resume, you will also have to complete the self-assessment

questionnaire. Below are example questions and requirements:

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Complete the Assessment Questionnaire (Continued)

I have experience working in:

 Slaughter plants – poultry

 Slaughter plants – red meat

 Processing plants – poultry

 Processing plants – red meat

 Processing plants – egg products

 Processing plants – thermal processing (e.g., scanning)

 Import stations

 Other food processing plants

 I do not have experience working in any of the above environments

I have work experience where my primary responsibility for the position was to inspect a

plant’s or multiple plants’ operations and verify the execution of the plant’s (or plants’)

food safety program. My years of experience where this was my primary duty was:

 More than 5

 4-5

 1-2

 Less than one

 No work experience where this was my primary responsibility

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Complete the Assessment Questionnaire (Continued)

Verify corrective actions and preventative measures, in response to noncompliance, were

implemented and documented.

 I have not had education, training or experience in performing this task.

 I have had education or training in performing this task but have not yet performed it

on the job.

 I have performed this task on the job, with close supervision by a supervisor or senior

employee.

 I have performed this task as a regular part of the job, independently and usually

without review by a supervisor, manager or senior employee.

 This task has been a central or major part of my work. I have performed it myself

routinely, and I have trained others in performance of this task, and (or) others have

consulted me as an expert for assistance in performing this task.

I have knowledge and/or experience working with the following laws:

 Federal Meat Inspection Act

 Poultry Products Inspection Act

 Egg Products Inspection Act

 Humane Slaughter Act (9)CFR(313)

 Rules of Practice (9)CFR(500)

 None of the above

Tailor Your Federal Resume

Complete the Assessment Questionnaire (Continued)

I have experience verifying the following were implemented:

 Sampling plans and sampling techniques (e.g., meeting criteria for random sample)

 E. coli monitoring and charting test results

 HACCP plans

 SSOPs

 Good manufacturing practices (GMPs)

PROOFREAD YOUR RESUME

Proofread Your Resume

Module Overview

Your resume is the key for a hiring official to determine whether you are qualified for the job,

so it is important to take the time to make sure your resume is free from errors.

To ensure that your resume is high-quality and error-free, you need to proofread. This module

covers the basics of proofreading and provides important tips to guide the process.

The following topics covered in this module include:

• Why is Proofreading so Important?

• Edit Your Resume

Proofread Your Resume

Why is Proofreading so Important?

Even if you are highly qualified, spelling and grammar errors can keep your resume from being

considered. Your resume makes the first impression for you – so you want that first

impression with hiring managers and Human Resources to be positive.

Don’t let small errors hold you back from your career goals. It is essential to proofread your

resume before you submit it.

It is recommended that you draft your resume in a Microsoft Word document and copy and

paste the content to the Resume Builder when you are ready to apply. Word and the Resume

Builder tool on USAJOBS include a spell check feature. It is recommended that you utilize this

tool while writing your resume. However, even if the spell-check tool indicates everything is

correct, this does not necessarily mean that all of the word usage and grammar are correct.

Remember to manually read through the content several times.

Also, despite anyone’s best efforts, small spelling and grammar errors can easily go unnoticed.

Therefore, it is always a good idea to have a friend, family member, or colleague also review

your resume for errors.

Proofread Your Resume

Edit Your Resume

Remember to proofread throughout all steps of the resume writing process. When you

proofread, be sure to check for the following things:

Check Your Resume

1. Is everything spelled correctly?

2. Is the grammar appropriate?

Is the punctuation correct?

4. Are the right words capitalized/lowercase?

Did you use the right verb tenses and first and third person in describing your

work? (Use first person and drop the “I” in resume writing. Do not write resumes

in third person).

Note: Use present tense when writing duties for your current position (i.e., “Inspect”),

and use past tense when writing duties for your previous positions (i.e., “Inspected”).

Are your sentences as clear as possible? Sentences should be about 17 to 23 words. Use

semicolons to avoid long paragraphs.

Did spellcheck leave you any surprises? For example:

Spellcheck will say “Retorted” is spelled correctly, but it doesn’t know that the

word you wanted is “Reported.” So make sure you don’t have any typos that

change the meaning of your words.

Proofread Your Resume

Writing Tips

The table below illustrates examples of strong resume writing and poor resume writing. Use

this sample as a guide to powerful resume writing.

POOR WRITING STRONG WRITING

The sentence is too VAGUE:

“Conduct inspections and

perform inspection-related

duties.”

Be more SPECIFIC:

“Conduct visual and tactile inspections of animal heads,

viscera, carcasses, and edible offal. Identify and condemn

any portions of the product that cannot be corrected by

trimming.”

The sentence is too

OVERSTATED:

“Inspect and find all major

causes of contamination.”

The sentence is WELL-STATED:

“Inspect a poultry slaughter facility that processes more

than 70,000 birds per day. Detect sanitary hazards in

processing and communicate them to establishment

personnel, ensuring that the facility and equipment are kept

clean and properly maintained.”

The sentence is too

UNDERSTATED:

“Try to verify good

processing.” “Learn about

laws like the Federal Meat

Inspection Act (FMIA).”

The sentence is ACCURATE:

“Work alongside plant personnel to verify that Good

Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) are successfully

implemented.”

“Properly apply provisions of the Federal Meat Inspection

Act (FMIA) to prevent adulteration of meat products.”

Proofread Your Resume

Activity: Proofread Sample Resume

Directions: Read through the resume excerpt below. How many errors can you identify? Use

the proofreading checklist as your guide and circle any errors that you find.

Work Experience:

Duties, Accomplishments, and Related Skills:

ANTE-MORTEM INSPECTIONS: Inspekted live animals and poultry to determine that they

are normal and health condition Rejected poultry showing conditions which would

obviously make the carcass unwholesome to protect consumer safety.

EXCEPTION COMMUNCIAITON SKILLS: reported major inspection violations to supervisor

or higher grade inspector for corrective action. Notifies supervisor of need for major

repairs and the replacement of broken and unsanitary equipment, utensils, and other

facilities

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

_Developed dew prroducts that increased speed off inspections by 15% without reducing

accuracy.

-Recognized by supervisors for accuracy and proficiency in performing inspections of

slaughter facilities.

ACTION PLAN & NEXT STEPS

Action Plan & Next Steps

Module Overview

In this final module of the Resume Writing Guide, the focus is on creating an action plan for

applying the concepts you have learned and preparing the first draft of your Federal resume.

The following topics covered in this module include:

•

Review 5 Steps to a Successful Resume

•

Prepare an Action Plan

•

Additional Resources

Action Plan & Next Steps

Review 5 Steps to a Successful Resume

Gather Information

Find job postings, review Agency mission

statements, locate past resumes, awards, and

performance evaluations; check AgLearn for training,

etc.

Identify Your Daily Duties

What jobs do you complete on the job most days?

What are your areas of expertise?

Write 10 Accomplishment Stories in

the SAR Format

Identify specific achievements, results, and

outcomes of your work. Look for

achievements/projects and accomplishments on

awards and performance evaluations. Keep an

accomplishments log.

Integrate Action Verbs & Keywords

into the Resume

Create topical short paragraphs using keywords from

the announcement, and energize the resume using

action verbs.

Tailor Your Resume

Customize your resume to match specific position

descriptions. Modify the resume based on the

qualifications factors and self-assessment questions

for every application.

Action Plan & Next Steps

Activity: Prepare an Action Plan

Now that you have learned about the process of creating a successful and effective Federal

resume, it is time to put that knowledge into practice.

Directions: Develop a timeline for completing the first draft of your resume. Here is a list of tasks

involved in developing a resume that we have discussed in this guide. Add dates to the task list

that will allow you to meet your intended goal.

TASK

DUE DATE

NOTES

Gather Information

Identify Your Daily Duties

Write 10 Accomplishment Stories

in the SAR Format

Integrate Action Verbs and Keywords

Tailor Your Resume

USAJOBS.GOV & LOGIN.GOV

What You Need to Apply for a Federal Job

To apply for a Federal job, you will need the following:

•

Smartphone to receive texts and/or emails

•

An email address (a personal email, not an FSIS email)

•

A Computer

•

Preferably access to Microsoft Word

•

A USB drive to save your career management documents (resume, transcripts, SF-50,

DD-214, awards, performance evaluations, reference letters, etc.)

For future reference, keep a record of your login information. You will need to access your

USAJOBS account via login.gov:

Email Address: ______________________________________________________

Username: _________________________________________________________

Password: __________________________________________________________

Code: ______________________________________________________________

Email Login:

Email Address: _______________________________________________________

Password: ___________________________________________________________

USAJOBS.GOV & LOGIN.GOV

How to Apply for a Federal job via USAJOBS.GOV

Instructor-led, in-class workshop: Hands-on submission of a Federal resume via USAJOBS.GOV.

To set up a USAJOBS account, you will need to:

•

Activate an Email Account

•

Set up a USAJOBS Account

•

Create a Profile

•

Build a Resume

•

Explore USAJOBS Homepage

•

Discover Search Options

•

Navigate the USAJOBS Help Center

USAJOBS.GOV & LOGIN.GOV

Additional Resources:

When you are applying the concepts you learned today at home; you might find you need some

additional support. One of the best resources available in the Resume Writing and USAJOBS

Hotline, 1-800-336-3747. Call this number if you need assistance with any part of the resume

writing process.

Another resource that is available to you is the USAJOBS Help Center. Access the USAJOBS Help

Center at the following URL: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/