It is important to remember that YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL REQUIRED INFORMATION. You now have the option to use a resume format, other standard forms, or the original SF-171. If you don't include all required information as stated on the job announcement, your application may not be considered. Refer to Chapter Six of The Book of U.S. Government Jobs for complete details.

There are vast differences between industry's standard brief RESUME format and the detailed information you must supply on the new approved federal job resume format. The resume that most are accustomed to is a short one to two page introduction. Uncle Sam's resume must be highly structured with specific data or the resume may not be considered. All required information is placed on the new optional application form OF-612 and with this form you don't have to worry about whether or not your resume includes all of the required information.

An excellent and comprehensive set of  tools for obtaining a federal job, called Quick & Easy Federal Jobs Kit  is now available. This Windows 95/98 software includes the new optional forms, the original SF-171 application, it generates resumes and applications from data that you entered on your forms.

The federal government rates applicants on their work experience and education. The personnel specialist rating your application generally knows little about the specific job you bid on. This administrative specialist will rate you either eligible or ineligible by referring to the Federal Qualification Standards. These standards break most job series down to general and specialized qualifying work experience and required education. You must have a certain number of years of both general and specialized experience for various starting pay grades. Past work experience and training must be noted on your application. If your application is rated eligible you will be ranked against all applicants and the best qualified candidates will be referred to the selecting official. The selecting official must pick from the top rated applicants. Interviews are optional; however, typically the top rated applicants are interviewed. Refer to Chapter Six of The Book of U.S. Government Jobs for guidance on how to complete your application.

FEDERAL RESUME - Required Information -

Your resume MUST contain the following information:

JOB INFORMATION

• Announcement number, title and grade(s) of the job for which you are applying.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

• Full name, mailing address (with Zip Code) and day and evening phone numbers.
• Social Security Number
• Country of citizenship (Most federal jobs require United States citizenship.)

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

If you served on active duty in the United States military and were separated under honorable conditions, you may be eligible for veterans’ preference. To receive preference if your service began after October 15, 1976, you must have a Campaign Badge, Expeditionary Medal, or a service-connected disability. For further details, call on of the OPM Service Centers listed in Appendix B or visit OPM’s USAJOBS internet web site at http://www.opm.gov/.

Veterans’ preference is not a factor for Senior Executive Service Jobs or when competition is limited to status candidates (current former federal career or career-conditional employees).

To claim 5-point veterans’ preference, attach a copy of your DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty or other proof of eligibility.

To claim 10-point veterans’ preference, attach an SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference, plus the proof required by that form.

REINSTATEMENT ELIGIBILITY

(If requested, former federal employees must attach a SF-50 proof of your career or career-conditional status.)

• Highest federal civilian grade held (Also give job series and dates held.)

EDUCATION

High School

• Name, city, and State (Zip Code if known)
• Date of diploma or GED

Colleges and universities

• Name, city, and state (Zip Code if known)
• Majors
• Type and year of any degrees received (If no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours.)

Send a copy of your college transcript only if the job vacancy announcement requests it.

WORK EXPERIENCE

 Give the following information for your paid and nonpaid work experience related to the job for which you are applying. (Do not send job descriptions.)

• Job title (include series and grade if federal job)
• Duties and accomplishments
• Employer’s name and address
• Supervisor’s name and phone number
• Starting and ending dates (month and year)
• Hours per week
• Salary

Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Job-related training courses (title and year)

Job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed.

Job-related certificates and licenses (current only)

Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments; for example, publications; memberships in professional or honor societies; leadership activities; public speaking; and performance awards. (Give dates but do not send documents unless requested.)

OUR SF-171 (Don't Throw it Away Just Yet)

All of the required information and more is currently included on the SF-171 application. If you have your SF-171 completed, or a computer program that generates this form, you can submit it in most cases when applying for employment. This document is often used by current federal employees who were required to use these forms for many years. They contain a complete history of your work experience, education and training.

NEW AGENCY FORMS
(OF-612, Declaration For Federal Employment, and OPM Form 1203)

Two new optional forms are now available. The "Optional Application for Federal Employment" Form OF-612 is a simplified application for individuals who prefer a form. It is particularly useful for applicants who do not have extensive job-related qualifications, such as recent graduates or applicants for entry level or wage grade positions. This optional application contains information considered to be the minimum necessary to determine an applicant's qualifications. Federal agencies could not require all applicants to use the optional application, except where the agency had developed a computer-compatible version of the optional application. Forms are available from the same sources listed above.

The second form, "Declaration for Federal Employment", is used primarily to collect information on conduct and suitability, and also on other matters, such as receipt of a government annuity. Agencies have the option of asking applicants to complete this optional form at any time during the hiring process, but it is required by all appointees, those selected for a job. It is anticipated that only the final few applicants who have a good chance of receiving a job offer would complete this form. This form also warns applicants of the consequences of submitting fraudulent information and to ask them to certify the accuracy of all of their application materials.

OPM Form 1203, Form C, assists agencies when computer-assisted techniques are used to rate job applicants. Applicants must complete OPM Form 1203, an optical scan form designed to collect applicant information and qualifications in a format suitable for automated processing. Different version of the forms are used, depending on the occupation or automated system being used.

Click here to access the OF-612 form.

KSA (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics)

KSA Description:

Knowledge - Mastery of facts, range of information in subject matter area.

Skills - Proficiency, expertise, or competence in given area; e.g., science, art, crafts.

Abilities - Demonstrated performance to use knowledge and skills when needed.

The Book of U.S. Government Jobs, all new 7th edition, provides specific guidance on how to assess each job announcement and complete a dynamic and professional application.