Preparing Effective Resumes Thursday August 11 th 1:15pm Friday August 12 th 10:15am New Orleans, Louisiana Annual Business Meeting & Training Seminar “AIM...Paving a Pathway to Possibilities” Dawn L. Hewitt Joseph F. Ford III

Steps to landing your next Federal job. Resumes are one of the most fundamental elements of any job search, yet there are many misconceptions out there. Even the most experienced workers are confused about what a resume should say. Think of a resume as a marketing tool. During this workshop learn how to prepare a comprehensive resume - a resume that provides an overview of your skills and job history that displays relevant experience and information that shows you are a good fit. Specific techniques will be discussed in order to ensure that the new process for applying for vacancies is utilized.

All Resumes Include “ The Basics ” Identify Yourself Education/Professional Training Work/Professional Experience Activities Work Skills Associations/Memberships Editing Checklist Perfect spelling/grammar Neat/Professional 1 to 2 pages long Clear Margins—no “crowding” Organized Layout Emphasis to highlight focus Quality Suggestions : Validate results with dollars, percentages, numbers Use positive action verbs for accomplishments Simplify and bullet point information when possible

The Federal Resume The federal resume will be different than a private sector resume : May be slightly longer Qualifications listed are used to confirm eligibility by Human Resources Past and/or current federal employment Veteran Qualifications Disability Status Non-Competitive appointment information May require some additional information

Ensure You… Do your homework first : Read the job announcement carefully Note all the steps needed to complete the application process Tailor your resume and application to key words found in the posting Application Requirements: Create your resume Complete the steps posted online Submit the completed application by posted deadline Follow up with the appropriate agency contact

Sections of the Federal Resume Candidate Information Work Experience Education References Affiliations Desired locations

Creating a Federal Resume Log into your account.

Creating a Federal Resume Click on Resumes

Creating a Federal Resume Here you can set the confidentiality of your resume. If you leave your resume as non-confidential, agencies will be able to review your personal information when they are reviewing resumes.

Creating a Federal Resume The first section is the “Candidate Information” section. Most fields will already be filled out.

Creating a Federal Resume The “Highest Career Level Achieved” tab was created by USAJOBS.GOV to assist in determining if you're eligible to complete an SES formatted resume for executive positions.

Creating a Federal Resume Clicking “yes” on the Federal Employee tab will bring up a section for you to fill in your current federal employment information.

Creating Federal Resume Work experience In this section, you will want to input your employment history. Enter one position at a time with the opportunity to enter more.

Creating a Federal Resume After completing work experience, you can input your education.

Creating a Federal Resume In the “Job Related Training” section, you can enter in any relevant information, up to 5,000 characters. This would include training and development classes from previous jobs as well as current federal employment activity.

Creating a Federal Resume All reference information on this page is optional but may be required for certain positions. Check the posting for required items.

Creating a Federal Resume Here you can add any additional languages you speak, write or read. You may also input any organizations you are affiliated with.

Creating a Federal Resume List any professional publications in which your work has appeared.

Creating a Federal Resume In the “Additional Information” section, you may list any honors, awards and skills that the vacancy announcement is requesting or that will lend a positive light on your ability to perform the posted job.

Creating a Federal Resume The availability section is only used when agencies are searching resumes. This section will not eliminate you when applying for jobs.

Creating a Federal Resume The “Looking for Specific Job Environment” section is used when an agency is searching resumes.

Creating a Federal Resume The “Desired Location” screen is also used when agencies are searching resumes.

Creating a Federal Resume From this page, you will choose to save or activate the resume.

Creating a Federal Resume Now that you have created a resume, you are able to view, edit, duplicate, delete or renew your resume as needed by signing on to your account and making necessary enhancements and changes.

Applying Process After you locate and apply for a job posting, the agency will assess the applicant for the position in the following ways: Application questionnaire Essays (sometimes called KSAs) K nowledge S kill A bilities

What is KSA KSA is an acronym for: Knowledge, Skill and Abilities. You should: Specifically address each KSA in your application, providing examples of how your past experience prepares you for this new role. Write in complete sentences in first person, using specific examples Vary in length, using 2-3 example paragraphs Agencies commonly require essays as part of the application to address characteristics they seek: Used to determine the best qualified candidate Vary, depending on the job

The Most Effective Approach To Answering KSAs The CCAR Method C : Context C : Challenges A : Action R : Results

CCAR Method: C ontext Describe the specific problem you had to address. What did you have to: solve resolve respond to handle

CCAR Method: C hallenges Describe the factors that contributed to a particular challenge such as: budget cuts new legislation institutional reform new goals from upper management

CCAR Method: A ction Describe the steps you took to solve the problem. Be Specific Stay away from the ordinary – be *extra*ordinary in your response.

CCAR Method: R esult Describe the outcomes of your actions $, %, #, grades. What was the difference you made? Highlight the best—include incentives, contests, or team activities that enhanced the end results

Tips For Applying Plan ahead Allow plenty of time to complete or adjust the resume. Up to five versions of your resume may be stored in your account for use in applying for different types of postings Select Carefully Always consider using a tailored application for each vacancy you apply. Prepare for a wait Don’t assume you’ve been rejected if you do not hear back within weeks of applying. Follow-up with an agency Contact the identified representative to learn the status of your application or find out more about the job.

What Happens Next After the closing dates for the applications, the agencies evaluate the candidate’s qualifications. From this assessment, the agency produces a list of qualified candidates. From this list, the agency selects the top candidates for interviews. After the interview, the best candidate is selected. (some agencies require security clearance)

Summary Federal agencies hire the best and brightest, and getting a federal position is competitive. Increase your chances by following these clear steps: -Research potential opportunities regularly -Consider various employment avenues -Follow the application directions carefully

Thank you Q&A We are keeping it “Green” Please provide your address before leaving to have the links and resources sent to you for this workshop.