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The federal government employs nearly 3 million people, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These professionals work in fields that range from social services to national cybersecurity, and in cities all over the country. Because government jobs generally offer excellent benefits, numerous career advancement opportunities and the chance to make a real impact, many of these workers stay until they retire.
Breaking into the federal workforce starts with crafting a resume that meets federal government expectations and highlights a job candidate’s unique skills. For professionals considering a move into this sector, here are four government resume tips along with information about the hiring process, entry-level opportunities and how earning a Master of Public Administration (MPA) can help.
How Hard Is It to Get a Government Job?
In an interview with the career platform The Muse, Wesley Meares, associate professor of political science and director of the MPA program at Augusta University, explains how government agencies need to carefully vet potential employees to ensure they meet their specific needs. This means getting a government job can take longer and be more involved than getting a similar private sector position.
The federal hiring process varies slightly among agencies, but it typically includes the following steps:
- Submitting an application and a resume
- Passing drug screens and background checks
- Attending interviews, often multiple rounds
- Passing exams and assessments
- Completing training after an offer has been extended
Another thing that can make getting a government job hard is the competition from other highly qualified applicants. Holding an advanced degree such as an MPA can help applicants stand out in the process, even if it’s not explicitly required.
Entry-Level Government Jobs
When it comes to selecting candidates for high-level roles or promotions within the federal government, an individual’s seniority and years of experience working for the government can be big factors. Fortunately, new professionals can choose from a number of types of entry-level government jobs that can be used as a launching pad for their career advancement.
While each federal agency is home to a wide range of more specialized entry-level roles, a few early-career positions can be found across multiple agencies.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative assistants manage the day-to-day affairs of individuals and departments within their agencies by scheduling events and meetings, maintaining file directories and carrying out other important clerical duties. While this position typically only requires an associate degree or a high school diploma, it’s a great way to learn how government offices operate and to gain invaluable practical experience for future advancement.
Contract Specialist
Federal agencies often work with nongovernment agencies to offer services to the public, assist with large-scale projects or provide material goods. Contract specialists manage these public and private sector relationships by negotiating contracts and ensuring all contract terms are followed.
Data Analyst
Government agencies of all kinds use large amounts of data to inform their policies about everything from administrative processes to agency spending. Data analysts use their knowledge of statistics and data management software to collect and interpret this information.
Human Resources Specialist
Sometimes called human resources assistants, human resources specialists help their agencies manage internal conflicts, recruitment campaigns and training programs. These professionals are needed in just about every agency across the federal government, but many work for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), an organization that helps other agencies with their personnel needs.
Frontline Professional
Before pivoting into a high-level administrative position, many government employees work in a frontline position at their agency. This can mean, for example, working as a postal worker, a correctional officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons or a service representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs.
While not always necessary, this experience is a great addition to a government resume and can help administrators tremendously as they transition into a career in public administration.
4 Tips for a Government Resume
Federal agencies have specific goals and thorough hiring policies, which means government resumes often need to be longer and more detailed than resumes for positions in the private sector. Here are four tips to help candidates craft resumes that meet these elevated standards.
1. Make It Clear and Concise
Government job openings often garner a large number of applications, so it’s important for applicants to make their qualifications easy to see and find on their resume.
For example, it can be helpful for candidates to organize their accomplishments and qualifications using bullet points and in a way that puts the most important information first. Including their main qualifications in an introductory summary or cover letter also can be helpful.
2. Adjust the Resume for Each Job Posting
In the private sector, professionals can often make one resume and send it out to all potential employers. However, federal agencies typically require candidates to have very specific skills, qualifications and knowledge to be considered for a position.
Applicants can speak to these requirements by addressing each qualification that’s listed in the job posting. It also can be helpful for them to change the wording in their resume to match the wording used in the specific job posting.
3. Be Specific About Accomplishments
Many applicants for a federal government position will have similar professional experience. Applicants can set themselves apart by being specific about their work history.
A great way for candidates to accomplish this is to include quantifiable metrics in their government resume. Instead of using an adjective such as “large” to describe an accomplishment, an applicant can use language such as “led a team of 60 associates” or “tracked $5 million of inventory each fiscal year.”
4. Don’t Forget to Highlight Soft Skills
While each position requires a specific set of technical skills, Meares highlights in his Muse interview that government agencies prioritize soft skills as well. More specifically, he mentions that critical thinking, communication and analytic skills are often particularly sought-after competencies.
Start Your Journey Toward A Rewarding Career in the Federal Government
From federal policymakers to local city managers, government administrators at every level must be equipped with not just a dynamic skill set but integrity and a strong ethical framework as well. The Master of Public Administration program at Augusta University Online brings all these capabilities together.
While all MPA students at AU Online take classes on topics such as constitutional law and policy analysis, students also have the chance to combine electives to fit their particular career goals. Elective options include classes on emergency management, human services administration and research.
To find out more about class options and the hands-on yet flexible programming at AU Online, request more information today.
Recommended Readings
MPA vs. MBA: Differences and Outcomes
What Can You Do With an MPA?
What Does a Budget Analyst Do?
Sources:
Indeed, “21 High-Paying Entry-Level Government Jobs (With Salaries)”
The Muse, “10 Entry-Level Government Jobs to Consider (Plus Tips on How to Get One)”
The Muse, “Federal Resume 101: Everything You Need to Know”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates by Ownership
USAJobs, “What Should I Include in My Resume?”
