Robin's Resumes (r)

Adding value to your Career Documentation | Career Coaching

Call or Text Today: 404-875-2688

Certified Federal Resume Writer

Federal Job Resumes

Applying for a federal job is not the same as applying for a civilian job, and the resumes must be different in many areas.

For example, a civilian resume does not normally need to show the exact address, supervisor and wages paid for each job. However, this information must appear on the federal resume. Also, you should never include your social security number on a civilian resume but, again, you must include it on a federal resume. As a further example, your prior service in the armed forces should appear on a resume; though it may or may not help you win a civilian job, it can be a deciding factor with a government job.

Important information about applying for federal jobs appears on my website, along with examples of federal resumes. As a Certified Federal Resume Writer, I would be honored to help you develop the appropriate resume for the government position you are interested in.

What Makes Robin’s Resumes® Stand Out from the Competition

I’ve often counseled job seekers on how to make their resumes stand out from the competition, but how does Robin’s Resumes® stand out from all the other resume writing companies out there?

Credentials. I am a Certified Master Resume Writer, Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Federal Resume Writer and Job and Career Transition Coach. You can check out my full credentials on my website About page.

Peer recognition. Not only have I won numerous industry awards, but I have been called upon to mentor other professional resume writers and to serve as an officer in resume industry groups.

Experience and education. I’ve worked as a resume writer for both civilian and government clients at all levels of experience for more than 12 years now, eventually opening my own resume writing company in 2006. My degree from MIT and years as a software, process and quality engineer also uniquely qualify me to write technical resumes.

Connections with hiring managers and recruiters. I take the time to research and maintain contact with hiring managers and recruiters so that I always know what they are looking for in a resume and how their approach to hiring has changed, such as their increased use of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Dedication to my clients. My blogs, seminars, webinars and social networking all aim at giving you the tools and information to upgrade your resume and recognize when you need more help. For example, check out my webinar at Career Realism.

I look forward to working with you.

Answers to Common Resume Questions

As a professional resume writer, I am often asked the following questions:

Q.           Everyone these days knows Microsoft Office. Should I mention Microsoft Office on my resume?

A.            While Microsoft Office skills are common, some job postings and advertisements specify that the candidate must know Microsoft Office. You should definitely list Microsoft Office when the skill is required and should consider keeping it on your resume just in case. In addition, skill in some Microsoft products (such as Visio, Access, Publisher, and Project) is considered a bonus by many employers.

Q.           If I’ve taken course work but not completed a degree, should I list the courses on my resume?

A.            If your course work is related to or required by the job you are applying for, you should definitely list it. You may list the course work under Education or Professional Development, and/or as part of your Summary. Please contact me if you need help deciding how to handle course work on your resume.

Q.           I can’t find job postings in my field at my level. What can I do?

A.           It is time to network in person and to make sure your LinkedIn profile and other online information is properly supporting your job search. As a Job and Career Transition Coach (JCTC) as well as a Certified Professional Resume Writer, I can help you with both your LinkedIn profile and with job search strategies.

Q.           Can I use the same resume to apply for both civilian and government jobs?

A.           Resume requirements for government jobs are very different from those for civilian jobs. For example, you must supply your social security number on federal resumes—but never on civilian resumes. Federal resumes follow a format that is much more complex than the format for civilian resumes. You may need a Certified Federal Resume Writer like me to guide you in applying for a government position.

Are you still concerned about your resume? Contact me today.

Certifications for Resume Writers

When you are looking for a resume writer, you want someone with credentials. Two organizations provide the industry’s finest certifications.

One is the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches (PARW/CC), founded in 1990. As they explain on their website, before 1990, “there had been no association for career professionals to exchange information, enhance their skills, or demonstrate their commitment to providing professional services to the general public. Today, those who display the association’s logo affirm their dedication to excellence in meeting client career goals. In addition, many members then choose to seek certification to further affirm their expertise as career professionals.”

PARW/CC members must pass a timed test of their industry knowledge, writing skills and strategic thinking and submit a sample resume before they can become Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW).

Career Directors International provides certification that a writer is the “best of the best”: a Certified Master Resume Writer (CMRW). The writer must first have their CPRW; write a 1000-word article or essay on resume writing; and submit seven professional resumes for review by a panel of experts who are already certified masters.

In addition to being a CPRW and CMRW, I am a Certified Federal Resume Writer, which requires completing a course in federal requirements and hiring processes and taking a timed exam.

My certifications ensure you that I am a knowledgeable, trained and respected resume writing professional. Contact me today at Robin’s Resumes®.

Professional Federal Resume Writer: Why You Need a Professional Writer for Government Jobs

Government resumes and government recruiters are quite different from civilian resumes and recruiters. Resumes for federal government jobs have their own special requirements, and many of them would actually put off a recruiter or hiring manager in business and industry. If you plan to apply for a federal job, you need a resume writer who understands government requirements.

The federal government also has strict rules about eligibility. In fact, some positions are only open to candidates already working in the agency that has posted the job and only open to those already working at a certain grade level in government. Others are open only to military personnel, military spouses or veterans.

The end date for applicants is very specific, often down to the hour, and the method of sending in the application is also specific (email, mail, fax, hand delivery and so on).

Your background and skills must exactly match the requirements in the job posting. There is no flexibility with federal jobs. You may have to write essays based on certain questions. Those essays have to be submitted as part of the application.

You may have to send other documents. But if the announcement does not request other documentation, you should not send it.

A federal resume is difficult to complete even for someone with years of federal government experience. I am a Certified Federal Resume Writer and a recognized military transition expert. I have delivered speeches and seminars on writing federal resumes before professional organizations and conferences. If you are considering applying for a federal government job, contact me today.