BRANCH MILITARY-FEDERAL RESUMES

Whether you’re transitioning from a branch of service to a civilian job, or trying to move up within the federal government, Branch Military-Federal Resumes can help you with the process. From resumes to the job application process, we have been helping clients since 2005 with the complexity of it all.

RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS

RESUMES

If you are applying for a federal government position, then you will need your resume tailored to certain specifications unlike those of a corporate resume for the private sector. To even pass the initial screening process you must meet their rules for submission in addition to minimum qualifications and job announcement parameters. Once you have identified a specific position and job announcement or requisition number, we can adequately prepare your resume.

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COVER LETTERS

Similar to our traditional cover letter writing services, we recommend addressing your letter to a key contact for a specific position; however, we will create an industry focused cover letter which you can easily modify as needed. You will most likely be asked to include this as part of your application packet, so don’t skip out on this important document. Remember the government has stringent rules for applying for positions and you must follow them accordingly or your resume will not be accepted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and

ABILITIES (KSAs) SERVICE

Part of your extensive application packet may include a request for KSAs. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, which are in-depth, factual statements, complete with examples to support the position you’re applying for. For years, the federal government required lengthy, narrative answers that usually required two or more pages. Today, most job announcements may still require anywhere from 4-10 KSAs, but you can usually just add your answers on the resume itself.

An example of a KSA looks like this...

Emergency Management Professional:

• Ability to use qualitative data and analytical tools

• Experience in writing and implementing test and training programs

• Successfully completed FEMA Emergency Management Basic or Advanced Academy training

• Experience with Emergency Preparedness and Operations Planning

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KSAs are evaluated using a point system; therefore, your main objective is to provide quantitative or qualitative “specific” examples to support your KSA in order to gain higher points.

We highly recommend USA Jobs for your federal job search: www.usajobs.gov

QUESTIONNAIRES 

OCCUPATIONAL QUESTIONNAIRES

A job announcement may or may not include KSAs, however there’s usually an Occupational Questionnaire for most government positions. This part of your application packet can include 10, 20 or more questions. Some are multiple choice, questions where you rate yourself and those requiring a Yes or No answer. Your answers need to be thought out and written clearly and concisely to show your competency or areas of expertise.

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SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRES

These are multiple-choice questions (around 25 or so) to back up your KSAs or may be used in place of KSAs to determine if you have the minimal qualifications for the job you’re applying for.  It’s a good idea to scan these questions prior to tailoring your resume, so that you can add necessary keywords and details, so both documents speak to each other.

APPLICATION PROCESS

AND CONSULTING

Some clients find this to be a daunting process and unsure of what exact information goes into the various areas of the application, or simply find it confusing. We are happy to consult with you on filling out the application.

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During your resume consultation or if you need additional consulting, One of our consultants can walk you through the USAJobs.gov application process and answer questions you may have such as:

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• Benefits of creating your USA Jobs account/profile ahead of time and a walk-thru

• The entire application process and length of time

• How to fill out the occupational or self-assessment questionnaire 

• How the screening process works

• The federal government scoring system

• Definition of terms and status (such as referred, selected, etc…)

• Why it’s better to copy and paste your resume versus uploading it

ECQs and TQs

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) are usually a part of the application process for Senior Executive Service candidates. These are accomplishments, and there is a specific way to develop your list to demonstrate your leadership capabilities in the most effective way possible. When completing your narrative, we suggest the CCAR model. Whether you need editing of your drafts, prefer one of our experienced writers to complete it for you, or need consulting on the OPM qualifications Review Board SES Recruitment and Review Process we can help! Just call or email us.