The OPM Memo can be read here.
(See the Merit Hiring Plan – Pages 10 and 11)
Break Through the Federal Hiring Process with a Powerful 2-Page Resume
The federal hiring landscape is changing. While traditional federal resumes stretch 4-5 pages, today’s hiring managers and HR specialists are overwhelmed with applications. A strategically crafted 2-page skills-based federal resume cuts through the noise and gets you noticed.
The New 2-Page Mandated Federal Resume Services
- Faster Review Time – HR specialists can quickly identify your key qualifications
- Higher Impact – Every word counts, creating maximum impact per sentence
- ATS Optimized – Streamlined format works perfectly with automated screening systems
- Hiring Manager Friendly – Busy supervisors can review your credentials in under 3 minutes
- Modern Professional Format – Aligns with current federal hiring best practices
Our Expert 2-Page Federal Resume Process
Skills-Based Format That Works
We transform your federal experience into a powerful skills-based format that emphasizes:
- Core Competencies relevant to your target position
- Quantified Achievements that demonstrate measurable impact
- Leadership Experience highlighted across functional areas
- Technical Proficiencies organized for maximum visibility
- Federal Compliance maintaining all required elements
Expert Federal Resume Writers
Our Certified Federal Resume Writers specialize in:
- Converting 4-5 page resumes into impactful 2-page formats
- Identifying transferable skills across different federal career paths
- Optimizing keywords for specific GS levels and occupational series
- Ensuring compliance with federal hiring requirements
- Creating compelling narratives that showcase your unique value
Perfect for These Federal Career Transitions
Federal Employee Career Changes
- GS-12 to GS-13/14 Promotions – Highlight leadership readiness
- Series Changes – Emphasize transferable skills and competencies
- Agency Transfers – Showcase relevant experience for new environment
Private Sector to Federal
- Corporate Executives targeting Senior Executive Service (SES)
- IT Professionals transitioning to federal technology roles
- Healthcare Workers seeking VA or other federal medical positions
Military to Federal Civilian
- Retiring Military Officers translating command experience
- Military Spouses with diverse backgrounds seeking federal stability
- Veterans leveraging military skills for civilian federal careers
Service Includes
Complete Resume Transformation
- One-Hour Strategy Consultation – Target position analysis and career planning
- Skills Assessment & Mapping – Identify your strongest competencies
- Keyword Optimization – Match specific vacancy announcements
- 2-Page Skills-Based Resume – Professional, ATS-friendly format
- Federal Compliance Review – Ensure all requirements are met
- Two Revision Rounds – Perfect your final resume
Bonus Materials
- Cover Letter Template – Customizable for any federal position
- Interview Preparation Guide – Leverage your resume for interview success
- USAJOBS Profile Optimization – Maximize your federal job search
Steps in the Resume Writing Process – This is our process for both Private Industry and Federal Resumes!
Steps in the Federal Writing Process
- Briefing Review from the Resume and Career Consultant. First, we will review your target position and industry. We will review the target position against your resume and prepare a plan for writing. WE will ask you more questions and begin the keyword development.
- Keywords. The Writer will analyze a target vacancy announcement for keywords. We will search for 7 to 10 keywords and phrases that are critical for the success of the resume. We will prepare keywords with our own development and compare this list to CHAT GPT list of keywords. This keyword list will be given to you for review and consideration.
- Document Review. Then you will provide any documents that you have that can help build the content for your federal resume, such as past resumes, performance evaluations, position descriptions, and awards.
- Accomplishment Coaching and Discovery. Next, the Writer will talk to you about your accomplishments. The Writer will coach you in identifying 1 to 5 accomplishments, including the challenges and the results of each. Write your Accomplishment Stories with our free CCAR Accomplishment Builder!
- Relevant Experience. The Writer will talk to you about your relevant experience and skills. You’ll be briefed on what’s required for the resume to be Best Qualified.
- Writing Begins! Your Certified Resume Writer then gets busy with expert, marketable and impressive professional writing about YOU and your career accomplishments! You will receive at least two proofs of the resume, with the opportunity each time to review it and make changes. The focus of the federal resume is the last 10 years of your career and a secondary focus on the previous 10 years.
- Cover Letter. We will write a cover letter that is customized toward your announcement and expertise.
Resume Output
Private industry resumes are usually 2 pages; sometimes 3 pages. The average federal resume length is 4 or 5 pages.
Federal Resume Production Timing
We will meet your schedule for the completion of the resume. We will also talk to you about the new content and make sure that you’re pleased with the language and direction of the new resume.
Testimonial from one of our valued clients:
Dear Kathryn/Resume Place:
Your resume and interview coaching worked too well!
After more than a year of trying to get a federal job while working as a contractor, I was not even getting referrals. Many of my coworkers weren’t, either. Others said it was who you know.
One of my students, a GS employee, referred me to The Resume Place, and now here I am in the position of turning down offers and second interviews for the choice of a GS11,12,13 with an agency I want to work for. I did not know a soul at any of these places!
It’s not who you know, but how your resume shows what you know and distinguishes you from the rest.
Thank you for all your help; my investment in The Resume Place was well worth the return! I can’t wait to use my skills to serve our USDA. Now I need to figure out how to withdraw all my referrals in USAJobs!
— Donna Morgan, Writer-Editor