Use what you’ve got.
That’s right — you don’t need to exaggerate anything. Instead, look closely at the experiences, education, and qualities you do have, and showcase your strengths through them. Also, be sure to use action verbs when detailing your skills and responsibilities. That way, you’ll convince your readers in one glance that you’re well worth an interview.
How to Update Your Government Resume: Showcase Your Strengths through Your Experiences, Education, and Skills
No one wants to read a general resume. Why? Because it shows the reader your lack of interest in the specific job in question. What’s more, it says, “I really didn’t try.” Don’t give a reader any reason to toss your resume in the trash. Instead, make every word and every line count. It might be the deciding factor in moving your resume to the top of the pile or the bottom of the waste basket.
If you’re applying for a teaching position, including all of your educational certifications would be a must. Also consider including any volunteer experience you’ve had with kids, such as teaching vacation Bible school, Sunday School, or after-school programs, and even babysitting, especially if you’ve been a nanny or have worked with one family extensively over time. Any of these experiences is a good way to tout your skills with children.
If you’re applying for a position as a US postal worker, including job experiences as a receptionist — such as dealing with mail, people, etc. — or experiences from working in a college or office mail room could be beneficial to your resume. Also, include how you’ve demonstrated being personable, patient, and detail-oriented — did you work in an office where you interacted on a daily basis with all types of people (CEOs, presidents, managers, janitors, etc.)? If so, then I’m sure you probably demonstrated organizational and customer service skills that helped keep the office running smoothly.
How to Update Your Government Resume: Use Action Verbs
According to ResumeApple.com, “Whether you use bullets or place structured phrases in prose form separated by semicolons in your resume, you know that resumes must sound assertive, project confidence, and place you in a category above the rest. Using strong action verbs in your consistently structured phrases makes your resume easy to read; potential employers can retain more information about you. In addition, solidly written phrases establish that you will actively deliver in the position for which you are applying.”
A list of strong action verbs, taken from ResumeApple.com, includes:
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Final Thoughts on Updating Your Government Resume
So whether you want to be a teacher, postal worker, or firefighter, be sure to update your government resume accordingly: list pertinent experiences, education, and skills that showcase your strengths, and use action verbs in your descriptions. This way, you’ll be well on your way to landing your dream job in government.
