Federal Job Resume Builders

August 14, 2010 6:53 PM

Has anyone used a professional resume service for US Federal jobs? I've seen previous mefi postings, but they seem to focus on the more creative aspects of resume writing. The Feds don't care about style; they will have a bureaucrat go through and tick off the boxes and give you a score. And having worked for Civil Services before, I know that what I think is relevant doesn't always fit the 'box' unless it's phrased just right. I'm looking at Federal Jobs Digest, and they charge $200 to $300. And I should say there's an assignment I really, really want (an overseas posting in Naples), so I can spend the money if these guys are legit.
posted by kanewai to Work & Money (3 answers total)

Best answer: One of the people I was hired with used a resume service. The other 20 or so did not or at least aren't telling. They took her resume, added nearly every word from the announcement, and told her to answer "yes" to all the KSA self-assessments. They charged her about $200.

Are you currently a federal employee? At our base we have regular resume classes and the instructors are occasionally available by appointment. If there's a large federal presence where you live, there is likely to be a local expert who might be willing to give you some time for free. You could also try one of the unions representing federal employees in your area. In Honolulu, you should be able to find someone. Bonus points if they're from the same agency as your desired assignment. They might even know someone at the desired location. As much as the point system and impartiality are stressed, it seems there are ways around/through a lot of it.
posted by the christopher hundreds at 8:24 PM on August 14, 2010

Best answer: My agency just switched from a really crappy faux AI sort of system (Resumix) that 'read' your resume and matched it up to key words in the JOA. We haven't used KSAs in years, BTW. That system is now retired, and it's all done within USA Jobs. I'd vote for save your money. Read the announcement, Google around and find a copy of the PD and make your resume match the PD.
posted by fixedgear at 3:36 AM on August 15, 2010

Response by poster: Yeah, I think I gotta go that route. USA Jobs is time consuming! And I was hoping to find a short cut, but I think it'll take just as long to send the agency my info as to input it myself.
posted by kanewai at 4:01 AM on August 15, 2010