GovernmentExecutive.com

Resume@resume-place.com

Two weeks ago, I showed you how to get ready to write a winning resume. Last week, I took you through the steps of writing a resume outline.

This week, I'll show you how to target your resume by using key words from federal job announcements (or any job announcement, for that matter).

Here is one of my favorite techniques for targeting a resume with key words from the announcement.

Find the Duties & Responsibilities section in the vacancy announcement and do the following:

• First, type out the key words from the job announcement that describe the position (edit out superfluous words). Look for repetitive language, technical acronyms and important skills to use in your resume.
• Second, print out the page with the words, in bulleted phrases, in 16 point type.
• Third, tape the sheet of paper at eye level next to your computer monitor.

By doing this, you will never lose focus on the key words. Your eyes shift back and forth easily from the monitor, where you type your resume, to the key words from the position description.

Here is an example from a Senior Executive Service vacancy announcement I recently targeted. This is taken from the Duties & Responsibilities section of an announcement for a Special Agent-in-Charge for a U.S. Customs Service area. The key words are in italics.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Manage all investigative activities.
• Administration and enforcement of laws and regulations relating to the entrance and clearance of carriers, persons, baggage and cargo arriving in the U.S.
• Implement HQ and field policies, programs and procedures.
• Direct proper utilization of personnel, facilities and other resources.
• Orchestrate long-range planning to meet future investigation objectives and policies.
• Oversee deployment of sophisticated structures that include many types of motor vehicles, weapons and electronic and communications devices.
• Maintain connect with principal management officials within the Customs Service and other federal and state agencies and reps of foreign governments.
• Exercise independent judgement and initiative in achieving policies, programs and objectives, within the most general administrative policy direction provided by the Asst. Comm. (Invest.)

This targeting process will help you understand the needs of the position and the hiring manager. Carefully sprinkle the key words on page one of the resume and throughout the application. The human resources staffing specialist and hiring manager will recognize the language of your document and appreciate your effort in making it easy for them to see how you are qualified for the position.

Where to place the key words in your resume:

1. In the "profile statement," which is a new paragraph in the federal resume.
2. In the descriptions of your jobs, especially your current position.
3. In the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities statements.
4. In your cover letter.

Try this technique when you find your next announcement. Your confidence in your application will increase because you will see how well you are qualified. Good luck with your next announcement!

My next column will be the first in a series of executive interviews. A successful government information technology manager who just got promoted will answer questions about how he leads people and manages change.

We'll return to my Resume Writing series in a few weeks. If you need to apply for a new position right away, visit my Web site and get help from the samples in my book, The Federal Resume Guidebook.

Please write me at resume@ari.net if you like my column, have ideas, or want to ask a federal career question.

I'd like to thank Harry for his enthusiastic comment about my last column:

"Wow!! That was very neat and very practical! I am impressed and NEED what you wrote because I am seeking a new position. I look forward to ALL your sequels! Thanks!!!"

Kathryn Kraemer Troutman has been the president of The Resume Place, Inc. for 27 years. Kathryn helps people get promoted and change jobs. She is the pioneer designer of the new "federal resume." She wrote and published the first book on federal resume writing and is a popular resume writing workshop leader in government.

Post a Comment

To post a comment, you must provide a name and a valid e-mail address. Messages must be limited to 400 words. By using this Service you agree not to post material that is obscene, harassing, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable. Although Government Executive does not monitor comments posted to this site (and has no obligation to), it reserves the right to delete, edit, or move any material that it deems to be in violation of this rule.