A well-crafted resume can serve as your passport to securing your desired role. On the flip side, a not so well-written resume can block you from securing an opportunity you otherwise would have been a strong fit for. In this blog post, I am excited to share some essential do's and don'ts I’ve learned from my time at STS to guide you in creating a compelling federal contract resume that will truly make you stand out from the competition.

Do's:

Clearly Highlight Relevant Experience:

Recruiters go through hundreds and hundreds of resumes weekly, so when creating your resume, readability is paramount! Making it easier for recruiters to pinpoint your skills and hands-on experience can greatly increase your chances of standing out.
To achieve this, highlight your key achievements, skills, and responsibilities that directly demonstrate your expertise, and tailor them to what is listed in the job description. Use strong verbs and include any relevant quantifiable results that stand out (i.e. “reduced contract spending by 30% through x,y.z”). By providing specific examples, you can effectively showcase your abilities and illustrate the unique value you bring to the project. Quantifiable achievements do a lot of heavy lifting on a resume. Whenever possible, incorporate metrics, numbers, and percentages to showcase your accomplishments and give readers a sense of scale. “Managed a team,” is only a little informative; “managed a team of four,” is more meaningful. “Managed a team of 34,” is impressive. Using a numbers approach provides concrete evidence of your capabilities and enables evaluators to grasp the value you can deliver. Don't miss the opportunity to showcase how you've used your skills effectively, as a well-organized and tailored resume can make all the difference in capturing a recruiter's attention amidst a sea of applicants!

Tailor Your Resume for Each Opportunity:

Resumes cannot follow a one-size-fits-all approach, especially considering that requirements vary from contract to contract and from job to job. Customize your resume to address the specific needs and qualifications mentioned in the job description. In an era where AI systems often screen resumes, strategically incorporating keywords from job postings becomes critical to overcome the initial gatekeepers. By tailoring your resume for each opportunity, you demonstrate your understanding of the role requirements and increase your chances of being shortlisted.

Showcase Transferable Skills:

In addition to highlighting direct experience, emphasize transferable skills  that are relevant to the contract. Federal contracts often require a diverse set of skills, including project management, problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Clearly articulate how your transferable skills can contribute to the success of the project.
Certifications are also valuable in demonstrating your expertise and dedication to continuous professional growth. If you hold relevant certification that aligns with the role, prominently feature them in your resume. These certifications not only showcase your knowledge but also indicate your commitment to staying current in your field.

Experience Timeline:

Including clear dates (MM/YYYY) for your experience plays a vital role in our evaluation process. It helps us determine if you meet the minimum experience threshold and allows us to assess your qualifications accurately. Additionally, providing dates is beneficial in case there are any gaps in your resume. By including this information, your recruiter can address any potential gaps proactively, as clients often inquire about them.

Don’ts:

Overload with Irrelevant Information:

Avoid including irrelevant details in your resume. While it's important to provide a comprehensive overview of your background, focus on the aspects that directly relate to the requirements of the role. To craft a compelling and impactful resume, focus on creating a concise and powerful document by trimming irrelevant work experience, excluding unrelated skills, condensing descriptions, eliminating outdated certifications, and refraining from including personal information like hobbies.

Provide Incomplete or Inaccurate Information:

Ensure that your resume is accurate, up-to-date, and free from errors. Incomplete or incorrect information can raise doubts about your attention to detail and professionalism. Take the time to verify and double-check all the details in your resume, including contact information, employment history, certifications, and educational qualifications.

Use Unprofessional Language or Format:

Maintain a professional tone and language throughout your resume. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may not be familiar to all readers. Use a clear and easily readable format with consistent headings, bullet points, and proper spacing to enhance the readability of your resume.

Creating a powerful federal contract resume demands a personal touch and meticulous attention to detail. By following the do's and don'ts I have outlined, you can significantly enhance your chances of securing lucrative federal contract opportunities. Remember to showcase your relevant experience, provide quantifiable achievements, tailor your resume for each contract, and highlight transferable skills. By avoiding common pitfalls like irrelevant information and inaccurate details, you can create a resume that impresses both automated systems and human reviewers. Wishing you the best of luck in your exciting federal contracting journey!

Ready to explore federal contract opportunities? Start your career in this dynamic field at Simple Technology Solutions, where we provide the resources for your professional growth. Check out our careers page and apply today!