Want to be part of protecting and conserving our nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage? The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) has many exciting career paths. Whatever your background, experiences, and skills, there are job opportunities for you. Learn how to create a federal government resume, submit an application, and prepare for an interview.

The Federal Government Hiring Process

Before you even get to the application process, set yourself up for success by learning everything you can about DOI and the types of jobs that are available. Participating in an internship or fellowship program or serving as a volunteer can help you prepare. Learn more about opportunities for youth at Interior. 

Once you’re ready to apply for a federal job, here are three things to know:

  1. The federal hiring process can take a few weeks to a few months before you start the job. Your application will go through many layers of review, from both Human Resources (HR) and the hiring official. HR will review your application and confirm that you are either “Qualified” or “Not Qualified.” The hiring official will review your application to assess your relevant experience, skills, and ability to communicate professionally. Learn more about the federal hiring process.
  2. The federal government offers many special hiring paths so that everyone can contribute. Learn more about your eligibility for hiring paths. In addition to government-wide hiring paths, Interior has special authorities to give hiring preference to members of federally-recognized tribes. Check the list of federally recognized tribes, and check out openings at Indian Affairs where you can apply to be considered for this special hiring authority. Interior has other special hiring authorities available to students who have participated in internship opportunities. Keep reading to learn more.
  3. We recommend using the USAJOBS Resume Builder to create your federal resume and ensure you’re not missing any key information. If you choose to upload your own resume, be sure to include start and end dates and hours worked for each of your previous jobs. 

How a Federal Resume Differs from a Civilian (Non-Federal) Resume

Resumes for federal government jobs need to be longer and more detailed than what is normally required for non-government jobs. There is often no page limit for federal resumes, and most are at least 4-5 pages long. Make sure to specifically include the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required in the job description.  

Tips for Creating a Standout Federal Resume

  • Customize. Update your resume specifically for each job. 
  • Write with active language. Use action verbs to show your experience. (Ex: accelerated, managed, implemented, measured, controlled, solved, facilitated, etc.). 
  • Show results. Consider using the Challenge, Context, Action, Results (CCAR) method when describing your experience to showcase your accomplishments. Another popular way to explain your expertise is through the Situation, Task, Action, Results (STAR) method. 
  • Include your eligibility for hiring paths. If you are eligible for one or more hiring authorities, cite them specifically in your resume. For example, if you are a person with a disability, include “Schedule A Individual with Disability” or “Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) Disabled Veteran” if you qualify. Pro Tip: For jobs at Interior, if you are a member of a federally-recognized tribe, cite  “Indian Preference” and you may receive preference over non-Indian applicants when applying to jobs at the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education, and some positions within the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs.
  • Use headings. This makes your resume more scannable and helps you organize your work experience so that it’s easier for hiring managers to see your qualifications. Headings should align with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies listed in the job posting. 
  • Make your resume visually appealing. Utilize bold, underline, italics, and bullet points so that your resume doesn’t look like a “flat” document. However, keep your font choice and size appropriate.
  • Copy edit. As with any job you apply to, make sure you proofread and edit your resume so there are no errors. 
  • Remember key facts. For federal resumes, you should include the dates and hours you worked for each job, information about your education and certifications or training, and any awards or accolades you’ve received.
  • Ask for help. You may be able to seek out help from career services at your school. You can also contact a friend or family member who works in HR or as a hiring manager to review your application. 
  • Make your resume searchable. If you make your resume searchable in your USAJobs.gov profile, recruiters and hiring managers can search for your resume and reach out to you for jobs. If you have multiple resumes in your profile, select the one that contains the most information about your interests and experience, and that includes your eligibility for a hiring authority. If you are eligible for a direct hire authority, you may get a call and skip the application process completely! 

Learn more about how to create an effective federal resume, and view samples.

Tips for Nailing a Government Interview 

If you make it to the interview stage, you may have a one-on-one interview or a panel interview with multiple people - or both! Interviews can happen in-person or by telephone or video conference. Some interviews even happen during job fairs or career events. Here are tips to help you make a great impression, no matter what format your interview takes. 

Before the Interview

  • Do your homework. Research the agency’s website, review the job announcement, and look back over your resume.
  • Be prepared. Know your interviewer by name and title - look them up so you know their background and how you’d be working with them. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer so they know that you’re interested in learning more about the job as well.
  • Use CCAR or STAR formats. Think about the questions you’ll likely be asked, and use this as a chance to give more information about what you’ve done that couldn’t fit on your resume. Think about your accomplishments and what you want to convey. Just as you did in your resume, you can use the Challenge, Context, Action, Results/Situation (CCAR) or Situation, Tasks, Actions, Results (STAR) frameworks to explain your experience and achievements. 
  • Confirm the logistics. Check the time zone. If it’s a virtual interview, download the meeting platform ahead of time to make sure your audio and video are working. If it’s in-person, give yourself plenty of time to get there early. 
  • Practice!

During the Interview

  • Be yourself. Be enthusiastic and honest. 
  • Make it conversational. Don’t talk too much…or too little. Listen carefully, but don’t be afraid to promote your experience and why you’re a perfect fit for the role. 
  • Ask questions. Prepare questions to ask the interviewer. You want to know if this is the right job for you as well. Ask what a typical day is like, what their management style is, what your team dynamics are like, and when they expect to make a hiring decision. 
  • Be prepared for different types of interview questions. They may ask you behavioral questions (“Tell me about a time when you…”), situational questions (“Imagine that you are in the following situation…what would you do?”), resume-based questions (“Tell me about your job working at…”), or getting-to-know-you questions (“What is your greatest strength?” or “Why should I hire you?”).

After the Interview

  • Send a “Thank You” note to the interviewers. You can do this via email or LinkedIn if you don’t have their email address.
  • Know that it can be a long process. Stay positive and be patient. 
  • Apply to other jobs. Continue to apply for Interior jobs that spark your interest. You won’t be penalized for applying to other jobs while you’re in the application or interview process.