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How to add a resume

You can upload a resume to your profile or build a resume using our resume builder. You can have up to five resumes in your profile.

How to upload or build a resume

  1. Sign into USAJOBS.
  2. Select Documents—it will default to display resumes.
  3. Select Upload a resume or Build a resume.

When uploading a resume, you can choose a file on your computer to upload and change the file’s name. Then, choose Complete upload. To edit or update previously uploaded resumes, you’ll need to upload a new file with the changes.

When building a resume, our resume builder starts with information from your profile and walk you through the steps to add or update more information. You can edit resumes you built on the Resumes page in your Documents.

Why build a resume?

  • Federal jobs sometimes require more information on resumes than private sector jobs. Resume builder can help walk you through the process with prompts.
  • We’ll use your USAJOBS profile to start your resume for you.
  • You can duplicate and edit your resume in USAJOBS to easily customize it for different jobs.
  • Some hiring managers prefer resumes built in USAJOBS. Check the job announcement for details.
  • You can edit your resume and update it for future job applications based on update to your USAJOBS profile or for new job applications.

What if my agency doesn’t accept resumes or documents from USAJOBS?

If the agency does not accept uploaded resumes or documents, you will skip this step during the USAJOBS pre-application process. You may be asked to upload a resume when you enter the agency application system.

How to format resumes in the resume builder

You can copy and paste text from Word documents into the resume builder, but some formatting (like bullets) may not work in the resume builder.

To copy and paste from Word:

  1. Open up your Word document or other word processing tool.
  2. Select the File tab at the top.
  3. Go to the Save As option.
  4. Choose to save it as a Plain Text (.txt) file.
  5. Open the new file and ensure the text appears in an acceptable format.
  6. Copy and paste your resume text into the resume builder.

Additional resources

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