100+ receive ACS resume training

By Robin Sherrod, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation; U.S. Army Garrison-HawaiiNovember 10, 2014

100+ receive ACS resume training
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100+ receive ACS resume training
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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii -- Whether you are a Soldier getting ready to transition from the Army, a military spouse desiring to find employment or a Department of the Army civilian seeking employment advancement, the process of finding a job begins with having a winning federal resume.

More than 125 Soldiers and family members attended a special federal resume seminar hosted by the Army Community Service's Employment Readiness entitled "10 Steps to a Federal Job Search" at the Nehelani, Oct. 22.

-- Federal resume writing navigation

Understanding the complexities of federal resume writing is crucial to anyone seeking a federal job. Many people sit down at the computer and conduct a federal job search, then find the perfect job they know they are qualified for, only to become frustrated when they have to write their federal resume.

An additional level of stress and frustration can grow after several applications have been made without the result of a job referral.

To help alleviate this level of anxiety and stress, Kathryn Troutman, resume writing expert and creator of the 10 Steps to Federal Job Search Trainer Certification, instructed seminar participants on how to navigate the federal resume system to better position themselves for successful transition into the federal workforce.

Troutman provided solid advice to all in attendance, which included a couple of major points.

"First, the biggest myth in federal hiring is that the USAJOBS system is an automated keywords system," said Troutman. "USAJOBS resumes are read by human HR specialists.

"Many federal job seekers also use one resume to apply for multiple types of positions," Troutman continued. "(However,) each resume should contain the keywords and KSAs (knowledge, skills and abilities) for each position."

-- Personal experience

As a retiring Soldier, when I had to write my first federal resume, I just looked at the computer screen and scratched my head. It took me a week to finally formulate something.

I conducted Internet searches for federal resume samples and guidance, only to become even more confused. I made a promise to myself, at that moment, that once I learned the inner workings of writing a winning federal resume, I would ensure I paid it forward to share with others.

This quest and passion has resulted in my obtaining the Certified Federal Job Search Training (CFJST) Certification and that I provide effective Federal Resume Writing seminars and classes to our community.

The ACS Employment Readiness Program's mission is to assist individuals in acquiring skills, networks and resources that will allow them to participate in the work force and to develop a career/work plan.

Another briefing included Brian Mykel from the Department of Labor, Federal Contract Compliance Office. He educated the audience on the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA).

VEVRAA requires employers doing business with the federal government to take affirmative action to recruit, hire and promote categories of veterans covered by the law, including disabled veterans and recently separated veterans.

(Note: Sherrod works with ACS' Financial and Employment Readiness at FMWR.)

--Training Classes

For more information on upcoming employment classes, such as Certified Federal Resume Writing (a two-day, half-day workshop), Civilian Resume Training and the Boots to Business seminar, visit Army Community Service.

Related Links:

U.S. Army Garrison, Hawaii

Hawaii Army Community Service