Javier Lopez - The Gov Geeks Guide to Government Resumes

What The Gov Geekdom is Saying...

The Gov Geeks, Javier and Karen, have been phenomenal partners in my effort to find career fulfillment. From career coaching to professional development, The Gov Geeks have helped me discover a new passion for my career in a meaningful and GRAND way.

Rosemary Hill

Career coaching has helped me refine my professional aspirations and what I want from my role as a public servant. More than a standard resume writing service, Javier and The Gov Geeks placed a premium on supporting me in my journey to find meaningful work that helps others. I appreciate our time together and am excited to embrace my bright future serving the American people."

- James Harris

Mr. Lopez and The Gov Geeks have career coaching down. I am thankful for our discussions, learning sessions and have a stronger sense of my career goals. From a solid resume to actionable strategies, I feel prepared to find real fulfillment in my search and work!

~ Tiffany Campbell

When it comes to improving your career satisfaction in government, Javier is the best. Imagine having your superhero help you navigate the Federal job market and have a fulfilling career in any government agency.

~ John Neral

The Gov Geeks changed my life! Their passion for people and commitment to helping public servants reach career fulfillment is unmatched. As a coach, Javier helped me to discover professional possibilities that aligned with my passions. I now feel empowered to surpass my career goals and find real happiness in my work.

~ Ashley Hill

"I highly recommend Javier and The Gov Geeks for their skill in professional career development. Javier has helped me navigate the federal career application process with excellent results. With his coaching, I feel confident navigating USAJOBS and have even been referred for several positions."

~ Patricia Doyle

The career coaching I received from The Gov Geeks has been remarkable. I began with a sense of frustration after feeling overwhelmed in my career but ended with a renewed sense of purpose and confidence. My career outlook improved with more than just an incredible resume and search strategy. I now have a deeper sense of what career happiness means to me and how I can create it.

~ Chris Graham

The Gov Geeks Guide to

Government Resumes

Javier Lopez, MSA, PCC

Karen Lopez, BS

C opyright 2021 by Javier Lopez and Karen Lopez

All rights reserved.

Published and Distributed in The United States of America by LLH Publishing Inc. www.andreaseydel.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of a phonograph recording: Nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private use- other than for fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviews without prior written permission of the publisher. If you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Lopez, Javier and Lopez, Karen

The Gov Geeks Guide to Resumes\ Javier Lopez and Karen Lopez

1. Nonfiction > Business & Economics > Careers > Job Hunting

2. Nonfiction > Business & Economics > Mentoring & Coaching

978-1-990461-03-3

LLH Publishing House

1st Printing: August 2021. Printed in The USA

Cover Photo Credit: Arianna Lopez

Proof-reader & Editor: Lindy Bailey

Publishers Note & Author DISCLAIMER

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information concerning the subject matter covered. It is sold to understand that the publisher and author are not engaging in or rendering any psychological, medical or other professional services. If expert assistance or counselling is needed, seek the services of a competent medical professional. For immediate support, call your local crisis line. BE WELL.

The Gov Geeks Guide to

Government Resumes

Dedication

To Arianna and Kessia

Thank you for filling our lives with love, joy, and purpose.

To our fellow public servants

Thank you for your service!

Table of Contents

P reface

Chapter 1: Basics Worth Repeating

Chapter 2: Structure Matters

Chapter 3: The STAR Approach

Chapter 4: Focus on the Impact

Chapter 5: Make it Relevant

Chapter 6: Know What OPM Says You Need

Chapter 7: Write for the Future

Chapter 8: Connect with What You Enjoy

Chapter 9: Use GSA to Your Advantage

Free Resources from The Gov Geeks

About The Gov Geeks LLC

About The Gov Geeks Themselves

The Gove Geeks Services

Preface

Y ou have taken your first step into a larger world! This book has been designed to help you find a fulfilling career with the federal government. Public service is a rewarding and noble career with opportunities you cant get anywhere else. You may be reading this because you have an interest in becoming a public servant or a desire to get ahead in government. Either way The Gov Geeks are here to help!

In the following pages, you will find straightforward and easy to apply strategies from experts and fellow public servants written in an engaging and fun way - even the formatting was designed to be easy to use. We included the key strategies discussed at the start of each chapter for your quick reference. At the close of each chapter, we included a notes and reflections section with helpful questions for you to consider as you build your resume. Feel free to write in your book (yup, we just saw our high school English teacher cringe in our minds too). We designed this as a guide to offer you value.

As executives with over 40 years of shared public service experience, as well as 15 in academia, insights from The Gov Geeks are of particular value. We are pleased to share many of them with you in this book. In our minds, the further this information is distributed, the more qualified applicants can excel in careers that serve our country. In this way, we all benefit.

Thank you for inviting us along your journey. We look forward to seeing where your career takes you!

Javier Lopez, MSA, PCC

Geek in Chief | Government Career Coach

Karen Lopez, BA

Executive Director | Government Career Coach

The Gov Geeks | Javier and Karen Lopez