If you plan to seek employment with the government, you need to research the requirements for resumes and applications.  Different agencies have different requirements.  Jobs exist at the Federal, State, county, city and local government level.  Local government jobs may include utilities, schools and hospitals.

With any job search, the most important thing you can do is network.  Yes, much more important than your resume, you need to start meeting people who work in the area that you want to work in.

It’s been proven that 80% of all employment opportunities are never advertised to the public, including government.  And while they may have to advertise a position as required by law, you can bet they will hire someone they already know, or someone personally referred by someone they know.  (As long as no hiring guidelines or laws are being broken.)

So while you do your homework on resume and application formats, make some phone calls too.  Find out who the decision makers are.  Put yourself in a position to meet the people who have inside knowledge of employment opportunities.  If you’re the right person for the job, they will help you write your resume and application to fit the position!

This is part of a complete step-by-step military retirement checklist. I’ll be posting weekly action steps here, so please subscribe over in the right-hand column so you’re sure to get each update.