Getting Started
Whenever available, use the Community's on-line methods of submitting resumes. Agencies are increasingly moving to this method of resume submission; some of the agencies only accept resumes in this fashion.
Read and follow the specific application requirements set forth by each agency. To do otherwise will adversely affect your application for employment. This page includes suggestions for ways to improve and tailor your resume for Intelligence Collection occupations. However, in the event that these guidelines conflict with a specific agency's instructions, disregard these recommendations and follow the agency's requirements.
Review the Content Suggestions outlined below. Highlight these areas in your resume when they are relevant to the requirements specified in the job vacancy announcement.
Content Suggestions
Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Carefully read the job vacancy announcement and ensure your resume includes job-related technical expertise. Examples include area studies, international business, engineering, and clinical psychology, to name a few.
Education: Include diplomas or degrees awarded from educational institutions. Many of the agencies require a bachelor's degree or a more advanced degree. Individuals working within the Collection Career come from diverse educational backgrounds, including international business, economics, the physical sciences, and nuclear, biological, or chemical engineering. Do not submit transcripts unless the agency requests them. Some agencies request grade point averages for each educational institution you have attended.
General Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): While technical KSAs may vary depending on the specific agency and job vacancy announcement, many general KSAs are relevant to any Collection occupation. Whenever possible, highlight your capabilities in these areas. In particular, emphasize:
- Interpersonal (relationship building) skills
- Communication (oral and written) skills
- Negotiation/Persuasion skills
- Interviewing skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work in a team environment (i.e., be a "team player")
- Ability to work in unstructured, ambiguous, and fast-moving situations
- Ability to think creatively
- Ability to take calculated risks
- Strong interest in international affairs
- Interest in traveling
Foreign Language: Foreign language proficiency is essential (or desirable) for some job vacancies. It is to your advantage to disclose any expertise you have in this area. Be specific. List each language. If known, outline your level of proficiency with respect to key tasks such as reading, writing, listening, translation, and transcription. Specific training courses, other instruction, or experience in foreign languages should also be outlined.
Internships or Related Experience: Include job-related experience such as summer internships with government or industry.
Military Experience: Specify any military experience you possess including your rank and job-related experience.
Specialized Background: If relevant, include any specialized background you may have such as previous employment as a military or civilian pilot, air traffic controller, or navigator.
Overseas/In Country Experience: Previous travel, study, work abroad, or residency in overseas locations may be important for some positions. Outline your familiarity with each country/region.
Professional Licenses and Certifications: List job-related licenses and certifications.
Training Courses: Outline any professional training you may have obtained that is directly relevant to the job vacancy.
Honors, Awards, and Other Accomplishments: List any honors, awards, or other accomplishments that are job-related and demonstrate your technical expertise. For example, list professional memberships or performance awards you have received.
Clearances: It is to your advantage to indicate if you currently or previously possess(ed) a clearance (such as a Top Secret clearance).
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