Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

You will find the answers to most common questions our visitors have.

If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please email: info@govresume.com or give us a call at:  (888) 880-2220.

• Why should I hire GovResume to write my resume?
• What is the difference between various resume types?
• Who is the likely candidate for each type of resume?
• What is the advantage and disadvantage of a functional resume?
• What is the difference between a traditional resume, scannable resume, e-resume, and a Web-based resume?
• What is the difference between various resume styles?
• Deciding On Length - A One or Two Page Resume?
• What is a cover letter and why do I need one?
• What is a CV?
• What are KSA’s?
• What are ECQ’s?
• How do you deliver the resume?
• What is your turnaround time?
• What is your Rush Service? I need faster turnaround!
• What form of payment do you accept?

Why should I hire GovResume to write my resume?
Using GovResume can save you time with as little stress and demand on you as possible. Most people frequently go through multiple drafts, a lot of nail-biting, tearing up of multiple drafts, rewriting, and hearing contradictory advice. You will greatly reduce the amount of time you spend on your resume by choosing Resume Pros 4 Less professional resume writers.

GovResume does not apply a one-size-fits-all formula to resumes. We do, however, apply current resume conventions creatively and thoughtfully to create resumes that reflect your unique qualifications for a particular position. We want your resume to stand out not because of unique style, but because it vividly and powerfully presents your accomplishments and your value to the target company. And, we make sure to adapt every aspect of the resume to that target organization. We also consider which approach—chronological, functional, or combination—best portrays your experience.

return to top

What is the difference between various resume types?
Reverse Chronological: Lists your most recent positions and responsibilities in priority and in detail.

return to top

Functional Resume: Highlights your various areas of expertise without addressing where or when these responsibilities took place.

return to top

Hybrid or Combination: Attempts to present relevant skills and experience in priority by presenting this information under the split headings of Experience and History.

return to top

Who is the likely candidate for each type of resume?
For most candidates, the reverse chronological is the best choice. It provides the reader with a logical history of the job candidate's experience and achievements in a format that is easy to follow and reference.

The functional resume highlights your major skills and accomplishments from the very beginning. It helps the reader see clearly what you can do for them, rather than having to read through the job descriptions to find out. It helps target the resume into a new direction or field, by lifting up from all past jobs the key skills and qualifications to help prove you will be successful in this new direction or field.

The functional resume is a must for career changers, but is very appropriate for generalists, for those with spotty or diverse careers, for those with a wide range of skills in their given profession, for students, for military officers, for returning homemakers, and for those who want to make slight shifts in their career direction.

return to top

What is the advantage and disadvantage of a functional resume?
Advantages: It will help you most in reaching for a new goal or direction. It is a very effective type of resume, and is highly recommended. The disadvantages are that it is hard to know what the client did in which job, which may be a negative to some conservative interviewers.

return to top

What is the difference between a traditional resume, scannable resume, e-resume, and a Web-based resume?
Traditional resume: A paper resume in presentation format, that is visually appealing, and may be mailed, faxed, or hand delivered.

return to top

Scannable resume: A resume in MS Word with simplified formatting and a list of keywords, for distribution either physically or electronically, that the employer will scan into a resume database.

return to top

E-resume: An electronic resume that is created in ASCII with minimal formatting and a list of keywords for electronic distribution. It is typically downloaded onto a disk and searched and sorted via computer.

return to top

Web-based resume: A resume that is formatted in HTML and then posted on the Web on a resume-hosting site; prospective employers can access it through a URL assigned only to you.

return to top

What is the difference between various resume styles?
There are four common resume styles for College Students, Professionals, Technical Professionals and Executives. The college resume is for someone just out of college (not MBAs) with internships, clubs, courses, work experience and non-professional work experience. Technical resumes are more targeted towards the IT field or a specialty field or skilled trade. The executive resume style is for a director, vice president or C-level professional (CEO, CFO, CTO, COO). This resume is written stronger than the rest and can be longer if necessary. If you don't fit into one of these categories you are probably like most people in need of a professional resume. The professional resume is most common. It is for everyone other than college, technical or executive. It is usually 1 or 2 pages in length.

return to top

Deciding On Length - A One or Two Page Resume?
There is no hard and fast rule. Some regions prefer one page resumes while others prefer two page resumes. In the SF Bay Area, many employers prefer a one-page resume. While the majority of our clients want one page resumes, about 25% of clients need two page resumes because they have extensive work experience. Also, job seekers with extensive technical skills, education, presentations, publications or association affiliations often need a two-page resume.

return to top

What is a cover letter and why do I need one?
A cover letter is an important component of your marketing presentation — a personal introduction designed to work with, support your resume and targeted for your objectives. The goal of the cover letter is to peak the interest of the reader so that they want to read your resume.

Whether you write your own cover letter, or we write one for you — it is essential to have a well-written cover letter accompany your resume. You can never send a resume without a cover letter. It is a must! The reader has to know the reason they are getting this resume.

return to top

What is a CV?
CV or curriculum vitae is typically required by medical, legal, academic, media, and international professionals. A curriculum vitae includes not only education and experience, but also publications (books, magazines, journals, and other media), certifications, licenses, grants, professional affiliations, awards, honors, presentations, and courses taught. Anything relevant to your industry is appropriate content for a CV. Unlike resumes, it is common for a CV to be 3 to 10 pages long.

return to top

What are KSA’s?
Federal job applicants are often required to write separate narrative statements called KSA’s (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities). KSA’s are similar to interview questions. When KSA’s are listed in the job announcement there are typically 3 to 7 KSA’s that must be submitted with your federal resume. Your federal resume and KSA’s will be tailored to your occupation and/or open job announcement.

return to top

What are ECQ’s?
ECQ’s or Executive Core Qualification statements are for higher level federal positions, typically GS-15 and SES. ECQ’s are typically lengthier and more complex than the KSA’s and may include more questions.

return to top

How do you deliver the resume?
The resume will be delivered to you as a Microsoft Word document via email attachment.

If you prefer, for an additional fee, we will send you the files on a CD by USPS or FedEx.

return to top

What is your turnaround time?
For a Resume and/or Cover Letter Package, the work typically will be completed within one week. After your initial consultation, your Resume Pros 4 Less resume writer will establish and commit to a workable time frame.

return to top

What is your Rush Service? I need faster turnaround!
Our Rush Service is for clients who need faster than 3-business-day turnaround. Before commencing work, we will determine if we have availability to meet your deadline and set up a schedule with you. If you purchase rush services and we don't have editors available who can work within your time frame, we will notify you before we start work.

return to top

What form of payment do you accept?
GovResume accepts secure online Paypal payments, VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, most debit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo, with added convenience to pay by phone.

return to top

To get started with our resume writing services, please complete and
submit the online form or give us a call at (888) 880-2220.