The State and Local Government are Hiring
According to the June 2025 U.S. jobs report, a surge in state and local government employment is happening. About 73,000 new jobs are opening, primarily in education. Even as the broader labor market shows signs of cooling, this government job surge presents a new opportunity for job seekers targeting public service roles.
Private Sector and Federal Government Hiring Is Slowing Down
Despite the surge of openings for local and state jobs, private-sector job openings have slowed down. BLS data shows only about 74,000 private jobs were added in June, which is nearly half the total growth and a dip in hours worked. Federal employment openings are also going down, with over 275,000 federal layoffs so far this year. This gap emphasizes why targeting public service roles in state and local government openings makes strategic sense.
Private vs. Government Job Resumes: Key Differences
- Why You Can’t Use the Same Resume for Both
Government resumes require a specific structure and format with detailed descriptions aligned with the job, while also requiring specific keywords, measurable outcomes, and alignment with frameworks. Private-sector resumes favor broader achievements and networking edges.
- Don’t Ignore the Differences
Ignoring the differences in resume building may lead to being overlooked by automated resume scanners (ATS) and hiring managers. Tailoring your resume to the job title is crucial for standing out. Create resumes that tailor to the job description and role.
- How Long Should a Government Resume Be?
Unlike private resumes, government applications should be 2-3 pages long. The length depends on the detailed descriptions you provide of duties, accomplishments, and eligibility. Look at the job posting for page limits.
State and Local Government Resume Sample
Here is a brief example of what information to provide for your resume:
- Identifying Information
- Provide your full name, mailing address, phone number, and professional email address.
- Include HR-friendly details like a job announcement number or title.
- Objective
This section should be a 1-2 sentence objective that directly reflects the specific job you are applying for. Be sure to use phrasing or keywords you see in the job listing.
- Education
When listing your education, start with your highest degree first, including institution, graduation date, and major.
- Academic Honors
If you’ve received any honors or dean’s list recognition, include it in this brief section.
- Relevant Experience
Create a bullet point section that gives action-oriented descriptions using quantifiable achievements. These achievements should have a number attached to them to show the outcome.
- Skills
Highlight any administrative, technical, language, and software skills that relate to the job listing.
- Specialized Training and Certifications
Include training and certifications that align with the job posting. Include dates and issuing bodies.
- Leadership Activities
Describe leadership roles, whether that be from previous jobs, committees, or volunteer efforts.
- Additional Work Experience
If you have any relevant job experiences that speak to your professionalism and have transferable skills, include them in a brief section.
State and Local Government Resume Formatting Tips
- No Fancy Formatting or Graphics
Use standard fonts, black text on white backgrounds, and avoid using tables, borders, or color blocks. ATS typically can’t scan through fancy formatting or graphics.
- Full Descriptive Sentences
Use narrative phrases with active verbs rather than terse fragments.
- Longer and More Detailed
If you have relevant history, aim for clarity and detail. 2-5 page resumes are standard if there is previous history in the work field.
- Make Sure to Meet the Requirements
Be sure to match every job requirement explicitly. If they are asking for a minimum of three years of experience in the same field, make sure that it appears in your resume.
- Mirror the Language
ATS systems look for keywords and term matches. Use the exact words and phrases from the job description for a higher chance of passing the ATS.
- All Experience is Valuable
Include volunteer work, internships, or community service if it is relevant to the job description.
- Get Some Feedback
Ask peers, mentors, or career services to review your resume. Ask for tips on clarity, compliance, and accuracy regarding the job description and posting. Resume professionals can also offer insight on what to keep, change, or edit on your resume.
- State and Local Government Job Listings
It’s crucial to read the full job announcement on your state or local government’s hiring portal. These postings may include a mandatory section and formatting guidelines to follow. Following these guidelines will help your resume get through the ATS systems.
FAQ About Capstone Resume Services as a Business
Q: What should I include in my government resume?
A: Personal information, clear objective, relevant education, detailed experiences, required skills, certifications, leadership experience, and accomplishments.
Q: How can I make my government resume stand out?
A: Mirror keywords, include quantifiable achievements and relevant certifications, and use clear, descriptive sentences that show the impact you have made for companies.
Q: Should I use a resume template for the government sector?
A: Only use a template if it follows government standards. Avoid any format with graphics, fancy fonts, or tables. Many government hiring portals provide templates or outlines—use those.
Q: What is Capstone Resume Services?
A: Capstone Resume Services is a professional resume writing and coaching business that specializes in resumes, especially for career transitions, public sector applications, and leadership or executive-level roles.
Q: Can Capstone Resume Services help with government resumes?
A: Yes! Capstone Resume Services typically tailors resumes to government formats, ensures keyword matching, quantifies accomplishments, and considers community contexts. We also offer guidance on responding to supplemental questions and interview preparation.
Contact Capstone Resume Services to Build a Government Resume
Whether you are transitioning from the private sector to the public or moving roles, Capstone Resume Services has you covered. Capstone offers a variety of services to help build and edit resumes and prepare you for interviews. Reach out to our professional resume writers to help with your resume.
