Willing to serve the public? In other words, applying for a government job?
Yes!
Then these words by author Bob Stone can motivate you.
“If you work in government, you’ll see things that need doing. So, you can choose to stay out of trouble or ask yourself. If not me, who?”
In 2023, LinkedIn reported intense competition for government jobs. Hence, some postings receive up to 300-400 applications.
So, keep this approach: “If not me, who?” and write a well-tailored CV that stands out!
Well! In this blog, you will learn how to write a CV that stands out and lands you your dream government job in the UAE.
So, wait no further and let’s get started!
Understand What Government Recruiters Look For
Do not neglect the details of the job post! The success lies in the details! Honestly! Government recruiters are detail-oriented.
And, the posts of government jobs are posted with clear eligibility requirements. So, note what government employers are looking for. In other words, review the keywords of the job post.
Thus, it will help you in tailoring your CV according to their requirements. So, here are the most basic requirements of a government job.
- Requires degrees or certifications in a specific field.
- Demand years of experience in a related field.
- Requires expertise in specific languages such as English or Arabic.
- Nationality. (In government, some positions are for the locals, so carefully, double-check!)
- Requires role-specific skills. ( like conflict resolution)
Moreover, the key tip is to read the job description more than once. Also, create a checklist to ensure your resume mirrors the requirements mentioned in the job post.
Choose a Professional Resume Format
Let’s face it! This quest of finding a government job is not a fun thing! You have to be professional. That’s to say, you must use an appropriate template for your CV.
If you are new to the job market, consider opting for a functional resume format. For those who have several years of experience in government positions, a combination resume format may be more suitable. And, a government professional prefers a chronological format to highlight their work history.
Government recruiters don’t have much time. They look for an easy-to-read and well-structured document. So, use a clean format with
- Simple fonts such as Arial and Calibri
- Consistent heading ( write them in bold and a little larger font.)
- Bullet points for achievements and responsibilities.
- Plenty of white space for better readability.
That is to say, choose a simple resume that aligns with the formal nature of government positions.
However, if you still are wondering, “What is the perfect format for a government job? ” Consider reaching out to My Perfect CV, they provide professional CV Writing Help In UAE.
Write a Strong Personal Summary.
Well! Your summary can make a difference! How? It serves as a quick snapshot of your skills and experience. That is to say, it highlights your suitability for the role. Therefore, in the competitive government job market, it makes you stand out among other candidates.
So, start your CV with a well-written personal summary. That is to say, it should highlight:
- Your current job title and years of experience.
- Also, mention your areas of expertise.
- Key strengths relevant to the role.
- And, your career goals are in line with government service.
For example: “A talented social worker with seven years of experience. Also, has conducted thorough home and community visits. Kind and respectful professional with conflict resolution skills.”
Highlight Work Experience Relevant to Government Roles.
Getting a government position weighs on your work experience section. It should show that you have handled responsibilities like the job you are applying for.
So, here is a format to highlight work history with clarity:
- Job title
- Company name
- Location
- Duration
- Responsibilities and achievements ( in bullet points)
Moreover, the key tip is to list jobs in the order of the most recent first.
For example: Social Worker,
Tampa Bay Academy Of Hope,
Tampa, FL,
June 2020-Current.
- Readiness training, mentoring, job placement, and follow-up.
- Directed complete and accurate records of assigned caseload.
Mention Your Education
Government jobs have strict educational requirements. Therefore, highlight your acquired knowledge with a clear format. This section can impress recruiters!
Moreover, mention your training and certifications in a separate section. It can give you a competitive edge in the governmental realm. Project management or public service delivery certifications can make your CV stand out!
So, your education section must be straightforward. So, follow this format:
- Degree Name
- University Name
- Location
- Year of Your Graduation
For example:
- Bachelor’s of Science,
- Civic University,
- Washington, D.C.
- 2024
Tailor Your CV For Each Government Job Application
Do not use the same CV for every job! That is to say, each government job post has different expectations.
Hence, tailor your CV by following these tips.
- Use keywords from the job post.
- Match your skills to the listed duties
- Rewrite your summary and experience to suit each application.
Thus, this will make your CV writing experts stand out! Do not believe our words! Here is research that backs up the importance of having a tailored resume
The Jobvite Job reports that about 83% of recruiters hire a candidate with a tailored resume.
Mention Skills Suitable For Your Public Role
So, are you motivated? However, serving the public is not as easy as it looks. In other words, you need specific skills to succeed in public roles.
Thus, the vital skills that recruiters look for are:
- Public Speaking
- Active Listening
- Empathy
- Adaptability
- Written skills
- Presentation skills
Moreover, you must have these skills :
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Conflict resolution
Thus, mentioning skills suitable for your public can help you stand out from the crowd.
Keep Your CV Short And Focused
A government job CV should be 1-2 pages long. Not more than that! An eye-tracking study by TheLadders found that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds on a resume.
And, government recruiters? Oh! They are more in a rush!
Therefore, keep your content relevant.t Do not include the following:
- Unrelated part-time job
- Hobbies(unless they show leadership or social contribution)
- Long paragraphs
That is to say, stick to professional content that supports your goal of working in the public sector.
Final Thoughts
Yes! It is possible! Your CV can stand out in an intensely competitive government job market. First, understand what government recruiters are looking for, then tailor your CV well. So, your CV can reflect Bob Stone’s words, “If not me, who?”