Knowing Your Audience
Will Put You Ahead Of The Game
General Advice
The first thing you should do when preparing to apply for an Intelligence Community (IC) position is familiarize yourself with the specific position or positions in which you are interested. The postings will give you the best clue as to what the hiring agency will be looking for when they review your resume.
Be sure to read and follow the specific application requirements set forth by the agency who is hiring for a particular position. Each agency has its own requirements and application process you need to follow. Not following the correct procedure will affect your chances of getting hired.
This section includes general suggestions for ways to tailor your resume for intelligence occupations. However, if these guidelines conflict with a specific agency’s instructions, disregard these recommendations and follow the agency’s requirements.
It is important to note, IC agencies are increasingly moving to electronic methods of resume submission, in fact, some agencies only accept applications online. Whenever available, you should submit your resume in this manner. This means you’ll need to have an electronic version. Having your resume saved as both a Microsoft Word document and a PDF will help you be prepared for any possibility.
It’s important to cover all the following areas in your resume regardless of what type of position you are applying for:
Foreign Language
Foreign language proficiency is essential for some jobs and preferred for others. Being fluent (or simply even proficient) in any foreign language will be a plus in your favor. Be specific when presenting this knowledge. List each language and include 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 you have had should also be included.
Internships or Related Experience
All related experience with government or industry that relates to your desired position is important, even summer internships. For some positions, we may want to see laboratory or other research experience.
Military Experience
When outlining any military experience, include your rank and any ways your experience relates to your desired position.
Specialized Background
If relevant, include any previous specialized experience you may have such as previous employment as a military or civilian pilot, navigator, or air traffic controller.
Overseas/In Country Experience
Previous travel, study, work abroad, or residency in overseas locations may be important for some positions. Include your familiarity with individual countries or regions where you spent time.
Publications
If you are published–or have presented at professional conferences–technical information that relates to the position for which you are applying, include this to demonstrate your technical expertise. In some cases, resume page limits may not allow you to list publications or presentations. However, some online resume systems include an open text field for you to provide additional information. This is a good place to include these details.
Professional Licenses and Certifications
List any and all job-related licenses or certifications you hold.
Training Courses
Outline any professional training you may have obtained that is directly relevant to the job.
Honors, Awards, and Other Accomplishments
List any honors, awards, or other accomplishments that demonstrate relevant technical expertise. For example, list professional memberships or performance awards you have received.
Clearances
It is to your advantage to indicate if you currently hold, or have previously held, a security clearance (such as a Top Secret clearance).
The next step is tailoring your resume, so it highlights your skills to match a specified career.
Select your area of interests to learn more: