U.S. Digital Response (USDR) partnered with Technologists for the Public Good (TPG) to host Build a Better Government Resume, a three-day event designed to equip technologists with the knowledge and tools to navigate government hiring processes with confidence. The event kicked off with a live session featuring Jen Tress, Jenn Noinaj, and Brian Whittaker, who shared expert insights on crafting standout resumes for federal, state, and local government roles.
With jurisdictions across the country looking to build up their internal digital expertise, technologists have lots of opportunities to shift their careers and help communities directly. Looking to build your own resume for government applications? Here’s some key lessons for you to keep in mind:
Key elements of a strong application
Government hiring follows structured processes across many disciplines, so your resume must clearly demonstrate how your experience meets required competencies. This means including detailed project descriptions, quantifiable impacts, and alignment with job-specific qualifications. Understanding the key characteristics of different role types—such as Competitive Service Positions, Direct Hire Authorities, and Term Appointments—helps applicants tailor their applications effectively.
Just as important is learning the shared language of government hiring. A technologist may not be the first person reviewing your resume, so clarity is key—avoid jargon, spell out acronyms, include metrics (like money saved or grant funds managed), and describe your work in a way that aligns with government hiring expectations.
Decoding government roles and job titles
Unlike in the private sector, government job titles don’t always clearly indicate scope or seniority. Many job seekers find government job titles misleading, so learning how to read between the lines is crucial. Our session provided guidance on interpreting these titles, assessing qualifications, and identifying roles that match a candidate’s skill level.
For example, two roles both labeled "IT Specialist" may have completely different responsibilities depending on the hiring agency and listed qualifications. Understanding the nuances—such as the department overseeing the role or specific acronyms used in the job description—helps candidates apply strategically.
Tailoring your resume and confidently showcasing your impact as a technologist becomes much easier once you understand what a role is actually asking for. Sometimes, it’s not about rewriting your experience—it’s just about translating it.
Assessing culture and transitioning into government work
Many technologists considering public service wonder, “What’s it really like to work in government?” The panelists shared insights on navigating workplace culture, the hiring process, and the mindset shift that often comes with joining a mission-driven environment.
A key takeaway? Asking the right questions can make all the difference. Job seekers should look beyond job descriptions to understand factors that might impact their work, such as:
- Will I report to a non-IT or non-manager or department head ?
- What are the expected timelines for projects?
- How is the role funded? And, how does funding impact long-term employment opportunities?
Approaching the transition with curiosity, empathy, and adaptability helps technologists thrive in civic tech roles.
Participants also had the opportunity to receive personalized, 1:1 resume reviews from volunteers with experience in government hiring and civic tech roles. Over two days, technologists across disciplines—including software engineering, user experience, product management, and content strategy—received targeted feedback to help them better position their skills for public sector roles.
One participant shared:
“I'm thankful there are people and organizations willing to take the time to put these materials together and meet with job seekers.”
Volunteers also found the experience deeply rewarding. As one resume reviewer noted:
“It was rewarding for me to be able to use my hard-won expertise to smooth the path for others who are interested in applying for civic tech jobs.”
By bridging knowledge gaps and offering direct, actionable feedback, these sessions helped job seekers feel more confident and prepared to pursue government and civic tech opportunities.
Strengthening the government tech talent pipeline
This workshop is part of a broader effort by USDR to support technologists interested in government work. From resume guidance to hiring strategy, we’re focused on lowering barriers and helping job seekers navigate an evolving public interest tech landscape.
We recognize that these processes can be complex and sometimes unclear, and aim to equip technologists with the knowledge and options they need. That includes providing candidate-focused guidance on federal opportunities during the 2025 presidential transition, as well as highlighting alternative hiring avenues at state, city, and municipal levels.
This workshop was a testament to the power of skilled volunteering in supporting public interest technology. Volunteers brought deep expertise in government hiring, offering participants tailored guidance to navigate the nuances of the application process. This kind of knowledge-sharing is at the core of our work—whether through one-time events like this or our ongoing volunteer engagements, where technologists work alongside government partners to drive meaningful change. By giving their time and expertise, volunteers not only help individuals but also strengthen the public sector’s capacity to solve critical challenges with technology.
If you’re curious about ways to volunteer with U.S. Digital Response—or want to stay connected for future career support opportunities—be sure to join our community.
Looking for more resources? USDR has written comprehensive guides for tech talent navigating the new landscape of government hiring.
Join Technologists for the Public Good (with 14 day free trial) for ongoing community, mentorship and coaching, speaking opportunities, discounted conferences and workshops, and more.
Looking for more guidance with building your government digital team? Reach out to USDR and we can explore what’s possible with you today.
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
