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18F/GSA ATS Tips

How to get your resume past 18F/GSA's Applicant Tracking System and into the hands of a recruiter.

Which ATS does 18F/GSA use?

18F/GSA uses USAJobs as their Applicant Tracking System. This means your resume will be parsed and scored by USAJobs's algorithms before a human ever sees it.

Application Tips for 18F/GSA

You're applying to 18F/GSA through USAJobs. Format your resume and cover letter according to their specs. Use Arial or Calibri font, and don't overdo it with formatting or graphics. This way, your application will get parsed and reviewed without a hitch.

And it's not just about formatting. To really stand out, you need to show that you're all about 18F/GSA's values. So, highlight your experience working in agile environments, collaborating with teams, and driving user-centered design. You're passionate about public service, right? Make that clear. Share specific examples of projects that demonstrate these values. For instance, talk about a time when you led a team to deliver a high-quality solution that met citizens' needs.

18F/GSA loves metrics. They want to see that you can drive impact and efficiency. So, when you're tailoring your resume and cover letter, use numbers. Instead of saying you "improved user engagement," say you "increased user engagement by 25% through targeted design improvements." Be specific.

The culture at 18F/GSA is collaborative and innovative. They're all about continuous learning and improvement. To fit in, you need to be able to work in fast-paced environments and adapt to changing priorities. Be ready to talk about how you've applied design thinking principles to drive meaningful outcomes.

The interview process? It's a mix of behavioral and technical questions. They want to see if you've got the skills, experience, and values to fit in. So, be prepared to share specific examples of your accomplishments. Talk about how you approach problem-solving, collaboration, and user-centered design. Don't just say you're a team player - show it.

Keywords That Resonate at 18F/GSA

These terms reflect 18F/GSA's culture and values. Naturally weaving them into your resume and cover letter signals cultural fit.

InnovationCollaborationUser-CenteredAgilePublic ServiceDesign ThinkingContinuous LearningInclusivity

General ATS Formatting Rules

  • Use a clean, single-column layout — multi-column formats confuse most ATS parsers.
  • Stick to standard section headings: Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications.
  • Avoid images, tables, text boxes, and headers/footers — these are often stripped.
  • Submit as PDF unless the job posting specifically requests .docx.
  • Match keywords from the job description exactly — ATS scores keyword overlap.

Check your resume against 18F/GSA's ATS

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