Specific terminology relevant to public sector employment, such as “public administration,” “policy analysis,” “compliance,” or “regulatory affairs,” helps applicant tracking systems and hiring managers identify candidates with the desired skills and experience for government positions. For instance, a resume for a regulatory compliance role might include terms like “statutory interpretation,” “enforcement,” and “legislative analysis.”
Using this targeted vocabulary increases the visibility of a resume within applicant pools, improving the likelihood of selection for interviews. Historically, government agencies have relied on specific language tied to their functions and missions. As digital recruitment tools became more prevalent, the strategic use of this language in resumes became critical for successful applications. Incorporating relevant terms demonstrates an understanding of the sector’s unique requirements and the candidate’s potential fit within a government agency.
