Federal Bureau of Investigation Resume Template for Veterans

What Federal Bureau of Investigation looks for

Since December 31, 2025, every FBI job application must be built in the FBIJobs Resume Builder. Only that résumé is used to qualify you, and uploaded résumés aren't reviewed. The preview has to fit the two-page federal limit before you can submit. The FBI evaluates candidates on six core competencies: Collaboration, Communication, Initiative, Organizing and Planning, Problem Solving/Judgment, and Professionalism/Integrity. Special agents need a bachelor's degree plus qualifying experience (GL-9 or GL-10), must be 23 or older, and must apply before their 38th birthday. Preference-eligible veterans may qualify for an age waiver.

Bullet formula: Make every bullet show one of the six core competencies: '[Led/Coordinated/Investigated] [task] for [scope], [result]'. Across each job's 3–5 bullets, cover Collaboration, Communication, Initiative, Organizing and Planning, Problem Solving/Judgment, and Professionalism/Integrity.

Do

• Enter your experience directly in the Resume Builder and tailor it to each vacancy announcement.
• For each job, give the title, organization, city and state, start and end dates as MM/YYYY, hours per week, and 3–5 bullets. Include military service, or federal series and grade.
• Make your full-time professional experience easy to count. GL-10 requires a bachelor's degree plus two years of it, or an advanced degree plus one year.
• List foreign languages with proficiency levels in the Additional Information section.
• Attach your DD-214 (Member 4 or Service 2 copy) or a Statement of Service. If you're a disabled veteran, add an SF-15 or a VA letter dated within the past year.
• Start training for the Physical Fitness Test before you apply. The FBI recommends it.

Avoid

• Don't upload a finished PDF and expect it to count. Only the Resume Builder résumé is used to qualify you.
• Don't go past two pages. The preview won't pass, so cut irrelevant material and shorten descriptions.
• Don't assume your military clearance carries over. The FBI says current clearance levels don't transfer, and every agent needs a new TS/SCI.
• Don't overstate anything. The background investigation includes a polygraph, a drug test, and checks with references and schools.

Words from their postings

Collaboration, Communication, Initiative, Organizing and Planning, Problem Solving/Judgment, Professionalism/Integrity, investigations, foreign language proficiency, sworn law enforcement, TS/SCI eligibility.

Veteran programs

• FBI SkillBridge Internship Program: a six-month internship with possible noncompetitive hire. Look for 'SkillBridge Only' postings; you must hold an active Top Secret clearance and apply within one year of separation
• Wounded Warrior Internship Program: apply at least 6 months before separation through your regional Operation Warfighter coordinator
• Veterans' preference, plus special agent age waivers for preference-eligible veterans
• Up to 20 days of paid military leave, and TSP contributions with up to a 5% match

Where veterans land

Special Agent, Intelligence Analyst, Language Specialist, Telecommunications Specialist, Security and Surveillance Specialist, Skilled trades

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