One of the key elements of the Merit Hiring Plan announced in January implements a new two-page resume limit for federal job applications submitted through USAJOBS. This takes effect on September 27.
This reform ensures hiring managers focus on the most relevant qualifications and experience, streamlining the review process. OPM is providing a transition period until the deadline, along with updated USAJOBS guidance and resume-building tools online to assist applicants in meeting the new standard.
A Welcomed Change
For decades, the federal style resume was overburdensome, causing many to forgo applying for federal jobs due to the complexity of the system. There were significant differences between the private sector’s brief resume format and the detailed information required for a federal resume and application.
The resume most job seekers are familiar with is a short one-page introduction. Uncle Sam’s federal-style resume under the old system was complex and highly structured, and required specific data; otherwise, it was rejected. The application package could easily be between 7 and 10 pages or more for most applicants.
My last application for a senior management position in the late 1990s was 90 pages long and took days to compile.
Essay Questions
All competitive service job opportunity announcements at the GS-05 level and above, that are open to the public, ask applicants to submit four short essay questions, focused on the Constitution, Efficiency, Executive Orders, and Work Ethic. There are certain exceptions for teachers, Wage Grade, and seasonal positions.
Answers to these questions are not scored or rated, and agencies should treat responses to these questions in the same way they would treat the submission of a cover letter. The questions allow candidates to provide additional information about themselves, their background, and their dedication to public service.
These questions can’t be used as a means of determining whether the candidate fulfills the qualifications of a position. The questions can’t be used to impose an ideological litmus test on candidates. If an applicant doesn’t answer the questions along with their application, they are not disqualified or screened out.
USAJOBS Update
OPM is providing a transition period, along with updated USAJOBS guidance and online resume-building tools, to assist applicants in meeting the new standard. Follow the Job Announcement guidance and click on Apply to get started.
Agencies are providing guidance and support to help applicants comply with the new 2-page resume format. OPM will provide additional guidance, including information on transitioning to this new resume format and qualifying for Federal positions. OPM guidance is available on the USAJOBS help center.
Resumes submissions
The job announcement will list any additional information you should include in your resume. Read the job announcement carefully and ensure that you include all the information specified when applying.
Required Resume Information:
- Contact Information—your name and the best way to contact you.
- Relevant work experience—Job experience should include employer name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week, and descriptions that explain how you meet the required qualifications in the job announcement.
- Your education, certifications, or licensures- if the job announcement requires them.
Additional information you may need to provide:
- Current security clearance
- Job-related training
- Language skills
- Organizations and affiliations
- Professional publications
- References
Qualification Standard Changes
A pilot project, the Skills-Based Hiring for Information Technology (IT) Management Positions Project, will transition the IT Management job series to fully skills-based hiring by the end of 2025.
OPM will be issuing updated qualifications guidance for the IT 2210 series shortly, which will serve as a prototype for other job series. Previously, OPM released updates to the General Schedule Qualifications Operating Handbook, integrating competency-based requirements and assessments as a core policy for qualifying talent.
In the interim, follow the Job Announcement’s guidance to ensure you capture all required job qualifications.
The Next Step
If you have a federal resume currently posted on USAJOBS, you can review and edit it to reduce the length to the new 2-page requirement before submitting it for other positions. USAJOBS allows applicants to register and maintain several resumes on their service.
When you visit USAJOBS, there is a notice on the first page asking you to sign in to your profile and update your resume now. They provide tools to help you navigate the many changes that have been made since the Executive Order was signed last January.
The key to landing a job in the federal sector is to read the entire job announcement and print out a copy for your records. It describes in detail what is needed to apply for the job, qualifications, educational requirements, and much more. Plus, the last section of the announcement provides contact information for the HR specialist who can answer any questions you may have about the position and application process.
