Key Changes to Federal Job Applications

Major news for veterans and transitioning service members eyeing federal careers: The traditional 5–20+ page federal résumé is being phased out. OPM just launched the new hiring guidance and it’s designed to make federal jobs more accessible to mission-driven candidates like YOU. I've attached OPM's 30-page memo, but I'll also give you the cliff notes👇 Here’s what’s changing: Résumés will be capped at 2 pages. Applicants for GS-05+ roles must answer 4 short essays focused on: 1. How your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the U.S. have inspired you to pursue a government role 2. How you’d improve government efficiency and effectiveness 3. How you would support the President’s policy priorities and identify initiatives that are important to you and how you would implement them 4. How your strong work ethic has contributed to your achievements What these changes mean for candidates: ✔️ Less focus on federal résumé formatting ✔️ Descriptive, mission-focused job titles ✔️ Plain language that actually explains the role ✔️ Faster hiring timelines (target: 80 days) I'd love to hear your thoughts on these changes, especially from those transitioning out of the military or those already in federal service. Let’s keep the discussion professional. 👀 Disrespectful, obnoxious, or knuckleheaded comments will be deleted. This is about helping people navigate change, not tear each other down. Maloney out! ✌

7 New Changes for Federal Resumes Under the Merit Hiring Plan In 2025, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) rolled out a transformative Merit Hiring Plan that reshapes federal job applications. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead in the game! 1. Resume Length: Say goodbye to lengthy resumes! There’s now a two-page limit, emphasizing brevity and clarity. Showcase your qualifications efficiently! 2. Essay Questions: For GS-05 and above positions, expect to answer four short essay questions, each capped at around 200 words. These essays will assess your understanding of key topics like the Constitution and government efficiency, so prepare to articulate your insights! 3. Hiring Timeline: The new plan establishes an 80-day timeline from application to job offer. This change aims to streamline the hiring process, making it quicker and more efficient for qualified candidates. 4. Content Focus: Highlight your accomplishments! The new guidelines encourage candidates to showcase how their skills align with job requirements rather than just listing duties. Make sure hiring managers see your value! 5. Additional Sections: Consider including sections on volunteer work, language proficiency, and professional affiliations. These can enrich your profile and highlight your diverse experiences. 6. Senior Executive Service (SES) Positions: If you’re targeting SES roles, be aware of the revised Experience Qualification (ECQs). Demonstrating your leadership capabilities and strategic thinking is now more crucial than ever. 7. Merit Hiring Plan Goals: The aim is to create a more efficient, merit-based hiring process that aligns with the nation’s needs. This initiative seeks to attract top talent and build a capable government workforce ready to tackle modern challenges. Conclusion: The Merit Hiring Plan signifies a major evolution in federal resume crafting and evaluation. By adapting to these new guidelines, you can enhance your chances of standing out in a competitive job market. Let’s get prepared for the future of federal employment! #Federalresumes #MeritHiringPlan #JobApplicationTips #CareerAdvice #GovernmentJobs #military #veteran #veterans #militaryspouse

I am excited to finally get back to my Federal Hire Friday posts. With the release of the Merit Hiring Plan there is plenty to discuss over the next few weeks. Here are some of my key takeaways: 🔸Decrease government-wide time-to-hire to under 80 days 🔸The Chance to Compete Act allows agencies and OPM to establish “Talent Teams” 🔸Three areas were highlighted in the document as examples of recruitment strategies (Early Career, STEM and Veterans) 🔸To improve recruitment of qualified veterans, OPM’s Talent Team will own a strategic government-wide veteran recruiting roadmap, defining target occupations with agency leadership, and partnering with agency veterans’ program leaders to find opportunities to match the talents of individuals exiting the military with skills in demand at agencies. 🔸Prohibit the current longform Federal resume structure. Instead, there will be a 2-page limit on resume length. Going forward, to implement Executive Order 14170, all Federal job vacancy announcements graded at GS-05 or above will include four short, free-response essay questions: 1️⃣ How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience. 2️⃣ In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes. 3️⃣ How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired. 4️⃣ How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position Next Friday I will take a deeper dive into veterans’ recruitment, unless you all can’t wait and want me to start posting about it on Monday. Again, don’t ever take anyone’s word for things. I posted the entire document for you to review. #BluntBartley #BeTheChange #FederalHireFriday #FederalHiring #FederalCareers