In 2025, the U.S. federal government made major changes to how federal agencies evaluate job candidates. The changes, outlined in the federal Merit Hiring Plan, emphasize skills-based hiring, a new strict two-page limit for resumes, and expanded assessment requirements for grade GS05 to GS-11 roles. In this post, we’ll highlight key updates and resources to help you prepare for applying for a U.S. federal position through USAJOBS.  

Skills-Based Hiring  

Hiring efforts are now strictly focused on finding candidates that best match the detailed skills and competencies articulated in the job description by the federal agency, Human Resource Offices (HRO). Because of this strict focus on skills and competencies, your eligibility for a position will be determined by how well your skills and competencies match those in the job description on USAJOBS.    

As was previously the case, there are still unique hiring paths. For more information and to determine if you are eligible for a unique hiring path such as Veterans, Military Spouses, Students, and Recent Graduates visit the USAJOBS Help Center -  Explore hiring paths.

Resume Changes  

Under the new requirements, federal resumes cannot exceed two pages. Previously, the range could be anywhere from one to ten pages, depending on the level of experience. If a resume is longer than two pages, it will not be accepted by the USAJOBS application system.    

When deciding what to include in your resume, it is essential to carefully read the job description and focus on your skills, competencies, accomplishments, and results that clearly demonstrate your qualifications for the position. Using key words from the job description that match your skills will increase your chance of moving to the next step in the process and allow your resume to be searchable by federal recruiters.  

Also, ensure that you include any additional required documents, such as transcripts, publications, or references. Additional documents can be longer than two pages.   

Note that some federal job postings require specific information to be included on a resume such as an academic GPA in the education section or listing the names of supervisors for each previous job. If you are applying for different positions, read the criteria carefully in each post, and tailor your resume accordingly.   

The USAJOBS website has a Resume Builder and  extensive recommendations. on what to include and exclude. If you create a Profile on USAJOBS, the Resume Builder can use the information from your Profile to help build your resume.  To ensure that your resume meets the federal specifications, we strongly recommend using the USAJOBS Resume Builder to create your federal resume. You can upload up to five versions of your resume in the USAJOBS system. There is also an option to make your Profile and one version of your resume searchable by recruiters on the website.   

Pro Tip: When creating an account on USAJOBS, it is recommended not to use a .gov, .edu, or .mil email address, so avoid using your Walden email address. For more information on setting  up your USAJOBS account, visit the USAJOBS Help Center.  

If you create a Profile on USAJOBS and you don’t use the Resume Builder feature, make sure that the information in your Profile matches the information in your resume.   

For more information on the new resume requirements visit USAJOBS Help Center- How do I write a resume for a federal job?  

Assessments  

During the application process, federal agencies use technical or alternative assessments to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies. Agencies are also required to include information in the job description about what assessments will be used. Assessments may include:  

• Situational Judgment assessments to measure how applicants evaluate potential actions in a specific situation.  
• Reasoning assessments to measure how applicants solve problems or draw accurate conclusions.   
• Job Knowledge assessments measure applicants’ mastery of specific technical information needed to successfully perform the job.    
• Work samples or simulations to measure skills or tasks that mirror actual job duties.   
• Interviews that require demonstrations or presentations to measure knowledge and competence.  

According to the Merit Hiring Plan, applicants applying for positions at a GS-05 level or above may also be required to complete written essay responses to a series of questions such as “Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes”.  Responses must be under 200 words per question, and the use of AI is not allowed.  Read the job description and responsibilities carefully and tailor your application materials to the position. 

Key Reminders 

Putting together application materials for any job requires time and attention to detail, but this is especially important for federal applications. Here are the essential takeaways to remember, before you move forward with your application. 

• Read the job description and responsibilities carefully and tailor your application materials to the position. 
• Your resume will not be accepted if it is longer than two pages. 
• Be prepared to provide additional documentation, if requested, and complete any assessments or essay responses.  

The USAJOBS website has many resources to support applicants, including an Events page with virtual resume help sessions, career days, recruitment events, and more. You can also schedule an appointment with one of Walden’s career advisors for additional support. 

USAJOBS Resources: 

Visit USAJOBS to prepare and apply for federal jobs. 
Learn more about the updates to the hiring process on the Merit Hiring Plan. 
Explore federal hiring paths: USAJOBS Help Center -  Explore hiring paths. 
Learn how to create a federal application. 
Research what to include on your resume, and how to include it in your USAJOBS profile. 
Use the USAJOBS Resume Builder. 
Attend resume help sessions, career days, recruitment events and more through the USAJOBS Events page. 

Walden Career Planning and Development Resources: 

Visit the Career Planning and Development website. 
Schedule an Appointment with one of Walden’s career advisors 

Written by: 

Denise Pranke, Specialist, Department of Career Planning and Development 

Alison Fahy, Specialist, Department of Career Planning and Development