This year, significant changes were made to the federal job application process, particularly through the Merit Hiring Plan introduced by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The plan aims to improve efficiency and prioritize merit-based recruitment. Key reforms include requiring candidates to answer free-response questions about their merit, competence, and commitment to the U.S. Constitution. The plan also eliminates unnecessary education requirements, opting for skills-based assessments, and seeks to reduce hiring times to under 80 days by streamlining background checks.

Additionally, a new rule limits resumes for federal jobs to two pages, as outlined in Executive Order 14170, with exceptions for Title 38 and Hybrid Title 38 positions, which include healthcare professionals at the VA. Current federal employees are advised to focus their resumes on relevant skills while including essential information like security clearances.

Job seekers interested in federal positions, especially at the VA, should tailor their resumes to highlight job-related skills and prepare for the new essay questions that emphasize government efficiency and a strong work ethic.