There’s not often “breaking news” in the world of resume writing — but this is one of those moments.

On May 29, 2025, the Department of Defense (DoD) issued a memo titled the Merit Hiring Plan, outlining sweeping changes to how the federal government recruits, assesses, and hires talent. At the center of it all? A dramatic shift in how applicants must present their qualifications.

The long, detailed federal resumes we’ve been building for years, often 4, 6, even 10 pages, are being replaced with something far more concise: a maximum 2-page resume for most federal roles, from GS-05 all the way through SES.

Let’s unpack what this means, why it matters, and how you can get ahead of the curve.

What’s Changing and Why It Matters

For years, federal resumes have stood apart from their private-sector counterparts because of their length and detail. Applicants were encouraged (and sometimes required) to include everything: each duty, each task, every bit of training, and full narratives for KSAs or ECQs.

But that model is now officially being phased out. According to the DoD’s 2025 Merit Hiring Plan, federal agencies must now:

Limit resumes to 2 pages for all competitive service roles at GS-05 and above, including SES positions.
Eliminate traditional self-assessment questionnaires (no more inflated yes/no skill lists).
Replace long-form narratives with 4 short free-response essays (max 200 words each).
Rely more heavily on technical or skills-based assessments to determine qualification.
Improve applicant communication** with real-time updates on status through USAJOBS and USA Staffing.

The intent behind these changes? To improve hiring speed, reduce bias, and make the process more transparent and skills-focused.

But it also means that job seekers, especially those used to traditional federal applications, have work to do.

What a 2-Page Federal Resume Actually Looks Like

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about trimming fat. A 2-page federal resume isn’t a watered-down version of the old format. It’s a new strategy entirely.

You now have two pages to do the following:

Highlight your relevant experience, not every job you’ve ever held.
Emphasize measurable outcomes and job-related impact, not daily tasks.
Showcase your ability to meet specialized experience requirements using concise, tailored examples.
Align your content to the language and qualifications in the job posting.

You’ll also need to be thoughtful about formatting. This is no time for excessive whitespace, redundant bullets, or generic career summaries.

Your federal resume now needs to function like a laser, targeted, focused, and built with purpose.

The New Free-Response Essays

Another big change: instead of writing long-form narratives for KSAs or ECQs, applicants will now respond to four standardized short-answer questions, each limited to 200 words. These cover:

Commitment to public service and the Constitution
Ability to deliver results efficiently and effectively
Contributions to a fair and inclusive workplace
Personal work ethic and integrity

What’s especially notable is that these must be self-authored and certified. That means no copying, pasting, or outsourcing the writing.

This puts a premium on clarity, structure, and storytelling. You’ll need to show, not tell, who you are, what you’ve done, and how you align with the role's values.

For resume writers and career professionals, this is going to shift the way we support clients. We can still guide and coach, but the final product must come from the applicant’s own voice.

The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring

One of the biggest takeaways from the memo is the government’s commitment to skills-first hiring.

Gone are the days when applicants could rate themselves as “expert” on 20 competencies and hope for a high score. Agencies must now use validated assessments, like structured interviews, writing samples, job simulations, or USA Hire, to evaluate candidate fitness.

This is a good thing, especially for applicants who might not have linear career paths but can demonstrate capability.

For resume development, it means a shift in focus from duties to evidence of outcomes, skills applied, and results achieved. The more your resume speaks in terms of impact, the better you’ll perform against these new evaluation models.

What to Do Next

If you’re considering applying for a federal job, or are already in the process, here’s what I recommend:

Audit Your Current Resume

If your federal resume is over 2 pages, you’ll need to start trimming. Focus on relevance, clarity, and outcome-driven statements. Cut or combine bullets that simply describe tasks.

Prepare to Write Your Essays

Start drafting responses to the four required essay questions now. You can use the same structure across applications, tweaking where needed to match the role or agency.

Update Your USAJOBS Profile

Make sure your resume is marked “searchable.” Recruiters will now be using talent-mining tools more aggressively, don’t miss an opportunity to be found.

Document Your Results

Now more than ever, evidence matters. Start collecting metrics, examples, and impact stories that align with your target job’s qualifications.

Understand Assessment Tools

If a job posting mentions USA Hire or other technical evaluations, research what they entail and practice if you can. Knowing what to expect can give you a serious edge.

🤝 You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

The federal hiring process has always been complex, but now it’s evolving quickly, and staying ahead requires strategy.

As a professional resume writer with deep experience supporting federal job seekers, I’m already helping clients adapt to these new standards. Whether you're applying to GS-level roles, targeting a promotion, or eyeing an SES post, I can help you translate your experience into a competitive 2-page resume and support you in preparing for the new application model.

If you’re feeling unsure how to proceed, reach out. Let’s make sure your next federal application doesn’t just meet the new bar — it stands out.

Scott Gardner, CPRW, CERW, CIC

Resume Writer | Federal Job Search Strategist | Owner of Vitae Express

Helping professionals navigate change and land with confidence.

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