Introduction

Federal resumes are now limited to 2 pages maximum as of September 2025 under OPM's Merit Hiring Plan. This replaces the old 5-page+ standard that we are used to writing.

This isn't just about cutting words. The entire federal hiring process shifted in 2025 - new length limits, 4 mandatory essays, skills-based assessments instead of questionnaires. If you're applying with old guidance, you're disqualified before a human even sees your application.

Here's what you need to know: exact page limits, what counts toward those 2 pages, how to compress 20 years of military experience without losing your qualifications, and what those 4 new essays mean for your total application time.

What Are the New USAJOBS Resume Length Requirements in 2025?

Starting September 27, 2025, USAJOBS enforces a strict two-page maximum for all federal resumes. This applies to every GS-05 and above position across all agencies. If you submit a 3-page resume, it gets rejected. No exceptions.

What counts toward the 2 pages:

• Work experience

• Education

• Certifications and training

• Skills and competencies

• Contact information

What doesn't count:

• The 4 short essays (submitted separately in USAJOBS)

• Veterans preference documentation (DD-214, SF-15)

• Transcripts

• Other supporting documents

• Cover letter

Why OPM made this change:

The old system let applicants submit 5+ page resumes. Hiring managers couldn't review them all fairly. Some people wrote novels. Others kept it short and got overlooked.

The Merit Hiring Plan standardized everything. Two pages. Skills-based hiring. Faster reviews. Same rules for everyone.

This is a big shift for veterans.

Most of us were taught to document everything - every deployment, every award, every collateral duty. That approach doesn't work anymore.

You need to be selective. Focus on what matters for the specific GS series you're targeting.

BMR's federal resume builder handles the new format automatically. Paste a USAJOBS announcement, and it prioritizes your most relevant experience within the 2-page limit.

Your Federal Resume
Should Look Like This

We built OPM data directly into our AI so your federal resume goes beyond just matching the job announcement. It pulls in the right competencies, KSAs, and specialized experience details that get you referred — formatted in the 2-page federal layout USAJOBS expects.

OPM data built in — goes beyond the job announcement Full 2-page federal format for USAJOBS Tailored to every GS position you apply for

Build Your Resume Free

2 free resumes — no credit card required

How Do You Fit 20 Years of Military Service Into 2 Pages?

Understanding the USAJOBS resume length requirements is one thing - actually fitting two decades of military experience into that space is another. This is where most veterans panic. You've got leadership, deployments, training, awards, and collateral duties. How do you compress that into two pages without looking underqualified?

Here's the truth: you don't need to include everything. You need to include what matters for the specific GS position you're applying for.

Prioritize the Last 10 Years

Detail your most recent roles with 4-6 bullet points each. These should show leadership scope, budget authority, personnel supervised, and measurable outcomes. For positions older than 10 years, use one-line summaries unless they're directly relevant to the announcement.

Example: "Logistics NCO, Fort Campbell (2008-2011)" is enough for an older role. Save the bullets for your recent work.

Tailor to the Job Series

Read the USAJOBS announcement. If you're applying for a GS-2210 IT position, your cyber experience matters. Your time as a drill instructor doesn't. Cut ruthlessly. Every bullet should connect to a qualification or specialized experience requirement in the announcement.

BMRs AI is fully integrated with OPMs series data! Try it out!

Keep Results, Cut Fluff

Bad: "Responsible for maintaining accountability of unit equipment"
Good: "Managed $4.2M equipment inventory with zero loss over 18 months"

Numbers prove competence. Vague responsibilities don't. Focus on budget size, team size, time saved, costs reduced, and problems solved.

Consolidate Repetitive Roles

If you were a supply sergeant at three different duty stations, combine them into one entry. List the locations and dates, but use a single set of bullets that captures your best work across all three assignments.

Format for Readability

Use 9pt font minimum, 0.5" margins, and single spacing. Bullet points beat paragraphs. White space matters.

BMR's Federal Resume Builder automatically pulls your most relevant experience when you paste a USAJOBS announcement, so you're not guessing what to cut.

What About the 4 New Essays - Do They Count Toward the 2 Pages?

No. The 2-page limit applies only to your resume. The essays are separate submissions.

Here's what you're actually submitting under the new rules:

Your Complete Application Package:

• 2-page resume (the hard limit)

• 4 short essays (250-500 words each) (This part is integrated, not another document)

• Veterans preference documentation (DD-214, SF-15)

• Transcripts (if the announcement requires them)

Conclusion

The USAJOBS resume length limit is here to stay. OPM's September 2025 deadline isn't a suggestion - it's the new standard for all federal applications at GS-05 and above.

Your military experience still counts. You just need to present it differently now. Cut the old 5-page format. Focus on the last 10 years. Lead with results, not responsibilities. Tailor every application to the specific GS series you're targeting.

The 4 new essays add time to your application process. Budget 30 min total per announcement.

Don't wait until the announcement closes to start. BMR's federal resume builder handles the new OPM format automatically - 2-page limit, essay prompts, and USAJOBS compliance built in. Upload your NCOER or old resume and get a compliant federal resume in minutes.