Update your resume now so it meets new resume requirements
Starting on September 27, 2025, federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages in length to comply with the Merit Hiring Plan. USAJOBS will not allow you to upload or build resumes longer than two pages, and you will need to update the resumes in your profile before applying to a job.
How do I check if the resumes I have in my profile are two pages or less?
For resumes uploaded to your profile before September 27, 2025, you will have to download them to check their page number.
For resumes created from the resume builder:
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Sign in to USAJOBS.
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Select Documents to see your current resumes in your profile.
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Find the resume you want to view and select More.
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Select View to see your resume.
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On the preview screen, select Print resume.
The print preview screen will help you estimate the number of pages for the resume.
If you have any resumes longer than two pages, you should edit them to make them shorter or upload or build new resumes that are two pages or less. You should also choose a two-page resume to make searchable for recruiters to find you.
How to add a resume to your USAJOBS profile.
What is required in the resume?
Resumes submitted for federal jobs are required to have:
- Contact Information—your name and the best way to contact you.
- Relevant work experience—Job experience should include employer name, job title, start and end dates (month/year), the number of hours worked per week and descriptions that explain how you meet the required qualifications in the job announcement.
- Education, certifications or licensures—If the job announcement requires any education, certifications or licensures, make sure you include the required information on the resume.
Learn more about what to include in your resume.
Are there other things I may need to include on the resume?
The job announcement will list any additional information you should include in your resume. Read the job announcement and make sure you include any information specified in the job announcement when applying.
Additional information you may need to provide:
- Current security clearance
- Job-related training
- Language skills
- Organizations and affiliations
- Professional publications
- References
What should I not include in my resume?
- Classified or government sensitive information
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Photos of yourself
- Personal information, such as age, sex, religious affiliation, etc.
- Encrypted and digitally signed documents