Bulletin: Additional Merit Hiring Plan Guidance on Using the Four Short Essay Questions

This brief Office of Personnel Management GovDelivery bulletin, addressed to Chief Human Capital Officers (CHCOs), Deputy CHCOs, and HR Directors, clarifies a guidance communication sent two days earlier on April 28, 2026 regarding the four short essay questions available in the Merit Hiring Plan. It states that use of the four short essay questions is mandatory for GS-5 through GS-15 positions and for Senior Professional positions, and optional for merit promotion announcements only. In all cases, applicants cannot be disqualified or screened out for not answering the questions; responses must not be marked as required; and applicants must be allowed to complete their application without answering. The essay questions should not be used when filling Senior Executive Service, teacher, seasonal, or Wage Grade positions.