Agency Guidance on the Two-Page Limit on Resume Length

This guidance implements the Merit Hiring Plan's requirement that federal job applicants submit resumes of no more than two pages. It applies to all competitive and excepted service Title 5 announcements posted on USAJOBS or any other platform. Effective September 27, 2025, USAJOBS enforces the two-page limit technically: resumes stored in profiles, uploaded resumes, resume builder resumes, and searchable resumes in the Agency Talent Portal are all restricted to two pages. Applicants who submit only a resume longer than two pages will be ineligible for consideration. There is an exception for resumes for medical and research positions requiring a curriculum vitae; applications may submit the CV as an "other document." The guidance provides detailed formatting recommendations and specifies what content should appear within the two-page limit: contact information, relevant work experience with job titles, employers, dates, and hours; education and certifications when relevant; and optional details including security clearances, language skills, and special program eligibilities.