New Federal Hiring Process

Reforming the Federal Hiring Process

A new Executive Order aims to modernize and improve federal hiring practices by restoring a focus on merit, skill, and commitment to the Constitution. The order addresses inefficiencies in the current system and seeks to eliminate the use of inappropriate hiring criteria.

Key priorities include:

• Recruiting highly skilled, mission-driven professionals who uphold American ideals and the rule of law

• Prohibiting hiring based on race, sex, religion, or ideology inconsistent with constitutional principles

• Reducing the time-to-hire across government agencies to under 80 days

• Enhancing transparency and communication with applicants throughout the hiring process

• Implementing modern technologies and assessments in line with the Chance to Compete Act of 2024

• Reallocating Senior Executive Service roles to strengthen democratic leadership in key agencies

According to the directive, accountability is expected to be maintained through performance metrics, agency reporting, and continued stakeholder engagement.

While views on the approach may vary, the reform is positioned as a step toward creating a more effective and efficient federal workforce based on merit, with the goal of better serving the American people.   Reforming the Federal Government Hiring Process and Restoring Merit to Government Service 

Reforming the Job Application Process

• For each job application graded GS-05 or above, include four short, free-response essay questions in all Federal job vacancy announcements:

1. How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government?  Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.

2. In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes

3. How would you help advance the President’s Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you, and explain how you would help implement them if hired.

4. How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Please provide one or two specific examples, and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

• Each response has to be 200-words.

•  Limit resume length to 2 pages and prohibit the present long-form Federal resume.