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Updated for 2026 Merit Hiring Plan

Federal Resume Format
The Correct Layout for USAJOBS

The federal resume format has strict OPM requirements that differ from private sector resumes. Get the layout, sections, fonts, and required fields right—or get automatically rejected.

2026 Federal Resume Format at a Glance

2 Pages

Maximum length

10-12pt

Sans-serif font

0.5"

Margins all sides

47

OPM required fields

Federal Resume Format Rules for 2026

Do

  • ✓Use Calibri, Arial, or Helvetica (sans-serif)
  • ✓Keep to 2 pages maximum
  • ✓Use single-column layout
  • ✓List experience in reverse chronological order
  • ✓Include all OPM-required fields per position
  • ✓Use CCAR format for accomplishments

Don't

  • ✗Use colors, graphics, or photos
  • ✗Use multi-column or creative layouts
  • ✗Exceed 2 pages (USAJOBS blocks uploads)
  • ✗Use serif fonts or decorative typefaces
  • ✗Omit hours per week or supervisor info
  • ✗Use a private sector resume format

Federal Resume Format: Required Sections

Every federal resume must include these sections in the correct order. Missing any required field within a section can result in automatic disqualification.

01

Contact Information

Required
Full legal name
Mailing address (city, state, ZIP)
Phone number and email
U.S. citizenship status
Veterans preference (if applicable)
Highest federal civilian grade held (if applicable)
Tip: Include citizenship status prominently—non-citizens are ineligible for most federal positions.
02

Work Experience

Required
Job title
Employer name and full address
Start and end dates (MM/YYYY)
Hours per week
Salary or GS pay plan/series/grade
Supervisor name and phone number
Permission to contact supervisor (Yes/No)
Duties and CCAR accomplishments
Tip: Hours per week and supervisor info are the #1 and #2 causes of automatic disqualification.
03

Education

Required
Institution name and location
Degree type and major
Graduation date (or expected)
GPA (if 3.0+ or within last 2 years)
Semester/quarter hours completed
Relevant coursework (for entry-level)
Tip: For positions requiring specific education, include transcript details. Some GS levels have minimum credit hour requirements.
04

Additional Information

Recommended
Certifications and licenses
Security clearance level and status
Language proficiency
Technical skills and tools
Professional affiliations
Awards and recognitions
Tip: Security clearances are a major competitive advantage—always include level (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) and active/inactive status.

Federal Resume Format vs. Private Sector Format

ElementFederal FormatPrivate Sector
Length2 pages (2026 mandate)1-2 pages
Hours per weekRequired (auto-reject if missing)Not included
Supervisor infoRequired per positionNot included
Salary / GS gradeRequiredNever included
FontSans-serif only (ADA 508)Any professional font
LayoutSingle column, no graphicsCreative layouts OK
AccomplishmentsCCAR format (narrative)Bullet points
CitizenshipRequiredNever included

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How to Format Work Experience on a Federal Resume

Work experience is the most scrutinized section. HR specialists check every position for required fields before reading your qualifications. Here is the exact format:

MANAGEMENT ANALYST (0343)

Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, DC

GS-12, Step 5 | $89,322/year | 40 hours/week

March 2021 – Present

Supervisor: Jane Smith, (202) 555-0142, May contact: Yes


Serve as lead management analyst for a 200-person directorate, responsible for strategic planning, performance measurement, and organizational effectiveness initiatives...


Key Accomplishment (CCAR):

Context: Led process improvement for claims backlog affecting 15,000 veterans. Challenge: Processing time averaged 127 days vs. 30-day target. Action: Developed automated triage system and retrained 45 staff. Result: Reduced processing time to 23 days (82% improvement), clearing backlog within 6 months.

Critical: Every work experience entry must include hours per week, supervisor name and phone, and permission to contact. Omitting any of these triggers automatic disqualification—regardless of your qualifications.

Related Resources

📄

Federal Resume Templates

Download pre-formatted templates for 6 job categories

📝

Sample Federal Resumes

See real examples for IT, Management Analyst, and more

📚

Complete Federal Resume Guide

In-depth guide covering OPM requirements, CCAR, and KSAs

✍️

KSA Writing Guide

Write Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities statements that get you referred

Federal Resume Format FAQs

What is the correct federal resume format for 2026?
The 2026 federal resume format requires a maximum of 2 pages (per the Merit Hiring Plan), sans-serif font (Calibri or Arial) at 10-12pt, 0.5-inch margins on all sides, and reverse chronological order. Each work experience entry must include hours per week, supervisor contact info, salary or GS grade, and start/end dates in MM/YYYY format.
How is a federal resume format different from a regular resume?
A federal resume format requires specific OPM-mandated fields not found on private sector resumes: hours per week for each position, supervisor name and phone number with permission to contact, pay plan/series/grade for federal jobs, and complete salary history. Missing any of these fields can result in automatic disqualification.
What font and margins should a federal resume use?
Use a sans-serif font like Calibri or Arial at 10-12pt for ADA Section 508 compliance. Margins should be 0.5 inches on all sides to maximize space within the 2-page limit. Avoid decorative fonts, colors, graphics, or columns—federal resumes use a single-column, text-only format.
What sections are required in a federal resume format?
A compliant federal resume must include: (1) Contact Information with citizenship status, (2) Professional Summary or Objective, (3) Work Experience in reverse chronological order with all OPM fields, (4) Education with institution details and credits/GPA, and (5) Additional sections like certifications, security clearances, and veterans preference status.
Can I use my private sector resume format for federal jobs?
No. Private sector resume formats will get you automatically rejected from federal positions. Federal resumes require hours per week, supervisor contact information, salary history, and other OPM-mandated fields that private sector resumes don't include. You must reformat your resume specifically for USAJOBS applications.
How many pages should a federal resume be in 2026?
The 2026 Merit Hiring Plan limits federal resumes to 2 pages maximum. USAJOBS now blocks uploads exceeding 2 pages. This is a major change from the previous 4-6 page standard. Focus on your most relevant 10 years of experience and use concise CCAR-formatted accomplishments.

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Federal Resume Format (2026) | OPM-Compliant Layout & Structure | JobMatchPro