Federal Resume Template
OPM-Compliant & Free
Get federal resume templates with all required USAJOBS fields. Each template includes hours per week, supervisor information, and proper formatting for the 2026 Merit Hiring Plan (2-page max, sans-serif font, 0.5" margins).
Skip the template—use our free builder instead
Templates require manual work and can still miss required fields. Our builder guides you through every OPM requirement automatically and exports a perfectly formatted PDF.
Choose Your Federal Resume Template
General Federal Resume
Works for most GS positions. Includes all OPM-required fields.
All LevelsUse This TemplateIT Specialist (2210 Series)
Tailored for federal IT positions with technical skills section.
GS-9 to GS-15Use This TemplateManagement Analyst (0343 Series)
Designed for program and management analyst positions.
GS-11 to GS-14Use This TemplateContract Specialist (1102 Series)
For contracting and acquisition positions with FAR experience.
GS-9 to GS-14Use This TemplateVeteran Transition Template
Converts military experience to federal civilian language.
All LevelsUse This TemplateEntry-Level / Recent Graduate
For GS-5 to GS-7 positions with education emphasis.
GS-5 to GS-7Use This TemplateWhat's Included in Each Template
Required OPM Fields
- •Hours per week for each position
- •Supervisor name, phone, permission to contact
- •Start/end dates (month and year)
- •Salary or GS grade level
- •Full employer address
Proper Formatting
- •Sans-serif font (Calibri, Arial), 10-12pt
- •0.5-inch margins on all sides
- •Reverse chronological order
- •Clear section headings
- •CCAR accomplishment placeholders
Template vs. Builder: Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | Template | Free Builder |
|---|---|---|
| OPM-required fields | ✓ | ✓ |
| Prevents missing fields | — | ✓ |
| AI compliance audit | — | ✓ |
| CCAR writing assistant | — | ✓ |
| Job announcement matching | — | ✓ |
| Automatic formatting | — | ✓ |
| Price | Free | Free |
Federal Resume Template FAQs
What format should a federal resume be in for 2026?
Per the 2026 Merit Hiring Plan, federal resumes must be 2 pages maximum (USAJOBS blocks uploads over 2 pages as of Sept 27, 2025). Use sans-serif fonts like Calibri or Arial for ADA Section 508 compliance, 10pt minimum font size, and 0.5-inch margins on all sides.
What fields must a federal resume template include?
A proper federal resume must include: hours per week for each position (critical for GS eligibility), supervisor name and phone number with permission to contact, complete salary or GS grade, start and end dates in MM/YYYY format, and detailed duties with CCAR-formatted accomplishments.
What's the best way to create a federal resume?
While templates provide structure, our free resume builder is recommended because it automatically validates all OPM-required fields, prevents common errors that cause auto-rejection, and guides you through CCAR accomplishment writing.
How long should a federal resume be in 2026?
The 2026 Merit Hiring Plan requires a maximum 2-page federal resume. USAJOBS now blocks uploads exceeding 2 pages. Our builder is designed to help you meet this requirement while including all OPM-required information within the page limit.
Ready to Build Your Federal Resume?
Templates are a good start, but our free builder ensures you never miss a required field and helps you write compelling CCAR accomplishments.
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