New Questions on Federal Job Applications

Information regarding the 4 new questions for federal applications

From Office of Personnel Management (link to document is below)

Q25 – Do the four short essay questions have to be included in every job opportunity announcement? 

Response: The four short essay questions (Constitution, Efficiency, Executive Orders, Work Ethic) must be used on all competitive service job opportunity announcements open to the public graded at GS-05 or above, except for job announcements for teacher, Wage Grade, and seasonal positions.  While it is not a requirement to use these questions for competitive merit promotion hiring (both internal and external), agencies are encouraged to do so. Agencies may exempt other positions from use of the questions in their discretion, where they determine that such an exemption is appropriate for the position.  Agencies should keep documentation in the case file as to why such an exemption was granted.

The four questions:

  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? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.

The following four narrative questions provide an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question. You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot.

Additional information regarding how the questions will be used from OPM

Q26 – How are applicant answers to the 4 essay questions used?

Response: Answers to these questions are not scored or rated.  Agencies should treat responses to these questions in the same way they would treat the submission of a cover letter.  The questions give candidates an opportunity to provide additional information about themselves, their background, and dedication to public service, but must not be used as a means of determining whether the candidate fulfills the qualifications of a position.  The questions also must not be used to impose an ideological litmus test on candidates.  If an applicant does not answer the questions along with their application, they are not disqualified or screened out.  

Q27 – Who should review applicant answers to the 4 essay questions?

Response: Answers to the four essay questions are reviewed only by the hiring manager and agency leadership (or a designee), as part of an application packet forwarded to the manager and later to agency leadership if the candidate is recommended for selection.  Hiring managers and agency leaders must only use the questions in accordance with Merit System Principles and should additionally be mindful of Prohibited Personnel Practices.

OPM Information: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/merit-hiring-plan-resources/merit-hiring-plan-frequently-asked-questions/

OPM Blog: https://www.opm.gov/news/secrets-of-opm/

Resource for answering these questions: https://www.fedweek.com/careers/thinking-about-those-4-new-questions-for-federal-applications/