Some agencies have already implemented these questions—they are effective government-wide on October 1, 2025. Image: Golubovy/Shutterstock.com
By: Nancy SegalAs many of you know, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) will be implementing 4 essay questions for new federal employees, GS-5 through 15. Agencies are also being encouraged (but not required) to use the questions for existing federal employees seeking promotions and reassignments.
Here are the 4 questions:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Essay responses are considered voluntary, limited to 200 words, and not be scored or rated, according to OPM. Responses may only be reviewed by hiring managers and agency leadership (not HR). Applicants must certify that they completed the essays themselves, without the use of AI or a consultant.
If you do decide to respond to the essay questions, here is a possible approach for each question:
For question 1, think about:
- A specific constitutional principle or founding ideal that resonates with you (e.g., separation of powers, individual rights, democratic governance)
- A concrete example that demonstrates this principle in action
- Make a clear connection between example and how it prepared you for federal service
- Mention the specific role and how your constitutional commitment will guide your work
For question 2, think about:
- Brief statement of your approach to efficiency (data-driven, process improvement, stakeholder engagement, etc.)
- 2-3 concrete examples with specific metrics (cost savings, time reduction, improved outcomes)
- Different types of improvements: process streamlining, technology implementation, resource optimization)
- Clear connection to how these skills apply in the federal role
For question 3, think about:
- Brief acknowledgment of your research into current administration priorities
- 1-2 specific Executive Orders or policy initiatives (use actual titles/numbers)
- Clear explanation of why these resonate with you personally or professionally
- Specific, actionable steps you would take to implement them in role
- Understanding of potential challenges and how to address them
For question 4, think about:
- Brief discussion of your work ethic philosophy (persistence, accountability, excellence, etc.)
- 1-2 specific examples from different contexts (professional/academic/personal)
- Clear demonstration of the challenges you overcame through work ethic
- Quantifiable results or meaningful outcomes
- Direct connection to how these qualities will benefit the federal role
Some agencies have already implemented these questions—they are effective government-wide on October 1, 2025. You’ll need to read job postings carefully. If you are thinking about federal employment and wish to respond to the questions, you may want to start drafting your responses now.
Nancy H. Segal is a federal job search expert. Following her own senior-level federal HR career, she founded Solutions for the Workplace LLC to provide a HR management perspective to astute applicants to U.S. government positions.
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