ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Improving the Federal Recruitment and Hiring Process

This 2010 memorandum directs federal agencies to overhaul civilian hiring by eliminating essay-style initial applications, allowing resumes and simple applications, adopting category rating instead of the "rule of 3," and holding managers accountable for hiring. It tasks OPM with establishing performance tracking, developing diversity plans, evaluating internship programs, and improving USAJOBS, with most agency actions due by November 1, 2010, and OPM actions due within 90 days.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 27157

Impact dates

  1. Agency heads must implement hiring procedures and manager accountability requirements

  2. First performance review cycle starting after November 1, 2010 for manager accountability

  3. OPM actions due (90 days from signing): performance review process, diversity plan, internship program evaluation, job announcement guidance, shared register strategy, USAJOBS plan

Key directives

  • Eliminate essay-style questions from initial federal job applications
  • Allow resumes/cover letters or simple plain-language applications
  • Adopt category rating approach instead of rule of 3
  • Require manager involvement in hiring process and accountability from first performance review cycle after November 1, 2010
  • Provide OPM/OMB timelines and targets for hiring speed/quality improvements
  • Notify applicants of application status at key stages via USAJOBS
  • Designate senior official accountable for implementation
  • OPM establish government-wide performance review and improvement process with benchmarks
  • OPM develop plan to promote workforce diversity
  • OPM evaluate Federal Career Intern Program (EO 13162) and propose pathways for students/recent graduates
  • OPM streamline job announcements
  • OPM evaluate and improve shared registers

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Memorandum issued with directive to overhaul federal hiring

Near term (90d)

  • OPM must establish performance review process, develop diversity plan, evaluate Federal Career Intern Program, propose job announcement improvements, evaluate shared registers, develop USAJOBS improvement plan (all within 90 days of May 11, 2010 — by August 9, 2010)
  • Agency heads must provide OPM/OMB timelines and targets for hiring improvements

Long term

  • Agency hiring reforms must be implemented by November 1, 2010
  • First performance review cycle after November 1, 2010 for manager accountability
  • Annual reports to President on hiring initiative impacts
  • Ongoing use of public HR website for tracking and best practices

Risks & tensions

  • Implementation dependent on OPM guidance not yet issued at time of memo
  • Exception clause allows agencies to avoid requirements if they claim 'exceptional circumstances'
  • Subject to availability of appropriations may limit execution
  • Category rating approach must still satisfy veterans' preference requirements, creating potential tension between efficiency and statutory obligations
  • Annual reporting requirement suggests sustained oversight but no enforcement mechanism specified
Presidential Memorandum: Improving the Federal Recruitment and Hiring Process · Executive Orders