# OPM Revises Federal Job Application Questions

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is directing federal agencies to replace the previous administration's essay question on federal job applications, which raised First Amendment concerns, with a new prompt focused on implementing executive direction. Approximately 2,400 federal job announcements have been updated accordingly. Additionally, agencies are required to add a fifth essay question addressing agency-wide priorities by September 30, 2026. OPM is overseeing the review and implementation process to ensure compliance with these changes.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals involved in federal hiring and workforce planning should update recruitment strategies and application review processes to align with the new essay question requirements.
- Agencies and contractors supporting federal recruitment must adjust their systems and training materials to reflect the revised application content by the September 30, 2026 deadline.
- This change signals increased OPM oversight on hiring practices, potentially affecting timelines and evaluation criteria for federal job postings.
- Organizations providing applicant tracking or HR services to federal agencies may find opportunities to assist with compliance and implementation of these updated requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

### Sources
- [
        Agencies walking back and replacing essay question on federal job postings - Federal News Network](https://federalnewsnetwork.com/hiring-retention/2026/09/agencies-walking-back-and-replacing-essay-question-on-federal-job-postings) - Federal News Network