Section 5: What Not to Include in your Application

Resume Formatting Requirements

To support fair and consistent evaluation across applicants, federal resumes must follow specific formatting requirements. NIST adheres to the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) 2025 Merit Hiring Plan, which sets clear expectations for resume structure and content.

The elements below should not be included in your resume. Including them may make your resume difficult to evaluate and, in some cases, may result in removal from consideration.

Do Not Exceed Two Pages

OPM requires that resumes submitted for federal hiring be no longer than two pages.

Applicants may not:

• Shrink font size
• Reduce margins below standard settings
• Overuse narrow spacing or condensed formatting

Your resume must remain readable and professional within the two-page limit.

Do Not Use Graphics Or Non-Text Elements

Avoid including:

• Images
• Icons
• Logos
• Charts or diagrams
• Infographics
• Decorative borders or lines

These elements can interfere with system compatibility and may prevent HR specialists and Subject Matter Experts from evaluating your experience.

Do Not Embed Hyperlinks Or External Files

Resumes must be entirely self-contained. Do not include:

• Hyperlinks to portfolios, websites, or external documents
• QR codes
• Embedded attachments or media

Reviewers must evaluate your qualifications solely from the resume you upload, without relying on external sources.

Avoid Tables, Text Boxes, Columns, Or Complex Formatting

Tables, text boxes, columns, and other complex formatting structures may not display correctly in USAJOBS or NIST’s staffing systems.

This may result in information being:

• Misaligned
• Hidden
• Omitted from review

Use a simple, single-column layout whenever possible.

Do Not Include Personal Or Sensitive Information

Your resume should not include:

• Social Security numbers
• Driver’s license numbers
• Photos
• Demographic information
• Medical or disability information
• Date of birth

Only job-related information should be included.

Do Not Use AI-Generated Content Or Boilerplate Language

Resumes must be written in your own words. Do not submit:

• AI-generated resume text
• Language copied directly from vacancy announcements
• Content lifted from OPM qualification standards
• Generic or unverifiable statements

HR specialists and SMEs must be able to evaluate your actual experience, written authentically and accurately.

Do Not Use Vague Or Ambiguous Statements

Avoid resume entries that:

• Lack clear duties or accomplishments
• Do not demonstrate scope, complexity, or responsibility
• Simply restate your job title
• Describe teams or offices without explaining your individual contribution

Your resume should clearly explain what you did and how your work relates to the position.

Do Not Omit Key Required Details

Even within the two-page limit, your resume must still include:

• Job title
• Employer
• Start and end dates (month and year)
• Hours worked per week
• Clear descriptions of duties and accomplishments

These elements are required for HR specialists and SMEs to determine eligibility and qualifications.