News release: “Director John Berry of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management and U.S. Chief Performance Officer Jeffrey Zients announced a major overhaul of the Federal hiring process, detailing crucial reforms ordered by President Obama. Speaking at OPM headquarters alongside Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis and Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Berry detailed President Obama’s initiative to bring a 21st Century approach to the Federal hiring system. The announcement was made before an audience including high-ranking officials from the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs, as well as Federal employees and private sector human resource experts. This announcement came shortly after President Obama issued a memorandum to Federal agencies directing them to overhaul their hiring procedures within 180 days.”

• “The U.S. Office of Personnel Management is also launching a web site that will continue to guide Federal agencies and hiring managers through this change.”
• President’s Requirements: Elimination of Written Essays (KSAs); Resume & Cover Letter; Category Rating; Manager Accountability and Involvement; Quality and Speed of Hiring