If you’re a military spouse, odds are you’ve got a resume that reads more like a deployment timeline than a tidy one-pager. Every PCS brings a new job, a new volunteer gig, or another certificate you picked up to stay competitive. It’s not unusual for a spouse’s resume to run five, six, even seven pages—because that’s what USAJOBS seemed to want.
But beginning September 27, 2025, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is cutting things down. Federal agencies will only accept resumes up to two pages. I know you are thinking “this is insane!” (just like I did ) but we can’t cry over spilled milk, now can we? The objective behind the change is to streamline hiring, speed up reviews, and ensure applicants focus on the skills that truly matter for the role.
That’s great for hiring managers. For spouses trying to compete overseas, it feels like one more curveball. Here’s what the new rule means and how to keep your career (and sanity) intact.
What the New OPM Resume Rule Actually Says
Federal resumes have, historically, been infamous for being long, repetitive, and filled with old duty descriptions. OPM wants to change that. Now:
- Two pages, max.
- Focus on relevant, recent experience (not everything since your first job at the PX).
- Tailor each resume to the specific job announcement—no more submitting a single “master” resume for every opening.
- Additional documents (such as transcripts, certificates, and SF-50s) can still be uploaded separately if needed.
Translation: less copy-and-paste, more sharp storytelling.
Resume Survival Tips for Military Spouses
1. Cut the fluff
List only what connects directly to the job description. Swap task lists for action verbs and measurable results:
- Instead of: “Assisted with family readiness events.”
- Try: “Led a team of 12 volunteers to coordinate support for 300 families during deployment.”
Shorter, stronger, and it shows impact.
2. Tailor every single time
Yes, it’s extra work. But the algorithm (and HR) are looking for the keywords from the posting. If the job asks for “program management,” don’t write “organized stuff.” Mirror their language so your resume gets flagged for the right skills.
3. Volunteer work counts
Those “unpaid” seasons during PCS gaps? These things matter. Board positions, FRG leadership, or even organizing a base blood drive showcase the same leadership and logistical skills as paid work. Federal hiring recognizes them—you just need to frame them well.
The Overseas Reality
Here’s the hard truth: even with a perfect two-page resume, many OCONUS federal jobs are limited. Thanks to host-nation agreements, local nationals often get hiring preference. That means highly qualified military spouses are sometimes overlooked simply because the job is located in a particular area.
It’s not about your skills. It’s not about your worth. It’s a system issue. And it’s one of the most frustrating parts of military life.
When the Job Doesn’t Come
So what do you do if you’ve polished your resume and applied everywhere… and still nothing?
You embrace the season.
That might look like:
- Exploring remote or telework opportunities not tied to location.
- Using the time for certifications, online classes, or finishing that degree.
- Leaning into volunteer leadership roles that will translate back into the workforce.
- Building your own business or side hustle that PCS orders can’t disrupt.
The truth is, your value isn’t defined by whether you land a GS job in Germany or Korea. Seasons of “no” can still be seasons of growth — for your skills, your family, and yourself.
Final Word
Resumes may shrink to two pages, but your story will never fit in that space. Military spouses juggle careers, caregiving, constant moves, and the curveballs that come with serving alongside. The new OPM rule is one more challenge, but not an impossible one.
So sharpen your resume, send in those applications, and give it your best shot. And if the doors don’t open overseas? Remember this:
This season doesn’t define you. It prepares you.
