Partnership for Public Service statement on joint memo from OPM and OMB to improve the federal hiring process 

August 15, 2024

WASHINGTON – The nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service today released the following statement from President and CEO Max Stier commending the Office of Personnel Management and the Office of Management and Budget’s joint memo offering new guidance to improve the federal hiring process for applicants and agencies: 

“The government must simplify the obstacle-laden competitive hiring system to allow agencies to hire better and faster. OPM and OMB’s guidance is a welcome step forward to streamline the talent process and identify a skills-first approach to ensure that the government has a qualified, diverse bench of talent for critical roles.  

“While practices instituting skills-based assessments, plain language job announcements and greater applicant communication in the memo are promising, more can be done to improve hiring across our government and reduce the burden on those who seek to serve.  

“Implementing these practices requires a commitment to personnel training and a sustained customer-centric approach to make sure that hiring processes work for applicants, hiring managers and HR professionals. It also requires resources and greater support for agency HR offices. 

“Having qualified people with the right skills at the right time is important for any organization to be successful – and the government is no different. It’s crucial that Congress and the White House prioritize modernizing government HR and hiring practices to empower agencies to best serve the needs of everyone.” 

During the past 22 years, the nonpartisan, nonprofit Partnership for Public Service has been dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We work across administrations to help transform the way government works by providing agencies with the data insights they need to succeed, developing effective leaders, inspiring the next generation to public service, facilitating smooth presidential transitions and recognizing exceptional federal employees. Visit ourpublicservice.org, follow us @PublicService and subscribe today to get the latest federal news, information on upcoming Partnership programs and events, and more. 

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