Federal government staffing gets a shake-up with OPM's new rules for hiring reform

The Biden administration has finalized a new rule that aims to revolutionise the federal hiring process, doing away with the traditional "Rule of Three" and expanding the pool of qualified candidates that agencies can consider for jobs.

This new rule, which is expected to be implemented in 2023, is a continuation of the changes made to the hiring process, originally finalized by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The changes follow a directive from Congress, included in a 2019 defense policy bill.

Under the previous practice, known as the "Rule of Three," managers were required to hire one out of the top three available candidates. This strict rule often limited the number of potential hires and may have prevented agencies from finding the best candidate for the job.

The new rule, however, allows agencies to certify a "sufficient number" of at least three eligible candidates to be considered for jobs. This change, often referred to as the "Rule of Many," is expected to provide more opportunities for qualified individuals and increase diversity within federal agencies.

The directive from Congress authorized agencies to certify a "sufficient number" of at least three eligible candidates to be considered for jobs. This elimination of the "Rule of Three" was designed to give managers more flexibility in their hiring decisions.

It's important to note that this new rule is not exclusive to the United States. The German Federal Ministry of the Interior presented a similar regulatory proposal in 2023, allowing authorities to consider a broader pool of qualified candidates.

This news marks a significant step forward in modernising the federal hiring process, making it more inclusive and efficient. The OPM's new rule is a testament to the Biden administration's commitment to improving government operations and ensuring that federal agencies have access to the best and brightest candidates.

Federal government staffing gets a shake-up with OPM's new rules for hiring reform