by Barbara Adams
If your career is peaking, you are ready for the next level and you have the comments from SESers in your performance evaluations to prove it, it is time to put together an SES application package. You need to start with the all-important resume.
What is an SES Application?
In many ways, writing SES applications walks the line between art and science, given the many specifications required for creating and formatting an acceptable SES application. Because of the high level of competition in the SES, many candidates turn to a skilled, experienced professional to develop their resume. One of the main reasons qualified applicants never receive an interview is because their resume failed to describe how well they are qualified for the position. Translating your abilities and skills in clear, precise language is imperative to landing an interview and achieving your career goals.
Finding Senior Executive Service (SES) positions on USAJOBS is easy. In fact, there’s nothing to it; just click on the link and hundreds of positions are instantly at your fingertips. Applying for a position is a much different story. However, it’s not impossible—as long as you qualify and can document those qualifications.
Most SES positions require three things: An SES Federal Resume; narrative responses to Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs); and responses to Technical Qualifications (TQs), Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs), and Desirable Qualifications (DQs).
