For the most part, Senior Executive Service positions are filled using a merit-based open competitive federal government hiring process. In some cases, a position may be filled using a non-competitive process. The competitive government hiring process is generally open to all candidates, including those without prior federal job experience. These are the positions we help you obtain. When positions are filled using the merit-based open competition, the following will apply:
When positions are filled using the non-competitive federal government hiring process, they are generally open to candidates who have already completed an OPM (Office of Personnel Management)-certified SES Candidate Development Program (CDP), who may be placed without competition, or existing SES members may be reassigned or transferred into the position. Such positions are generally outside the scope of our services.
There may be different hiring processes, depending on the department posting the position. In general, though, the position will be posted for at least two weeks, sometimes less, but this is a short period of time to get your entire package put together with maximum impact. If you are serious about working for the SES, then you may wish to prepare the core of your package ahead of time, and then work with us to modify it for each particular position of interest. Time is of the essence!
Applications will be reviewed to see if they meet minimum requirements and standards. The reviewing board(s) will identify and select a small list of “best qualified” candidates who are then referred to the hiring official. These are the candidates with supportive and definitive ECQ statements, clearly illustrating leadership and achievement.
A panel of experts may review the short list of candidates for the final selection. The selection is made and final approval is obtained from OPM. The review, approval, and certification process may involve more than a dozen review steps. Your resume, ECQs, and other documents must withstand the scrutiny of these multiple reviews. We are ready to help you prepare a bulletproof application package designed to get you to “best qualified” status
The hiring process begins with an application, which will depend on the position you’re applying for. Your application will generally include:
Since there is an extensive recruiting, evaluation, and approval process before an appointment is made, the entire process can take several months, even though the application window may be short. Since the SES positions are filled by accomplished, visionary leaders, you will know that you are among the best of the best when you are selected to fill one of these vital federal positions. Let us help you get there.
Writing an application and resume for the SES process is challenging, and these positions are highly competitive. To get an edge, you may need someone who has successfully helped place professionals in these coveted positions. Having the skills is a great start, but you need to be able to communicate it persuasively to the reviewing boards.
When you want to make sure you end up on the “best qualified” candidates list, remember that working with professionals is an advantage. SES Writers is a team of professionals who have four decades of experience in creating resumes, including SES hiring process applications. We have a 99.6% customer satisfaction rating, in part because we provide nuanced and professional assistance and in part because we help clients land their dream jobs. We’ve already enabled more than 70,000 clients to become success stories, and we’ve helped create more than 5,000 SES applications.
At SES Writers, we’ve written the book Roadmap to the Senior Executive Service, 2nd Edition on landing your dream job. Literally! Our team has published three well-reviewed books about careers and job hunting. We’ve also been humbled by seven nominations for the TORI (Toast of the Resume Industry) awards. Our team has multiple certifications, including Master Military Resume Writer (MMRW), Master Federal Career Advisor (MFCA), Master Senior Executive Writer, Master Federal Resume Writer (MFRW) and Master Federal Career Advisor/Trainer (MFCA/T).
Behind the scenes, we’re the only career service company to use a quality management system, which means we have a process in place to ensure that every resume goes through a comprehensive editing stage and through proofreading, allowing us to stand behind every resume.
We’re so confident that we offer an industry-leading 5-point guarantee. To learn more about how we can help you with your SES application, contact SES Writers today.
We will provide a no-cost career consult to determine the type of resume and level of composition and presentation. Then we will relay a customized quote based on your requirements and goals. Finally, with your agreement, we will assign one of our Master Senior Executive Writers to work with you in developing your presentation.
