How To Apply For Senior Executive Service (SES) Positions

by

Like almost all positions in the federal government, positions in the Senior Executive Service (SES) are required to be posted on USAJOBS. The minimum posting time is 14 days, although many SES positions run longer. No big surprise here. But did you know that not all SES postings require that you submit Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) as part of your SES application?

Agencies have 3 methods they can use to post SES positions: traditional, resume-based, and accomplishment record. There are a few other nuances related to SES applications as well. When you’re thinking about applying for a SES position, the first thing you want to do is carefully review the posting to see which method is being used. Here’s a quick summary of the different SES application methods:

  • Traditional Method. When most people think about applying for a SES position, they are thinking about the traditional method. This involves a SES resume, a full set of Executive Core Qualifications (10 pages, prepared consistent with Office of Personnel Management guidance), and Technical Qualifications (TQs) (also known as Professional Technical Qualifications or Mandatory Technical Qualifications). SES applications that are posted using the traditional method can easily run 20 pages (10 pages for ECQs, a 5 page resume, and typically 4-6 pages for TQs, depending on the number of TQs and their length). This represents the vast majority of SES postings.
  • Resume-based Method. Under this approach, applicants only submit a resume (typically 5 pages but check the posting to be sure). Resumes must include evidence of the candidate’s possession of the ECQs and any TQs listed in the announcement. Some agencies using this method require separate TQs to be submitted with the resume. If a candidate is selected by the agency, they then need to prepare ECQs for submission to OPM before they can be appointed to the SES. Some Departments and agencies use the resume method exclusively for their SES postings while others use a mix of traditional and resume based.
  • Accomplishment Record Method. This approach is also more streamlined than the traditional method. In this method, applicants submit a resume and short narratives addressing selected competencies (e.g., strategic thinking) underlying one or more ECQs and any technical qualifications. Narratives addressing the competencies are normally limited to one page or less per competency. I generally do not see this approach used that often but it is the approach the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been using for its SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) application for the last several years.
  • Excepted Service SES-equivalent positions. There are a number of excepted service agencies. SES equivalent level postings in these agencies (FAA, the financial regulatory agencies such as the SEC and OCC, DEA, and more) generally do not require ECQs and if they do, those ECQs are not submitted to OPM for approval.
  • Certain Department of Defense (DoD) SES positions. Under the NDAA of 2019, the DoD was provided authority to eliminate the requirement for certification of ECQs by the Office of Personnel Management for initial SES appointments in DoD. DoD may appoint no more than 50 individuals in any calendar year using this authority. People selected under this authority cannot be selected for other SES positions that do not fall under this authority without approval of their ECQs by OPM.

There are other SES application options as well. Before deciding to apply for a SES position, be sure to read the posting carefully to ensure you understand the application process itself.

Interested in learning more about the SES? Check out our self-paced online training course Preparing a Senior Executive Service Package!

I’m in the Federal Government—Do I Really Need LinkedIn?

by

I frequently hear from my federal clients that they don’t need LinkedIn. Have you wondered if that’s true?

While I think it is fair to say that LinkedIn plays less of a role in federal hiring than it does in the private sector, I still think it’s value-add.

Here are 6 reasons why:

  1. The federal government is present on LinkedIn; jobs are posted there. While the vast majority of federal positions are also posted on USAJOBS.gov, many are also posted on LinkedIn. And many agencies use the recruiter function on LinkedIn to reach out to candidates.
  2. It’s a great way to research agencies—and find out who you might know. Looking for a new agency? Applying for your first federal job? LinkedIn is a great source of information about agencies; most have a presence. And you’ll likely find someone you know who works for that organization; it’s a great way to find real information about an agency.
  3. Some agencies (and certainly some hiring managers) will look for you on LinkedIn before they call you for an interview. You want to be easily found. Of course not all agencies or hiring managers do this but many do—whether they admit or not.
  4. Interview preparation. Getting ready for an interview? Find out who is on your interview panel and look them up on LinkedIn. It might provide you with some useful information that you can use during your interview.
  5. Networking is critical to your career. There are over 2.4M federal employees on LinkedIn. The Army alone has more than 500,000 employees on LinkedIn. The Air Force (USAF), Defense Department (DoD), Health and Human Services (HHS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Postal Service (USPS), each have more than 100,000 employees who claim to work for those agencies—that’s another 600,000+ federal employees. And of course, that does not count the 220M users in the United States. Lots of possibilities.
  6. Establish yourself as an expert / get noticed. LinkedIn is a great place to showcase your experience and knowledge—as well as share the interesting things your agency is doing. I am not suggesting that you violate your agency’s ethics rules or share information that should not be shared; that still leaves you with plenty of other opportunities.

Looking for more information about LinkedIn? Check out our Resources which include bundles and ebooks about LinkedIn and more! You can also connect with and follow Solutions for the Workplace on LinkedIn too to stay up to date.

Do You Know There’s More Than One Way To Get A Federal Job?

by

While most federal jobseekers are focused on USAJOBS, there are dozens (and dozens) of approaches to get a federal job. You’ve already figured out that getting a federal job is complicated. And you may well know that veterans’ preference can be challenging—if you are not a veteran and trying to get your first federal position.

‍What do you need to know?

A) Not all positions require the use of veterans’ preference.

B) Some veterans may be eligible for as many as 4 different hiring eligibilities while others may be eligible for none.

C) There are many agency-specific hiring authorities; if you are a veterinarian, for example, or looking to work for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an emergency specialist, or a healthcare provider looking to work for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)—just to name a few—the “standard” hiring process may not apply.

D) The Intelligence Community (IC), which includes 17 different agencies, has its own hiring process. And the IC hires a wide range of expertise, everything from security to STEM to intelligence analysis, contracting, computer science, and foreign language, to name a few. Here is a great place to start: https://www.intelligencecareers.gov/career-fields.

E) Lots of agencies have student internships (paid, too); the government also offers its Pathways Program for students still in school, recently graduated, and the prestigious Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) program. Start here for additional information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/students/.

F) Other possible approaches (not inclusive) include being a military spouse, an individual with disabilities, a Native American (either American Indian or Alaska Native), a returning Peace Corps Volunteer, a former AmeriCorps volunteer, a current or former Department of State or Foreign Service Officer, to name a few. This can be complicated (as you can tell) and specific paperwork is required to establish your eligibility, but if you fall into one of these job categories, you should take advantage.

As you can see from the above, getting a federal job is about more than just applying through USAJOBS.gov. In some cases, you may not even need to use USAJOBS at all!! This is not easy to navigate and getting a federal job takes time (and likely multiple applications) but it IS doable. Good luck!

‍This post was written by Nancy Segal in collaboration with Federal Career Connection, Inc., an independently organized educational nonprofit organization who are grounded in community service and commitment to helping individuals in career transition. Learn more about the partnership by clicking here!

Show Your Value

by

Whether you’re trying to get promoted or change careers, it is important to show your value. No one cares about your career as much as you do; among other things, that means that you must establish some kind of system to track your experiences and accomplishments—ideally with numbers.

Most employers are looking for past experience and accomplishments as a guide to what you can bring to their organization. There are many people both in and outside your organization who do what you do; what makes you better? That’s what employers are looking to see on your resume and hear during your interview.

So how do you track your value? Here are some ideas:

  • The Army asks new recruits to create an “I Love Me Book” to collect accolades, etc. While this language may not be comfortable for you, the concept is sound. Create a log or file, either electronic or paper, and collect nice emails, copies of your performance reviews, award nominations, and the like. If you make an electronic file, remember to do so on your personal computer—remember, your employer owns their equipment and you may lose access. You can also make notes on your calendar, a spreadsheet, or in a journal.
  • Write an annual accomplishment report—whether or not your boss requires you to do so. This is a great way to keep track of and record your biggest annual achievements. Be sure to give a copy to your boss at performance evaluation time—and keep a copy for yourself too.
  • Put time on your calendar to update your accomplishments. With a specific time (perhaps every other week) allocated for updating, you won’t forget. 10 minutes should do it; everyone can spare 10 minutes a couple of times per month.

What should you track?

  • Awards, commendations, and complimentary emails.
  • Professional development.
  • Certifications.
  • Performance reviews
  • Information about involvement (not just membership) in trade associations or industry groups.
  • Speaking engagements and publications.
  • Your performance metrics and how you met them.
  • Notable projects (and their results)
  • Numbers related to budgets, contracts, and people.
  • Dollars saved, % increases in productivity.

The above includes just some ideas to get you started; feel free to add them to this list. Remember, it’s up to YOU to show your value.

Looking for Your First REAL Job?

by

Are you a recent college graduate looking for your first post-college position? What should your resume look like?

Young woman looking at paperwork and thinking in a library setting. 3 additional graphical assets show a document, networking, and social media as she thinks about how to look for her first real job.
  1. Make sure your resume is ready to go! If you’re targeting the federal government, you need a highly detailed resume—most entry level federal resumes run 3-4 pages—even if you don’t have an extensive work history. Recent grad private sector resumes should be 1 page (unless you have lots work experience—then 2 pages might be appropriate).
  • Network. You’ve heard this before, but it remains true; networking can help.
  • Leverage the services of your college / university career center, even if you have already graduated, your career center will help. Career centers often offer resume services, opportunities for interviewing on campus, and a built in network.
  • Be open to the reality that your “perfect” job may not be available; you may need to gain some experience (and contacts) through jobs that may not be at with your targeted organization but may help you get closer.
  • Check your social media; make sure it represents a professional image. This goes for your email too.
  • Have a plan; don’t just wing it. Research organizations and positions. Set up “search agents” with various organizations that interest you. Develop and follow a strategy. Looking for a job is a job; spend the necessary time and effort.
  • Don’t forget about informational interviews. Informational interviews (also called information sessions, informational meetings, or research interviews) are interviews that are conducted to gather information to help prepare for a job interview and/or learn more about a specific job, industry, or company. Informational interview is not a job interview, and should not be confused with one. With an informational interview, you’re not seeking a job — you are seeking information to help you get a job.
  • Create and practice your elevator speech. Know what to say when you’re asked what kind of job you’re looking for.
  • Don’t ignore temporary opportunities; while not ideal, of course, temporary positions can provide needed work experience, references, and networking opportunities.

While this article is primarily focused on new and recent graduates, many of the tips are applicable to more experienced job seekers as well.

If you’re looking for resume writing services, check out our approach to Entry Level & First-Time Federal Government Jobs by clicking here!

Resume Myth Busters

by

True or False…

Resumes with facts and and myths signs in the forefront.
The purpose of a resume is to get a job.
  • FALSE: The purpose of your resume is to get an interview. And hiring managers use the resume to determine who not to interview as well. The information you choose to include—or exclude—from your resume can make the difference on whether you will get an interview.
I need to include my entire work history on my resume.
  • FALSE: These days the standard for resumes is to focus on your last 10 or so years of experience. Most employers want to know what you have done recently—not what you did in the early 2000’s, 1990’s, or even earlier.
My resume should be 1 page.
  • FALSE: This is a pretty common misconception. For private sector resumes, 2 pages is entirely appropriate (assuming you have something to say). For the federal government, 4-6 pages is standard. The key thing is that the information is provided in an organized format and offers the level of detail necessary to help the reader determine whether the applicant is a good fit for the role.
Readers of my resume will understand what I do.
  • FALSE: Oftentimes the first reader of your resume is from Human Resources. They are unlikely to be subject matter experts in your technical area. This means that your resume should not be overly technical, and all acronyms must be spelled out. If the first level reviewer does not understand what you have written, your resume is unlikely to be passed on to a hiring manager.
It is important to show my education at the top of my resume.
  • FALSE: Unless you are within 3 or so years of graduation and seeking an entry level role or are preparing an academic curriculum vitae (CV), your education belongs at the end of your resume. In most instances, you are “selling” your experience, not your education. And in both the federal and private sector arenas, there is a renewed emphasis on competencies, rather than education.
I need to include my objective and references on my resume.
  • FALSE: Using an objective and mentioning references is old fashioned. Instead create a skills summary to show the value you can bring and leave off any mention of references.
Reviewers spend time reading my entire resume.
  • FALSE: Private sector studies have shown that most reviewers spent between 5 and 15 seconds looking at a resume. Federal reviewers spend more time, but the point is the same—you need to ensure that your resume immediately demonstrates your value, and all content is relevant to the job you are targeting.

There are other myths circulating about resumes too but at the end of the day, your resume is a marketing document, one that strategically presents your work experience and education as a way to showcase how you can make a contribution to your next employer.

For more resume writing and federal job related information subscribe to our newsletter on LinkedIn by clicking here and through our website by clicking here.