SES Articles and News

SES Vacancy Announcements: The All-Important "How to Apply" Tab

by Barbara Adams
July 26, 2011

If you've ever looked at a vacancy announcement on USAJOBS, you know some of them can be quite intimidating. Senior Executive Service (SES) vacancy announcements tend to be even more intimidating. Considering the fact that different government agencies approach SES announcements in different ways, the situation quickly gets confusing.

But don't worry, just because it's complicated, doesn't mean you can't do it. Thousands of qualified executives have and you can too. Once you've chosen a job announcement and determined you are qualified for the position, you need to begin by reading the entire announcement from top to bottom.

And then start over and read it again...

Even for the most exacting eye, it's important to read the vacancy a few times to ensure you don't miss anything. Most sections of an SES job announcement are self-explanatory. For example, announcements will include the announcement number, opening and closing dates, position title, series and grade, promotion potential, salary range, location, who may apply, major duties, qualifications required and how you will be evaluated.

Each one of these sections is important in its own way. Some sections provide pure information to help you determine whether you're qualified, while other sections, such as "qualifications required," tell you about any specialized requirements or narratives you must submit. Once you've chosen the SES job announcement to which you'd like to apply, and you're in the process of developing your materials, you need to pay attention to the most important part of the announcement-the "How to Apply" tab.

This is where you will find the method of submission-whether you have to print your application materials and mail them in (and how many copies) or whether it's an e-mail or USAJOBS submission. Additionally, this tab will specify (if applicable) how big the margins can be, font size requirements, and page or character number limitations. Finally, this is where the announcement will specify all the documents, such as an SF-50 or college transcripts, that must be submitted.

You should never submit anything more or less than what is requested in the "How to Apply" tab. Doing so can result in disqualification. If the job doesn't ask for references or a cover letter, don't submit those. Conversely, if the job requires you to submit separate narrative statements, don't leave them out. An incomplete application package is the easiest way to be disqualified. However, those who write SES job announcements are not perfect, and there are sometimes mistakes or discrepancies caused by human error. If you have any questions about what you need to submit, or you don't see something specified, such as the length of your narratives, don't be shy. Call or e-mail the contact person on the job announcement, and someone should be able to answer your questions.

Here's the bottom line: SES vacancy announcements can seem quite large and overbearing at times, but don't get discouraged. Break it down into bite-sized pieces, focusing on the areas that match your skills and experience to the qualifications required for the job.

An entire generation of "SESers" is going to retire in the next 10 years, and our country needs you to step up and take the torch. You are qualified. You are poised. Please don't let an opportunity pass you by just because you did not pay attention to the "How to Apply" tab.

Trust me-it happens.

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