SES Federal Government Hiring Process

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:

• The vacancy announcement will be open for a minimum of two weeks.
• The vacancy announcement will be made available to all candidates including those without prior experience working for the Federal Government.
• The vacancy announcement will be listed on a number of web sites, but for the most part, you can rely on usajobs.opm.gov and jobs.bpa.gov.
• Each candidate will be required to provide responses to the five Senior Executive Service Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) regarding leadership and achievement.
• Any Veteran's Preference will not apply in the open competition.
• There are no time-in-grade requirements included for these positions.

When positions are filled using the non-competitive federal government hiring process, they are generally open to candidates who have already completed an OPM certified SES Candidate Development Program, 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, but this is a short period of time to get your entire package put together with maximum impact. If you are serious about 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.

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're selected to fill one of these vital Federal positions. Let us help you get there.

Our SES Writing Team