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Recruitment & Selection

Streamlined SES Selection Methods

OPM has developed two new selection methods that may be used to hire career appointees to Senior Executive Service (SES) positions: Accomplishment Record and Resume-based. When hiring through a competitive vacancy announcement, agencies may use either of these methods or the traditional narrative method for a given vacancy. All of the methods are based on the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), which remain in effect.

The Accomplishment Record and Resume-based methods have been designed as more applicant-friendly than the ECQ narrative method. By lessening the paperwork burden on the applicant, these methods can yield a larger, potentially more varied and diverse applicant pool for career SES positions.

Accomplishment Record

Under this method, the vacancy announcement directs applicants to submit a resume and narratives addressing selected competencies (e.g., strategic thinking) underlying the ECQs and any technical qualifications. This permits candidates to submit a more streamlined application targeting the selected competencies instead of the lengthy ECQ narratives that have become standard. Agencies generally identify five competencies, one for each ECQ, that applicants must address in accordance with the instructions in the vacancy announcement. Narratives addressing the competencies are normally limited to one page per competency. When using this method, OPM recommends agencies conduct a structured interview as part of the selection process.

Resume-based

This option was designed primarily for high-level positions requiring sophisticated leadership skills or positions with hard-to-obtain technical qualifications that will likely limit the number of applicants. Under this method, the vacancy announcement directs applicants to submit only a resume. Applicants show possession of the ECQs and any technical qualifications via the resume. Agencies generally limit resumes to no more than five pages, including an optional cover letter. Agencies should contact OPM to obtain additional information on requirements for using the Resume-based method.

As noted, the traditional ECQ narrative method for SES merit staffing is also still available. Under this method, the vacancy announcement directs applicants to submit a resume and narratives addressing the ECQs and any technical qualifications. The ECQ statement, addressing all five ECQs, is limited to a maximum of ten pages. While ten page narrative statements are still accepted, OPM recommends agencies limit them to a maximum of five pages. Individuals should carefully follow the instructions in the vacancy announcement when preparing application documents.

OPM has developed vacancy announcement templates for each of the SES selection methods. Agencies may contact OPM to obtain a copy of the templates.