SES ECQ Writing Workshop
A writing workshop that empowers participants to apply for Senior Executive Service positions. Presented in half-day, one-day, or two-day sessions for executives who want a confident personal plan for writing and submitting a successful SES package.
The unique Top Ten method
The workshop teaches an exclusive approach based on The New SES Application, 2nd Edition. Participants develop SES ECQ packages in response to targeted announcements.
Bring your Top Ten
Come with your Top Ten Accomplishments ready, or write your Top Five in class.
Map to the ECQs
Map your Top Ten Accomplishments into the ECQs to make sure every qualification is covered.
Write short, then expand
Start with a 1,500-character short CCAR, then expand to the required 4,000-character length with more detail.
Check the competencies
Review each CCAR for the leadership competencies that must be visible for the QRB readers.
Format to the standard
Use plain language in 12-point Times New Roman with 1-inch margins.
Course text and formats covered
Each participant purchases a print copy or PDF of The New SES Application, 2nd Edition. The book facilitates writing new resumes and ECQ sections in class, and teaches a new way of thinking and writing about senior management positions in government. The workshop covers all potentially required formats:
- The traditional application package with ten-page ECQ narratives following the mandatory CCAR structure and covering the 28 Leadership Competencies.
- The five- or eight-page resume-based formats with ECQs and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) included or presented in separate narratives.
- The accomplishment record-based format with abbreviated narratives.
Executive-level writing, simplified
Executives are expert, knowledgeable, and experienced, and they still struggle with writing ECQs, MTQs, and the SES resume for the ultimate promotion in federal government. The workshop includes a 90-minute segment on Executive Plain Language by Steve McKenna, PhD, so accomplishments are written in active voice.
Key course objectives
- Learn about the SES hiring process.
- Understand the history and purpose behind the ECQs.
- Understand the OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) score sheet and how ECQs are scored.
- Receive instructor feedback and insight on the best executive storytelling techniques.
- Write and share two CCAR ECQs during the class.
- Demonstrate in writing your decision-making, leadership, and organizational abilities.
- Create impressive work experience descriptions and outstanding executive-level profile statements.
- Analyze technical and managerial factors.
- Understand how to address and write powerful, effective MTQs.
- Create attention-grabbing cover letters for SES application packages.
Course format: custom collaborative workshops
Whether delivered virtually or in person, the course is an interactive workshop. The preferred classroom format is virtual training via Zoom, with active participation in chats, interviews, and peer-review workshops. The instructor adapts the curriculum to participants’ needs and identifies class members who may need individual support outside of class. Instructional methods include:
- In-class exercises focusing on accomplishments.
- Interviewing, brainstorming, writing, and sharing ECQ examples.
- Analysis of announcements for target language.
- Incorporation of the 28 Leadership Competencies.
Workshop options
Each workshop hosts up to 20 attendees, virtually or in person, with additional attendees at $274 per person. Work directly with Kathryn Troutman or Resume Place SES ECQ writing and training experts. Travel not included in fees.
Half-Day Workshop
Four hours of training with two small-group writing breakouts. $3,555 commercial, $3,386 government rate.
Learn more 02One-Day Workshop
A full day of training with three small-group writing breakouts. $5,760 commercial, $5,486 government rate.
Learn more 03Two-Day Workshop
Two full days of training with six small-group writing breakouts. $11,520 commercial, $10,972 government rate.
Learn moreHow the days run
Every agenda starts with a warm-up: write two or three of your Top Ten List of Accomplishments and share them in small groups. From there the class works ECQ by ECQ, Leading Change, Leading People, Results Driven, Business Acumen, Building Coalitions, with a small-group writing breakout for each, plus the CCAR writing model, distinguishing accomplishments from duties and management from leadership, mapping accomplishments to the ECQs, resume writing tips, and the QRB’s top ten rejection statements. The two-day format adds SES structured interview preparation and practice.
Course outcomes
Participants leave inspired to keep writing and working on their ECQs. Executives learn definitions of the 28 SES leadership competencies, how to write accomplishment stories in the CCAR format, and which types of stories work for each competency. They complete the course with a clear understanding of the executive federal resume, including length, style, and how to integrate ECQs into each job block; how MTQs differ from ECQs and how to write them; how to identify gaps in their Top Ten accomplishments; and the top reasons SES packages are rejected and how to avoid those mistakes.
All programs use the Kirkpatrick methodology to solicit and assess feedback and continuously improve program effectiveness. Evaluation is led by Rebecca Biggio, PhD, Instructional Systems Specialist, certified at the Bronze Level in the Kirkpatrick Partners Four Level Evaluation Certification Program.
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