The 2-Page SES Resume
A writing workshop for executives applying to the Senior Executive Service under the resume-only format and the updated OPM ECQs. One or two days, virtual or in person, and every participant leaves with a plan for the package.
Accomplishment-focused, for the resume and the interview
The workshop teaches an approach based on The New SES Application, 2nd Edition. Participants write the two-page SES resume, which must cover the new ECQs and any mandatory technical qualifications in the announcement, and they draft the five ECQs in CCAR to prepare for the structured interview.
Each participant buys a print copy or PDF of the course text before class. The book facilitates writing the resume and the ECQ sections in class, and it changes how executives think and write about senior management positions in government.
- The two-page SES resume: a career history focused on the last ten years, accomplishments and keywords.
- Five drafted ECQs, written in CCAR for the interview and shortened for the resume.
- The accomplishment-record format with abbreviated narratives.
In class
What executives do in the workshop
Come with your five accomplishments ready. The class expands them, shortens them for the resume, and rehearses them for the interview.
Bring five accomplishments
Executives arrive with their five accomplishments drafted, to expand in class, condense for the two-page resume, and practice for the ECQ interview.
Map the Top Ten to the ECQs
Your Top Ten list of accomplishments, sorted against the five Executive Core Qualifications.
Write short, with results
Accomplishments with specifics, results and metrics, and the difference between an accomplishment and a duty.
Review the new ECQs
The updated ECQ and competency definitions, and how the Qualifications Review Board scores them.
Format to the rule
Plain language, 11-point Times New Roman, 0.75-inch margins, two pages.
Course objectives
Executives are expert and experienced, and they still struggle with the ECQs, the MTQs, and the SES resume. The course covers the writing the promotion depends on.
The SES hiring process
How an SES announcement is filled, from the resume-only application to the QRB.
The history and purpose of the ECQs
Where the five Executive Core Qualifications came from and what they are meant to prove.
The QRB score sheet
The OPM Qualifications Review Board template, its rating scale, and how ECQs are scored.
Executive storytelling
Instructor feedback on the techniques that make an executive story land.
Two CCAR ECQs, written in class
Write and share two ECQs in the Context, Challenge, Action, Result format.
Decision-making, leadership, organization
Demonstrate all three in writing, with evidence.
Work experience descriptions
Experience blocks written for a review board, with the accomplishment in the first line.
Executive profile statements
A profile written at the executive level, in plain language.
Technical and managerial factors
Analyze what the announcement asks for and where your record answers it.
Mandatory technical qualifications
How to address and write effective MTQs.
The SES cover letter
A cover letter that earns attention for the application package.
Course format
A collaborative writing workshop
Virtual or in person, participants write, share drafts with their peers, give and receive feedback, and leave with a network of supportive contacts. The instructor adapts the curriculum to the class and identifies anyone who needs support outside it.
In-class exercises
Writing exercises focused on accomplishments, in small groups and in the room.
Interviewing and brainstorming
Interview, brainstorm, write and share ECQ examples with peers.
Announcement analysis
Read a target announcement for its language and match it.
The 28 leadership competencies
Definitions of the 28 SES leadership competencies, and which stories match which competency.
Three formats
Up to 20 attendees in every format, offered virtually or in person, taught by Kathryn Troutman or a Resume Place SES writing expert. Travel is not included. Request a quote for the format that fits your executives.
Half-day workshop
Four hours of training with two small-group writing breakouts. The introduction to the two-page resume and the CCAR method.
Learn moreOne-day workshop
A full day with three breakouts: the five ECQs, the two-page resume, Leading Change and Leading People writing exercises.
Learn moreTwo-day workshop
Two full days with six breakouts: every ECQ written in small groups, plus structured interview preparation and practice on day two.
Learn moreSample agenda, two-day workshop
Preferred format: virtual, on Zoom. Active participation in chats, interviews and peer review is required. The one-day and half-day workshops follow the same arc in less time.
Day one
Warm-up: write two or three of your Top Ten accomplishments and share them in small groups. A brief history of the ECQs, the five ECQs and the SES resume, accomplishments against duties, management against leadership, and the CCAR writing model. Leading Change and Leading People, each with a small-group writing exercise, and executive plain-language writing.
Day two
Results Driven, Business Acumen and Building Coalitions, each with a small-group writing exercise. Then SES structured interview preparation and practice, questions, and next steps.
Get started
Prepare your executives
Request the SES writing workshop for your agency: the format, your dates, and how many attendees to plan for.