SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE
SES 2-Page Resume
Federal SES hiring is moving to a resume-only application, capped at two pages. We write the new format to lead with executive impact and match the updated ECQs.
The new SES application method
Per the OPM memo of May 29, 2025, Hiring and Talent Development for the Senior Executive Service, agencies are discontinuing the ten-page narrative essays and adopting a resume-only initial application, with resumes capped at two pages. This aligns SES hiring with private industry and the Merit Hiring Plan, and reduces the burden and delay of applying.
Agency leadership is involved throughout the hiring process, interviewing prospective SES to confirm organizational fit, technical acumen, and alignment with the new Executive Core Qualifications.
Our writing and coaching method
Based on the text Writing the New SES Resume, 3rd Edition, and our agency training curriculum.
Send your documents
Send your current resume, and your ECQs if you have them, then take a one-hour consultation to plan the two-page resume.
Write your Top Ten
Write a Top Ten list of accomplishments from your current ECQs, or build it from your resume and appraisals.
Map to the new ECQs
The accomplishments must match the new ECQ and sub-competency language. Map the list against every ECQ to make sure you cover all of them.
Expand into CCAR
Expand each accomplishment into the Challenge, Context, Action, Result format, mandatory for the QRB interview and recommended for the resume. Our free CCAR Accomplishment Builder is built for this writing.
Edit to fit
The writer targets the language toward the specific ECQ and edits each accomplishment to 50 to 60 words for the two-page format.
THE FORMAT CHANGED
Two pages carry the whole application
The two-page SES resume is the critical document that gets you to the Executive Review Board interview and the QRB interview. The accomplishments in the resume become your interview stories.
The beginning of your SES career
The one-hour consultation is $260; the writer then quotes the time needed to write and coach your accomplishments at $260 per hour, before any writing is charged.
Already have draft ECQs? Bring them to the three-hour QRB compliance review.
GET STARTED
Write the new SES resume
Begin with a $260 one-hour consultation on your plan and materials.