Why is the Resume Important?

The SES Resume needs to be a highly professional and polished looking document that will be your entryway into getting a federal government job. It is the single important document you will prepare. Between the resume and technical qualifications statement, these two documents will be the primary documents to determine if you pass basic qualifications and make the best qualified (BQ) list.

Common Mistakes People Make

  • Being too modest. Toot your horn as much as you can.
  • Cutting and pasting their job descriptions into their resume. Employers want to know what you did. This is what separates you from the pack.
  • Forgetting to include what you accomplished and what makes you different than the other applicants.
  • Ensuring your resume is in sync with the duties and descriptions listed in the job announcement.
  • Formatting. Brush up on Microsoft Word or get help.
  • List the scope, breadth and impact (outcome/results) . Include the number and position of people affected; the size of the problem addressed; track record of successful performance in a variety of agencies/departments/areas

Things to Consider When Writing Your SES Resume

  • Keep the ECQs in mind as you write your resume. Your ECQ’s and resume (and TQ’s) should be 100% in sync with each other.
  • Should show breadth and scope of experience, responsibility, and accomplishments, and a logical progression of jobs/assignments (Information used to enhance and support ECQ narrative).
  • Ensure accomplishments are relevant to, and focused on, demonstrated executive leadership, and show possession of the ECQs and match competencies.
  • If you cut and paste position description into your resume, make sure you have a section on accomplishments.
  • Include grade and salary – keys to understanding your level of preparation.

Your SES Resume must also be written so that your value as an executive is conveyed in an interesting manner and written in such a way that your competence in each area and your ability to use ECQ core competencies is shown clearly and succinctly. You must not falter here or be modest. The SES Resume must communicate strongly and effectively how and why you are qualified to fill a leadership role in the Federal Government.