From the OPM Memo, Hiring and Talent Development for the Senior Executive Service: May 29, 2025:
Improved SES Application Method At present, the SES hiring process requires lengthy, time-consuming essays. This cumbersome hiring process has hurt the government’s ability to hire high-caliber SES officials who share American values and possess exceptional skills. Going forward, agencies shall immediately discontinue the use of 10-page narrative essays in the hiring process.10 Instead, they shall adopt a resume-only initial application method, with resumes capped at 2 pages. This will align Federal SES hiring with private industry and the Merit Hiring Plan. It will also help agencies achieve a robust applicant pool of top executive talent and reduce the burden and delay associated with applying to the SES. In addition, politically accountable agency leadership, or designees, should be involved “throughout the full hiring process” for SES officials.11 This should include, at a minimum, interviewing prospective SES to confirm organizational fit, commitment to American ideals, technical acumen, and alignment with the new Executive Core Qualifications.
The 2-page SES Resume is the hardest resume to write — on EARTH! You’ll want an experienced SES writer / consultant from The Resume Place on your side for this one. The newest Executive Federal Resume format for SES positions is written in 2 pages, which includes 5 ECQs, Technical Qualifications AND your executive career history as well as a short version of the Context-Challenge-Action-Results Model. TIP: Begin your 2 page SES resume by using our Accomplishment CCAR Builder to write your accomplishments!
The SES Federal Resume is an executive resume that includes the entire work history, education, certifications, plus at least five Leadership Accomplishments. This resume includes:
- Your work history details for the last 10 years with accomplishments
- Keywords from the announcement and from the senior level responsibilities typically required in federal positions: strategic planning, policy development, and leadership development
- Professional profile of expertise and highlights of significant experience for the prior 10 years
- Properly edited and formatted history of education, certifications, honors, awards, and relevant training
- The Executive Federal Resume will be designed based on the announcement instructions: as an Executive Federal Resume or as one of the ECQ Federal Resumes that could be 3 or 5 pages in length.
While most agencies still require the Traditional 10-page format, there is a government-wide trend going in the way of 2-page SES resumes. We can prepare your traditional SES resume as well as convert it into the 2-page SES resume. We will edit your long-version ECQs into 250 words or less and add them into your executive resume.