Use the easy-to-use, free, CCAR-Builder to write your best accomplishments! These accomplishments should go into your resume in the Work History section and be listed within the job where they occurred, under a separate section of KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS. The results will come to your email immediately and it will look GREAT! The CCAR Accomplishment story-telling format is a popular accomplishment and interview story model recommended by Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and Human Resources Specialists in government. Tell your story with each step of the way!

New SES ECQ Competencies and Names are Listed here, if you are writing ECQs.
OPM’s Memo describing new ECQ Competencies – first update in 15 years. Read here.


The CCAR Model

  • Context – What was your job title, program name, agency or company name, city, state, country, year of this example? Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).
  • Challenge – Describe a specific problem or goal.
  • Action – Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.
  • Results – Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization.
  • (just type a sample target agency or company name)
  • Write the title of your accomplishment story here. The title of your accomplishment will help you remember this for a job interview, your ECQs or your resume.
    Example: Saved $10 million for my agency.... or Created a new program.
  • Your title and office and dates where you achieved this accomplishment.
    This accomplishment can be used for your resume and your interview as accomplishment examples.
    Example: As the Program Director for the Innovation Division of name of company in Jan of 2024, I ...........
  • What was the challenge? Be sure to relate the challenge to the particular accomplishment. Was it the first time this had been done? Were there very tight deadlines? Was there a shortage of staff?

  • Actions

    What specific action(s) did you take to address the challenge? Did you research something? Did you answer difficult questions before a hostile audience? Did you figure out how to do more with less?

  • What happened? (quantify with numbers if possible) Was the problem solved? Did you save money? Did you reduce processing time; if so by how much? Did you receive an award? Is there a performance evaluation comment which discusses your success?
    Can you relate the results to your agency or program overall mission? If so, include this in the results.

  • Next, you will receive your CCAR Accomplishment in your email within a few minutes!

    Good luck with your Federal Resume, Annual Evaluation, Behavior-Based Interview, or SES ECQs!

    We recommend that you write 5 CCARS to get ready for the interview or the new Federal Resume!

    This form is designed and produced by Resume Place, Inc. www.resume-place.com