How to ECQs for SES job

[Anonymous]

I am a GS-14 and wondering if there is a standard training/course/experience way to get your ECQs to be eligible for an SES position? TIA

[Anonymous]

https://www.amazon.com/New-SES-Application-Traditional-Five-Page/dp/098241904X

This book was immensely helpful to me! After my first two years as a 14, I created an excel sheet and listed out each ECQ and sub-competency. I then started plotting examples under each. It helped me to see which ECQs and sub-competencies I needed to work. For me, it showed that I needed more experience in leading change and building coalitions. So I used my “extra capacity” to volunteer for organizational stewardship activities that got me the experiences I needed. Also, your examples shouldn’t be older than 5-7 years. Hope this all helps.

[Anonymous]

You should focus on getting a GS-15 position first.

[Anonymous]

You can enter an SES Candidate Development Program, if you get accepted, but you’d need a GS15 job first. Also, you usually need supervisory experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://www.amazon.com/New-SES-Application-Traditional-Five-Page/dp/098241904X

This book was immensely helpful to me! After my first two years as a 14, I created an excel sheet and listed out each ECQ and sub-competency. I then started plotting examples under each. It helped me to see which ECQs and sub-competencies I needed to work. For me, it showed that I needed more experience in leading change and building coalitions. So I used my “extra capacity” to volunteer for organizational stewardship activities that got me the experiences I needed. Also, your examples shouldn’t be older than 5-7 years. Hope this all helps.

+1. I used the same book. It was immensely helpful. I also went through a similar exercise when I was a 14 it helped determine the best type of 15 job I should take. I realized I needed business acumen and change management. I applied for several 15 jobs. Got 3 offers, but took the job with an organization that was in transition. I spent 4 years as a 15. That entire time I got ample opportunities to build all of my ECQs, but the most examples were suited for leading change, results, and business acumen. I applied for two SES jobs. My first app I got an interview, but did not get the job. The second SES job I applied for I got. Been in the job for 5 years now and pretty happy.

[Anonymous]

I am trying to understand one thing - is there someone that verifies your ECQs or it is just for creating 15-20 pages application that you would use to apply for SES level jobs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should focus on getting a GS-15 position first.

Why the requirement is GS-14 to apply for Ses jobs then? The thought process is to make managers eligible for SES positions but I haven't seen anyone jumping directly to SES from GS-14.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am trying to understand one thing - is there someone that verifies your ECQs or it is just for creating 15-20 pages application that you would use to apply for SES level jobs?

Your ECQs get reviewed and approved by a board at OPM. So the process is:

-write ECQs (have mentor and someone good at editing to review)
-identify SES opportunities
-apply to SES opportunity by submitting ECQs (may also involve writing TQs)
-the agency you apply for SES position will assemble an executive review board to review and rate/rank apps
-BQ apps are sent to hiring official
-receive 1st round interview (not guaranteed)
-top 2 or 3 candidates receive second round interview
-top candidate offered job
-upon acceptance, your ECQ package moves forward to opm for approval. Once approve you get EOD assuming there are no other security requirements. The opm part of the process can take up to 90 days. If OPM rejects your ECQs, you’ll get one opportunity to fix them and send them back.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should focus on getting a GS-15 position first.

Why the requirement is GS-14 to apply for Ses jobs then? The thought process is to make managers eligible for SES positions but I haven't seen anyone jumping directly to SES from GS-14.

GS14s are eligible to apply for SES assuming they have the ECQs. My last agency had 82 SES. In the agency’s 50 year history ONLY ONE GS-14 has made the jump to SES without being a 15 first. Basically, it’s extremely rare. Why? Because the vast majority of 14s haven’t accumulated enough experiences to meet the ECQs—especially the experiences that amount to IMPACT! I was a super high performing and crazy ambitious 14 and even I couldn’t get all the experiences needed at the 14 level. I got some, but needed a couple years as a 15. It all depends on your agency structure and level of responsibility. I imagine there are some places where you could significant and impactful experiences as a 14, but that is few and far between.

I’m generally not a fan of telling people to not rush their career progression. I hated hearing that, lol. As a sitting executive and someone that progressed quickly, I will say that it is important to have enough experience and maturity to be effective. All this to say, I’m glad I ignored mentors who encouraged me to apply to SES as a 14. I had super high quality experiences has a 14, but I didn’t have the full maturity that I do now. my three years as a 15 proved pivotal. I had so much growth in those years- especially with leading people and building coalitions. I think a minimum of 7 years of management experience is needed before going to SES.

If you don’t buy that argument then consider the money side. As a 14 going to SES you’ll be SES for less than $170k.