Federal Career Planning and Development

Recently I was given the opportunity to interview for an SES vacancy. At the onset they told me there were 12 questions. What I did not realize was that there would also be a 1 hour limit. I have no contacts in the SES cadre. My preparation research indicated I needed to be able to speak to my ECQ/MTQ information. In the interview I felt confident I was doing what my research had taught me.

I got through 6 of the 12 structured questions. Needless to say I was not hired. The feedback received spoke to the fact that I did not get through the questions and each demonstrated example being long. How does one succinctly address the ECQs while answering 12 questions in an hour?

Thanks in advance for your time and honest feedback.

Good question. I am in the SES within DHHS and have done enough interviewing. Time structured interviews are rather standard for Senior Executive jobs, with one hour being the time frame. My personal interview consisted of 16 questions, which I got through with about 5 mins to spare. You got through 6 six questions in an hour. On average each answer took 10 mins. You should be able to succinctly answer each question in 3-5 mins. Identify less important questions and bang it out in a couple mins and use additional time for points you really want to drive home. Members of the SES are usually pretty good at taking in a question or piece of information and then responding with an efficient, appropriate response. 10 mins to answer a question is much too long. ECQs are ultimately for the QRB to decide on, not to be addressed intimately at the interview.

Of course. Anytime. Good luck on your adventure toward SES.