Why OPM Might Decide To Reject Your ECQs

Why OPM Might Decide To Reject Your ECQs

There is not only one right way to develop an Executive Core Qualification (ECQ). Everyone has a different writing and communication style on top of unique career experiences and training.

However, over the years, and in working with thousands of applicants, CareerPro Global’s career advisors and writers have identified some of the top causes of OPM’s Qualification Review Boards rejecting ECQs.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when writing your own ECQs to lower the risk of them being rejected:

  • Examples should not be more than 10 years old.
  • Examples should demonstrate sufficient depth and breadth of experience that would indicate executive leadership.
  • Examples should not read like highly technical descriptions of short-term projects, but rather like executive-level essays.
  • Examples should showcase evidence of the core competencies.
  • Specific examples should be presented in the Challenge-Context-Action-Result format, rather than reading like a vague or general philosophy and description.
  • Examples should include significant, specific, or impactful results.

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