Top Twenty Tips for Completing TQ, PTQ and MTQ Essays

Technical Qualifications (TQ), Professional Technical Qualifications, (PTQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) are essay type statements frequently required when submitting a Senior Executive Service application. They are designed to elicit specific technical and managerial qualities and experiences in your SES application. You may also see them referred to as:

Federal TQ or Federal TQs
Federal PTQ or Federal PTQs
Federal MTQ or Federal MTQs
Government TQ or Government TQs
Government PTQ or Government PTQs
Government MTQ or Government MTQs

Regardless of the specific designation - TQ, PTQ, MTQ - they require a focused approach to identifying how your experiences match key concepts in the job vacancy and fully addressing them using keywords in your TQ/PTQ/MTQ responses. These statements are typically 1 to 1-1/2 pages in length, and are specific for the job you are applying for. They need to be answered using the challenge / context / action / result model. Responses should be composed citing specific experiences (challenge, context of the challenge, actions you took and quantifiable results) to tell your story. Focus your experiences on events from the last 5 to 10 years only.

1. Focus on leadership and include managerial and technical abilities; all three are important, but leadership is more important.
2. Follow the Challenge-Context-Action-Result model.
3. Each TQ, PTQ or MTQ or competency should contain specific, job-related experiences with specific accomplishments.
4. Focus on what you have accomplished personally, but don’t exaggerate.
5. Show that you have the qualifications needed to succeed in the Senior Executive Service.
6. Address the fundamental competencies over the course of the complete TQ, PTQ or MTQ narrative.
7. Never combine any of the TQs, PTQs or MTQs or competencies.
8. Never address a TQ, PTQ or MTQ or competency by referring the reader to other parts of your application (e.g., resume).
9. Avoid using an identical example for more than one TQ, PTQ or MTQ or competency.
10. Avoid a “laundry list” of activities without context, actions, or accomplishments.
11. Focus on your vision for the organization not your personal vision.
12. Focus on recent experience, education, and training. Some reviewers consider experience that’s over 10 years old to be stale.
13. Highlight awards or other forms of recognition that relate specifically to a TQ, PTQ or MTQ or competency, e.g., “Human Resources Manager of the Year.”
14. Include non-Federal experiences (e.g., private sector, volunteer and professional organizations) if they support the TQ, PTQ or MTQ or competency.
15. Include relevant formal education or training that has enhanced your skills in a particular TQ, PTQ or MTQ or competency.
16. Don’t forget to include examples of special assignments and details.
17. Include special qualifications if relevant to the position sought: public speaking, publications, languages spoken, membership in related professional organizations or scientific societies, or expertise in a technical area (e.g., budget, information technology).
18. Show measurable results, especially in terms of improved customer service, increased efficiency, productivity, or money saved.
19. Take ownership of your examples by using the work “I” in your statements.
20. Check out the book “Roadmap to the Senior Executive Service” for guidance.