Appendix 1

Executive Core Qualifications and Competency Definitions

ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government commitment to uphold Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.

ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency  – This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades

ECQ 3: Merit and Competence  – This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4: Leading People  – This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. 

ECQ 5: Achieving Results  – This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

READ THE SUB-COMPETENCIES HERE

Appendix 2

Sample Resume –
No more than 2 Pages using no less than 11pt font and 0.8 margins

View and Download the OPM QRB PDF here
See page 16 and 17 for the OPM 2-Page SES Resume

Appendix 3

Preparing for the QRB Interview  

Candidates should be prepared to verbally demonstrate and discuss their executive level  experience related to the ECQs and the supporting competencies. This should be done in a clear,  concise and organized manner. Demonstration of the ECQs and the competencies may be  accomplished by describing one to two examples of relevant experience. The number of  examples is not as important as assuring that your experience matches the ECQ criteria. Keep in  mind that the QRB is looking for specific challenges, actions and results. A method used to  facilitate this is the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) Model. Candidates may use the  following approach to describe their accomplishments. 

Appendix 4

Frequently Asked Questions 

How is the QRB set up? 

The QRB is comprised of 3-member panels. Panel members are members of the SES. 

How is the Candidate Assessed? 

The QRB panel assesses the candidate’s demonstrated breadth, depth, and scope of experience  and executive qualifications within the context of the ECQs and associated competencies.  

What Should Responses Cover? 

Responses should cover the candidate’s experience which highlight a demonstration of the  ECQs and sub-competencies. Successful candidates typically focus on describing challenges  faced and the specific leadership actions taken to overcome such challenges, leading to  impacting results achieved. This is known as the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) model.