What are ECQs

What are ECQsWhen applying for positions at the executive level, you may wonder what it is that companies hope that you bring to the table. According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), executive federal job candidates should encompass five executive core qualifications (ECQs).ECQs are defined as competencies needed to build a federal corporate culture that drives for results and are required for entry into the Senior Executive Servicea group of men and women charged with leading the continuing transformation of the government. But ECQs are great for any candidate at the executive level. Here is a quick breakdown of the OPMs five executive core qualifications.1. Leading ChangeThe first ECQ is Leading Change, which involves an ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside of an organization. A person who encompasses the qualification of leading change brings several assets to the table, including creativity and innovation, external awareness, flexibili ty, resilience, strategic thinking and imagination.2. Leading PeopleThe second ECQ is Leading People, which involves being able to lead people toward meeting an organizations mission, vision and goals. Key characteristics of this ECQ include being strong in conflict management, leveraging diversity, developing others and team building.3. Results Driven The next ECQ executives is Results Driven, which means youre able to meet organizational goals and customer expectations while accepting accountability, having strong customer service skills, being decisive and able to problem solve, having an entrepreneurial spirit, and understand technical aspects of your field.4. Business AcumenThe fourth ECQ, Business Acumen, is defined as having the ability to manage human, financial and information resources strategically. The basics of this qualification include financial management, human capital management and technology management.5. Building CoalitionsThe fifth and final ECQ is Building Coa litions. This core qualification requires an ability to build coalitions internally and with other organizations. Key characteristics of the qualification include partnering, political savvy and influencing/negotiating skills.When functioning at the executive level, it is critical that you bring superior qualifications to the table. So why elend align yourself with the five executive core qualifications to ensure you are indeed the highly-skilled candidate both private and public companies are looking for?For additional resume and job search related advice follow us on Twitter GreatResume.