Readers' Comments
Total Comments: 39
Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
Do KSAs Really Matter?
Total Comments: 39
Page 2 of 4
Page 2 of 4
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March 19, 2010
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KSAs DO AND DON'T MATTER
Social Security Administration
Thu Jun 11, 2009 9:43 AM
Post Reply
I THINK THE ARTICLE IN ITSELF IS GREAT. HOWEVER THERE IS ONE AREA WHERE KSAs DO NOT MATTER AND THAT IS WHEN THEY ARE APPLIED TO INTERNAL PROMOTIONS. AFTER REVIEWING PROMOTION PACKETS I HAVE LEARNED THAT CRAFTING AN ELOQUENT, WELL-PRESENTED RESUME MEANS NOTHING UNLESS YOU ARE THE ONE THE SELECTING OFFICIAL WANTS. I HAVE SEEN RESUMES THAT RUN CIRCLES AROUND THOSE OF SELECTEES IN THE WAY THEY LINK THEIR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES TO THOSE QUALITIES SOUGHT. WITH THIS IN MIND, IT IS GREAT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPORTANCE OF APPROACHING KSAs IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN THIS ARTICLE BUT ONCE YOU'RE IN-FOCUS ON MAKING THE SELECTOR "LIKE YOU".
KSA Preparation
US Army
Thu Jun 11, 2009 10:20 AM
Post Reply
I agree with the idea of taking a break before hitting submit. You should take another look at them with a clear mind before sending them.
I advise copying the KSAs from the announcement or the on-line applications and pasting them onto a word document. That way you are not rushed by the ticking clock and can submit when you are sure they are right.
Also, save the KSAs in a file. There are many times KSAs are the same or similar from job to job. By saving the KSAs on a word document you can use them again with a slight adjustment for the new announcement. Why create them again and again?
Do KSAs Really Matter?
Department of the Treasury
Thu Jun 11, 2009 10:22 AM
Post Reply
Thank you for this very informative article! I have always felt that KSAs were important and have attached them when I applied for jobs.
Your suggestions were wonderful and applicable! Thanks again!
KSAs
Veterans Affairs
Thu Jun 11, 2009 10:28 AM
Post Reply
A resume tells your job duties, but the KSAs are designed to find out what you actually know about performing those job duties. While KSAs might not be required, including them in your application package may help determine if you are better qualifed than other applicants.
KSAs = torture
Forest Service
Thu Jun 11, 2009 3:13 PM
Post Reply
KSAs supporting document is only good for that particular Selecting Official. I have provided the exact copy to separate S.O. and got real mixed messages. One said that KSAs is all that gets looked at; the other said they only refer to the resumé. A lot of time, work, and energy goes into doing a complete application packet and how much is really NECESSARY? With the encouragement of less is more especially hard copy and paper reduction, why do we, the applicants, have to do submit totally unnecessary and useless pages and pages of paper?
KSA answer should tie back to your resume
DOC
Thu Jun 11, 2009 3:20 PM
Post Reply
The worst are those who lazily just cut and paste their resume sections into the KSA answer. That was a sure loss of interest on my part as it gave me no useful information. The answer to the KSA should reveal specific information related to the KSA with a reference back to the related job/education/activity listed in the resume.
Of course, the value depends on the crafting of the KSA question in the first place. I saw way to many questions that lacked the precision to differentiate candidates. If someone can justify the top weighted answer but not have the KSA you're looking for, your question needs work. In the case of a weak KSA question, the applicant should craft their answer to demonstrate the skill needed for the job even if the question ambiguously permits extraneous skills. Always think of how your answers can make your selection easy to justify for the reviewer.
KSAs
DOD
Thu Jun 11, 2009 3:28 PM
Post Reply
Asking for a copy of hte PD is a waste of time. I once applied for something involving "programs." When I asked if they meant computer programs or social/administrative/etc. programs, they said they couldn't give any more information.