Readers' Comments
Total Comments: 13
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Use the Proper KSA Format To Improve Your Chances of Obtaining the Federal Job You Want
Total Comments: 13
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November 7, 2009
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Another Suggestion
Dept of Labor
Thu Jul 2, 2009 8:23 AM
Post Reply
Use the same terminology that is used in the KSA questions. The HR clerk that is making the first cut might not know the job, and might not realize that you have done the exact same work if you describe it using different words. You have to get past that first cut before you get to impress the hiring official with your large vocabulary.
KSAs
No Such
Thu Jul 2, 2009 8:33 AM
Post Reply
I often disagree with Jason’s naïveness with regard to the federal application process, particularly the assumptions that all jobs found on USAJobs can be taken at face value for what they advertise, but KSAs are very similar to a written interview. When answering a KSA that typically request specific examples of the preceding KSA question, the applicant should view it in the same mannerism as answering questions in a face-to-face interview.
This will benefit the applicant should they make it to the interview process three months down the road. Mainly because many agencies are switching to a behavioral-based interview format that ask questions such as, “Give me an example of a time when…what did you do…and what was the end result, or what would you have done differently?”
Sure this may sound familiar to those of us that have been searching in the private sector, but the federal sector is improving their methods of weeding out the fluff that make it through the red-tape process.
The STAR Method
USPS
Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:09 AM
Post Reply
In the Postal Service, we use the STAR Method, spelling out the:
Situation/Task we confronted,
Action we took; and the
Result.
KSA FORMAT IMPROVEMENT
FEMA/DHS
Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:14 AM
Post Reply
Mr. Kay,
Concerning the Article about KSA Format Improvement; I find the idea of paying anyone to professionally develop a KSA should disqualify any applicant. I suspect that it's possible if the applicant seeking a new position is not able to present a KSA in a good format worthy of reading and reviewing that they should consider improving the basic abilities of grammer before moving to what may possibly be the next level of promotion in life. The same goes with providing a proper response to the question. AS the one hiring, I would like to know if the reponse in its entirety truly represents the applicant.
You wouldn't happen to be interested in writing an article about dumbing down America by leveling the playing field....would you?
Regards.
Re: KSA FORMAT IMPROVEMENT
U.S. Coast Guard
Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:20 PM
Just a bit tired of the advertising...
SSA
Thu Jul 2, 2009 9:23 AM
Post Reply
I find J. Kay's articles self-serving; nothing like a free (?) ad for your company. KSAs are simple; they're listed in the annt; if there is a size limit, that's normally in the annt also. With increased usage of automated applications, submitted docs like KSA narratives are normally uploaded to your account for that annt. The first-person tip is a good one. Ensure you include enough info in your KSA narratives so the hiring ranking panel/hiring official can make an informed decision on whether or not you have the appropriate experience to meet the specific KSA. KSAs are also your opportunity to highlight your Written Communication skills-so use spell/grammar check and read it out-loud! Remember that the biggest words do not always get your point across in the most effective manner. Finally, remember there is a difference between rating (qualifications) and ranking (differentiating between qual'd candidates). KSAs are to demonstrate why you're the BEST qualified applicant.
Re: Just a bit tired of the advertising...
Federal Agency
Thu Jul 2, 2009 11:07 AM
Good luck!
Paying to have your KSAs written
DoD
Sat Jul 4, 2009 3:27 PM
Post Reply
If you have to pay somebody to write your KSAs for you, you're not the person that I would want working for me. If you can write at an 8th grade level, you should be able to do KSAs just fine.
KSA's
DON
Mon Jul 6, 2009 11:16 PM
Post Reply
While hiring a proffessional to help in writing a resume should not be the case, I have found that the hiring agency normally will not provide any insight as to what is required. When asking my HR about any details, I get " It's in the Job announcment.", and actually what is being looked for is not. Many of my co-workers have been passed over because they didn't have the proper"buzz words".
KSA's are important, but transparency is necessary also!