K,S,A's

[Det311]

Does anyone have any suggestions on filling out K,S,A's? Could these questions be any more vague? I don't know whether to put down a few simple lines of my training and experience or go into a short novel! Any help or suggestions PLEASE! It would be great if some of you old pro's out there could e-mail me a sample of some of your K,S,A's. (but please send the ones that got you hired and not the ones that got you passed over!...lol...)

Det311

[DC LD]

Good question Det. I have been doing some rough drafts but I'm still unsure.
Those of you that answer, please don't PM Det311. I would like some help as well.

Gracias
:alienfade

[ThomasAckerman]

KSAs are too important to put down only a few lines. If you do, I promise that you'll never get an interview. You must carefully match your knowledge, skills, and abilities to the KSAs the agency is looking for. Sit down and carefully think about ALL of your education, training, experience, community service, volunteer work and other experiences that could be relevant to the KSAs in any way – even if they're unrelated to law enforcement – and write it down.

You will be rated only on what you submit in writing. Here's how it works. If you say that you drove a police car in a medium-sized city for 5 years – and leave it at that – you'll get credit for five years of driving. Rating panels are not allowed to make any assumptions about your background. In other words, if you don't write it down, you won't get credit for it.

In other words, more is better as long as you do not ramble and the statement is well written. About 1 to 3 pages for each KSA item should do it, depending on your education, training, and experience. As a rule of thumb, if you devote less than 3/4 of a page then you probably did not say enough, and if you take more than 3 pages you probably were not concise enough. The better your KSAs, the better your chances. You can actually outscore more qualified applicants if you know what you're doing.

TOM

[Flatfoot003]

I used the book, "Applying for Federal Jos" and found it to be very useful in writing up a ste of K, S and A's. I can email you samples of the ones I wrote up if you provied me you email. I couldn't tell you if they are going to help me get hired or not because the position I applied for hasn't been filled yet, that I know of. Check out that book it'll help understand the process of getting hired a little bit better. Check this link for information on the book:

[LINK DELETED BY MODERATOR]

Stay Safe and Good Luck, Flatfoot003

[PJM]

After getting passed over many times for an interview I checked out a couple of books on the subject.

I found "The Federal Resume Guidebook" by Kathryn k. Troutman to be better than "Applying for Federal Jobs" by Patricia Wood. I purchased Ms. Wood's book from the website. I found the other at the library but I still plan on buying a copy. It has numerous examples of fed resumes and KSAs.

Anyway I revamped my KSA's but it is still too early to tell. My NOR results went up after I reworked them.

Good luck,
~PJM

[nsedet]

My general format for a KSA is to have section headings, basically along the lines of PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS, etc., and then put all of the relevant details under each section. Under the experience section, I devote several paragraphs to each job, working my way backwards (ie, most recent first) through my work history as it relates to the particular KSA. I prefer short sentences and short paragraphs, in block format with a space in between each paragraph (similar to the appearance of Tom's post above)....makes it easier to read and understand, esp. when you consider that a GS-4 clerk with no relevant experience may be the one evaluating it.

As Tom said, articulate what you did, and use as many key words as you can...break it down and tell them exactly what you did as it relates to the position you are applying for. In other words, don't simply write, "I was a uniformed police officer for 3 years"...tell them what you did (eg, "interviewed witnesses and suspects to gather information, processed crime scenes for evidence, conducted surveillance, prepared detailed narrative reports, testified in court, etc.").

[NomadicFed]

I'll throw a few pieces of advice out there as well...

QUANTIFY everything you can. For example, I say things like "supervised or participated in 145 felony arrests, to include the apprehension of 17 third-strike felons." I spell out exactly how many times I have testified in trials, how many crime scenes I have processed, etc.

Words like coordinated, supervised, implemented, managed, etc., are all key words that personnel clerks look for.

[erosado]

In addition to what has been posted here, try this site and the links provided within:

http://wdsc.doleta.gov/jobs/ksa.htm

This site is run by the Dept of Labor, Employment and training administration. I used it to fine tune my KSAs with FEMA-OIG and so far the people that have seen them approve.

Good Luck.

Ed.

[ATF SAC]

KSA's are your life in the G if you want to move beyond the time-in-grade promotions. ATF posts these links to help employees:

http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/

http://www.resume-place.com

http://www.fedjobs.com/howto.htm

ATF also posts the following as a guide:
Preparing Narrative KSAs
A guide to presenting your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Definition:
KSAs are literally, the knowledge, skills and abilities that are required to do a job, as described in a vacancy announcement (VA).
On most VAs you will find a section that asks you to prepare a supplemental experience statement or qualifications narrative. It asks you to describe your special qualifications and personal attributes, also known as KSAs: work experiences, training, education, awards, special skills and abilities, volunteer experience or hobbies, etc. as they relate to the specific factors listed in the VA.

The descriptions should provide detailed evidence of each of the factors, and show how and when they were used. Avoid generalizations. They should be clear, concise examples that show the level of accomplishments and degree of responsibility. Don't forget to include where and when you acquired the knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Why are KSAs Important?
Many applicants consider preparing the KSAs a tedious task, but a carefully worded supplemental experience statement or qualifications narrative can work to your advantage in today's highly competitive job market. Take the time and effort to develop them. When it comes time for a panel to rate and evaluate your application and KSAs, you want to provide a complete, accurate package, and one that shows you are the best qualified person for the job!
Understanding the KSA Statements:
In order to prepare KSAs, it is first helpful to gain an understanding of what they mean.
Knowledge statements are usually about facts or processes. For example, knowledge of the organization and its functions for which you are applying.

Skill statements refer to how well you can do something whether it is manual, verbal or mental. For example, skill in using a computer (typing/keyboarding) and its various software applications; e.g. word-processing, spreadsheets, graphics.

Ability statements refer to the strength you have to perform an observable activity at the present time. For example, the ability to make arrangements for travel, meetings, conferences. Note: abilities are different from aptitudes. Aptitudes deal only with your potential to do the job.

In addition, there are other capabilities you may possess that refer to physical or mental characteristics that do not fall under any of these definitions. For example, the ability to work under stress.

The KSA approach is a rigorous but objective system, and it also provides uniform processes. There are many people applying for the same job that there has to be a fair and consistent way of dealing with the applications.

KSAs listed in the VA are the product of a detailed procedure that is clearly supported by a position description. This helps the evaluation panel to distinguish outstanding candidates from those who are minimally satisfactory. KSAs must also be ratable; that is, an evaluation panel should be able to measure an applicant's qualifications against the KSA and assign a point score.

The crediting plan, another form of measurement used by the panel, represents an objective yardstick for evaluating and ranking each candidate. The crediting plan provides a general definition of the performance levels and lays out task examples that a review panel can refer to in evaluating applicants.

If in Doubt. . .
Even if you are not required to address a job's KSAs, do it anyway! Remember that the employing agency is looking for highly motivated and seriously interested applicants.
Don't take yourself out of the running by eliminating the KSA statement or hastily putting one together.

How are KSAs Categorized?
There are four broad areas:
1. Occupational and subject matter knowledge and skills;
2. Ability to plan and organize;
3. Person-to-person relationships, including leadership; and
4. Communication skills.
KSAs may also have varying degrees of importance, requirements, or selectivity, although the distinction may not always be clear. While all KSAs cover the four categories and take on a universal importance; for example the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, it may also ask you to describe the associated performance and activities. In this example, the KSA should define your abilities, and you want to describe and be specific about:
· The kinds of documents you have written;
· The types of review to which they have been subjected;
· The target audience; and
· The results of your activities.
It is also important to review the vacancy announcement's statement of major or principal duties, so that you can relate that to the KSA, and thus earn more rating points.
Warning: Many people are too general in their descriptions of the tasks or functions of the KSA. They fail to fully substantiate them, or they discount the results of their accomplishments.

Advice from the Experts:

Time and again these are the key bits of advice from personnel specialists:

· Be specific.
· Be precise.
· Get to the point.
· Do not ramble.
· Use lots of examples.
· Do not try to bluff with words.
· Do not borrow language from the position description.
I'm sure you can think of others to add to the list!
Another bit of wisdom is never assume that reviewers will magically pull the information out of your application package and pick up the important points. Reviewers/evaluators are not allowed to guess at anything. If the information you provide is vague, unclear or incomplete it could mean a lower score.

Don't use acronyms (unless you spell it out first), and explain your agency's or office's courses, programs, systems, etc. As a safeguard, pretend that whoever is reading your application probably doesn't know anything about the field or position. It is your job to make them understand what your experiences and qualifications are.

About Those Accomplishments
Every employee should look not only at what they do and how they do it, but what the outcomes and results are from their performance. Here are the elements to consider when describing each pertinent accomplishment:
· The problem or objective;
· What you actually did and when (approximate dates);
· The outcome(s) or results;
· Identifying information of a verifying official; and
· The percent or amount of your contribution.
Along with examples from your professional life, consider related activities and demonstrated abilities or performance from hobbies, community work, and self development. Be specific and provide concrete examples and details. Concentrate on two or three solid accomplishments (and try to connect them directly to the job for which you are applying). Accomplishments should enhance, not detract from your overall KSAs.
Formatting Your Responses
Some agencies provide a form for applicants to use when responding to a position's KSAs. Often these forms provide only a few lines in which to reply and there is not enough room. In most cases it is not mandatory to use this form, but be sure to check the "How to Apply" instructions.
Here are some formatting rules:

· Address each KSA individually.
· One or two at the most to a page.
· Type the KSA you are addressing, followed by the response.
· Number and present in the order given on the announcement.
· Put your name and date at the bottom of each page.
· Check spelling, punctuation, and grammar (proofread and use the spelling and grammar checks on your computer).
· Avoid run-on sentences.
· Use bulleted items sparingly; provide adequate information.
A Few Words about the Vacancy Announcement
It goes without saying that preparation of the KSA narrative/supplemental statement cannot be accomplished without first reading the vacancy announcement. It provides important information that should not be overlooked. As previously mentioned, it describes the major or principal duties, and discusses the qualification requirements including a definition of specialized experience. It also can tell you about the evaluation methods.
The "Supplemental Experience Statement" section lists the factors upon which the KSAs will be based. "Conditions of Employment" will indicate the applicable criteria that all applicants must meet. The "How to Apply" section tells the applicant what the application must contain, and asks for additional information/completed forms (where indicated). Under "General Information" it may indicate when applicants will be notified or state conditions about the receipt of the application by the agency; e.g., by closing date of announcement. Information may be provided for surplus or displaced employees regarding their applications.

Every vacancy announcement provides the agency's name and address along with the personnelist's name and phone number. Applicants are encouraged to contact the agency personnelist if there are any questions or if clarification is needed on any part of the announcement.

Also be aware that it is against federal regulations to submit a job application in a franked (or postage-paid government) envelope. This also extends to use of interoffice mail or government fax machines and computers. Most federal agencies will automatically discard any job application that is delivered at government expense.


In conclusion, writing KSAs and preparing a government employment application can be overwhelming. The first step is to become knowledgeable of the process. It is hoped that this information will provide one avenue to gaining that knowledge.

Additionally, many colleges and community adult education programs provide classes and workshops in resume preparation, as well as career planning and exploration.

Reference: The KSA Workbook: A guide to presenting your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, Federal Research Service, Inc., 1995

[GangBuster]

Wow, what a wonderful post, one that should be read by EVERYONE attempting to apply to a federal job vacancy announcement. Thanks, ATF SAC.

[netman1019]

I felt OK about my KSA's when I submitted them to the FBI for an Investigative Specialist opening I applied to online a few weeks ago. I wish I had another day to work on them. However, I received an e-mail from the FBI about setting up an interview and completing a background investigation form.

I know this'll sound like a dumb question, but does this mean that I scored well on my KSA?

I had to complete 3 or 4 KSA's for an Investigative Specialist position recently. I had stumbled across the vacancy announcement on the last day before closing, so I didn't have much time to work on it.

It was an online application, so I typed up my KSA's in Microsoft Word, revised them as much as I could and as much as time permitted, then just Copied and Pasted them into the online application.

I'm glad that the government has been moving toward more online applications, since it streamlines the hiring process.

[nsedet]

Please start a new thread rather than resurrecting one that is two years old.