1	Mastering KSAs: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Kenetta Pierce, Student Employment Services, Midlands Technical College
2	Federal Facts
3	How do you make sure you are eligible? Eligible: qualified to participate or be chosen An eligible or qualified rating ensures your application will be ranked, but you still may not be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Read vacancy announcements carefully. Print them out and highlight various areas of emphasis.
4	KSAs may be called by other names:
5	Critical Needs* Security Enforcement/Compliance Criminal Justice Technology Medical Public Health Allied Health Engineering/Sciences Engineering Technologies Industrial Technologies Accounting, Business Accounting Business Management Marketing *According to Partnership For Public Service, 2007
6	Federal Resumes You may be asked to submit your application package in the following formats: Resumix USAJOBS Quick Hire Avue Application Manager
7	KSAs and the STAR method
8	KSAs: Things To Remember KSAs should be in an essay format with one very strong example or two ‘stories’ per essay. If there is not a word limit, keep your answers to one page Best Qualified vs. Well Qualified
9	Sample KSAs to Explore: Ability to research, develop, and present curriculum based interpretive/education programs for a variety of students (pre-K to senior high school) Ability to use computer software programs and equipment Ability to operate effectively in stressful situations Skill in dealing with a variety of individuals from different backgrounds and various levels of understanding Demonstrated ability to identify and analyze problems and develop appropriate solutions Skill in oral and written communication
10	Let’s Dissect a KSA: “Skill in oral and written communication” Write no more than a page on the topic. Use specific examples. Your first paragraph should summarize your knowledge of the topic: “I have many years of career related experience communicating orally and in writing. I am professional, articulate, and have taken extensive training to increase my writing skills. I use proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling. I have developed excellent speaking skills that help build rapport and trust from my audience.”
11	Let’s Dissect a KSA: “Skill in oral and written communication” Your second paragraph should address specific examples of your abilities: “My communication skills are very important to my success as a manager. Often, in my work at XYZ Corporation, I must write letters to clients, contractors, and others regarding business proposals. Orally, I must answer questions and solicit input from team members. This often requires tact and professionalism. Knowing which words to use and how to approach a situation is extremely important.”
12	Let’s Dissect a KSA: “Skill in oral and written communication” In your third paragraph, continue highlighting examples, in a story format: “As Manager for ABC Industries, I often used my oral communication skills to make employees perform at their best. I developed a program to coach them on customer service and satisfaction. I prepared bi-weekly performance reviews to document our progress. We achieved favorable results and I continuously communicated with the higher levels of our organization on the outcomes of our program. The success was so favorable that the program was instituted division-wide.”
13	Let’s Dissect a KSA: Example 2 “Ability to use computer software programs and equipment” Summarizing your knowledge of the topic, your specific abilities, and examples: “As a lead support assistant for CBA Enterprises, I am skilled in various software programs. I designed a PowerPoint presentation to support training. The PowerPoint included lessons on proper protocol for email, voicemail etiquette, and copier operation.”
14	Let’s Dissect a KSA: Example 2 “Ability to use computer software programs and equipment” continued “I have also developed Excel spreadsheets for logging my travel expenses. I have created and merged letters, mailing labels, tent cards, and name badges using the Microsoft Excel database. My extensive technical knowledge of the database and ability to integrate with other programs such as Word and PowerPoint significantly reduced the amount of time needed to prepare documents.”
15	Next Steps Keep the job announcement for reference When to call? If you have not received any correspondence in 30 days from the closing date, call the phone number listed at the bottom of the vacancy notice to inquire about the status Many agencies have automated application tracking -- you may personally check the status without contacting Human Resources Once eligible, it may take another 60-90 days to begin the interview process
16	Next Steps continued If you are told that you are not rated “qualified” and you feel you really are, federal agencies allow you to ask for reconsideration. However, you will not be able to add any additional information to your original application. It is very important to submit your application, completely and correctly, the first time.
17	Now You’re Ready For The Interview Pre-employment interviews may be conducted via telephone. Be prepared, relaxed and confident. For more information and guidance regarding interviews, check out the Student Employment Services website: www.midlandstech.edu/ses
18	Additional Resources
19	"Visit us at" Visit us at: www.midlandstech.edu/ses
20	Resources www.usajobs.com Troutman, K. K. Federal Resume Guidebook, 4^th ed. Indiana: JIST Works, 2007. Partnership for Public Service. “Where The Jobs Are: Mission Critical Opportunities for America.” (2007) Troutman, K.K. Ten Steps to a Federal Job. Maryland: The Resume Place, Inc., 2002. Federal Application Procedures & Resumes, the Basics, 2008. Tele-seminar by Diane Burns, Career Marketing Techniques.
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