volatile economic environment and expected layoffs means that many people will be looking for a new job. For many of you, a US government job can offer security, excellent performance, and the work interesting. But be aware: the competition for these jobs is intense and you have to stand out from all the other candidates to get a placement - that is where the KSA becomes a key opportunity you can use to get that government job.
What is a KSA?
The US Office of Personnel Management maintains a searchable database, called USAJOBS that lists government job openings. Once you have signed up online, you will find that specific position openings often require completion of a detailed description of your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) in addition to your resume.
Every job that requires a KSA will have specific KSA questions for you to answer usually in about a page of written content. This is not an optional task. You must do this and you must do it right. Each KSA answer is scored by human resources personnel on 0-20 scale that reflects how closely your knowledge, skills and abilities match the complexity, impact, variety, circumstances and interactions that characterize the work for which you they are applying. KSA are often the deciding factor in the evaluation for employment in the US government. So, what are KSA? According to the CDC page on KSA Guide:
Knowledge statements refer to an organized body of information usually of a factual or procedural nature which, if applied, It makes adequate performance on the job possible. A body of information applied directly to the performance of a function.
Skill statements refer to skilled manual verbal or mental manipulation of data or things. The skills can be easily measured with a performance test in which the quantity and quality of performance are tested, usually within a specified time limit. Examples of proficient manipulation of things are typing skills or skill in operating a vehicle. Examples of proficient manipulation of data calculation skills using decimals; ability to editing for transposed numbers, etc.
refer skill statement power to do observable activity at the present time. This means that the skills have been highlighted through activities or behaviors that are similar to those required in the workplace, for example, the ability to plan and organize work. Abilities are different from aptitudes. Attitudes are only the potential to perform the task.
How should you answer questions KSA to improve the chances of getting a place the government work?
The most effective responses to the KSA questions reflect an understanding of the business needs based on detailed analysis of the job description and typical tasking. You should pay particular attention to the keywords used in the job description and use those words to describe your knowledge, skills and abilities.
In general, knowledge is more abstract skills and, thus, can be generalized over many different tasks and responsibilities. Knowledge comes from academic and life experiences including, but not limited to, education and employment. All knowledge that you have that is relevant to the job you are looking for is something that you should include in your KSA answers.
It 'a good idea to brainstorm by yourself and with others, that "knowledge" should be expected, because it may be demonstrated through written answers. For example, let's say that the position requires "to be able to organize a" project. Even if your work experience has not given the opportunity to manage a project, your collecting experience running the PTA funds for one year, even if unpaid, could legitimately be claimed as "experience in managing a project". It is up to you to describe the acquired knowledge in a way that results in the job for which you are applying.
Consider attributes of practicality that can be tested ie, understanding how a spreadsheet can help you manage a budget is knowledge; be able to create an Excel spreadsheet to track expenses is a skill. Pull out the skills required by the job and offer proof that you possess these skills. For example, the position of Pharmacy Assistant requires a knowledge demonstrated by training and skills acquired from previous experiences to deliver drugs and work with customers certified.
How to write an effective response KSA
In responding to KSA questions, you are making claims about your knowledge, skills and abilities. You need to back up these claims with credible evidence. You need to develop your KSA answers with a focus on two key variables: the relevance of the content and quality of presentation. The State Forestry provides an excellent tutorial on the do's and don'ts of writing effective KSA answers.
description of your knowledge, skills and abilities in terms that tie directly to the work by using keywords that are extracted from the job offer. Then "prove" with specific examples of what you can do because of what you did in the past and the context in which you did it. Put compliance with key work requirements at the beginning of the KSA response appropriate or the beginning of a paragraph. For example, if the job requires a degree in accounting, the first place can be said clearly, "I completed my degree in accounting from University XYZ" do it; then continue to describe your experience in accounting tasks.
The numbers can be your friend when it comes to provide evidence for your users. Instead of saying, "I wrote reports " I consider saying, "I have prepared monthly reports on six field trials with a lead time of two days."
Knowledge and skills can also be demonstrated using an overview of your previous responsibilities with examples of specific tasks, describing training or certifications you have received, and citing the awards or recognition for accomplishments. Reviewers like to see action words in your KSA answers and which requires that you write in an active way than a passive voice. I should say: "I analyzed the data ..." and not "data have been analyzed." It is possible to find the largest list of action verbs. Job Skills - power verbs.
In conclusion, the KSA answers must:
- be concise
- be relevant
- be specific
- have examples quantities
- make it easy for reviewers to find compliance with key requirements of jobs
- be action-oriented and construction
- be well written , with typos and good sentence construction. It 'a good idea to have someone else look over your answers before sending them, because sometimes it is hard to see your own mistakes.
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