| you attempt to get a Federal job there is an | | | | taken that qualify you for a particular position. |
| important part of the application process that must | | | | • Education: Make sure your education needs |
| be performed properly. This is known as the | | | | at least meet the expectations listed. |
| Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities or KSA. The KSA is | | | | • Volunteer work: List any and all volunteer |
| what helps determine who is the most qualified | | | | work you have done that may apply to the position |
| candidate for a specific vacancy for a Federal job | | | | you are after. |
| and the required KSAs are listed on each Federal job | | | | • Awards: If you have been awarded any |
| opening. KSA answers must be given in the proper | | | | type of merit that will make you look more qualified |
| KSA Format in order to ensure the best possible | | | | for the position, be sure to list it. |
| score and increase your chances of landing that | | | | Just make sure that you are using relevant factors |
| Federal job you are after. | | | | that either meet or exceed the requirements listed in |
| As with many different application processes there is | | | | the Federal job posting. |
| actually a layout that should be followed to ensure | | | | Making sure that your KSA responses are in the |
| the proper KSA response is given. Unless otherwise | | | | proper format can be somewhat challenging. It is |
| stated on the application, all answers should be one | | | | important to remember that your KSA answers will |
| page or less and need to contain all of the following | | | | be scored and if you re going head to head with |
| information: | | | | other equally qualified candidates that these scores |
| 1. The job title. | | | | can make or break you. |
| 2. The announcement number. | | | | There are many resources available online to help |
| 3. Applicant name. | | | | ensure that your KSA format is properly done. While |
| 4. Of course the KSA number. | | | | you can find certain information for free, there are |
| Along with being grammatically correct, it is | | | | also a number of well known companies that will |
| imperative that the proper KSA response be written | | | | prepare your KSA responses for you and ensure |
| in a narrative, first person tone. The answers should | | | | that the format is properly done. If you find you are |
| sound personal and as if they are coming from your | | | | having trouble in preparing your KSA response |
| own voice. | | | | properly, it may be worth looking into paying a |
| KSA’s will generally have you answer three | | | | nominal fee for help. By doing so you not only ensure |
| to ten questions and you will need to show in detail | | | | that the response is proper but the format is as well. |
| that you have the requirements needed to fit the | | | | The last thing you want to have happen is spending |
| job vacancy. Many factors you should use include: | | | | all day on your KSA responses, only to find you |
| • Experience: This can be experience gained | | | | submitted them in the wrong format and that they |
| from previous employment. | | | | didn’t even get reviewed. |
| • Training: Any special courses you may have | | | | |