GovernmentExecutive.com

Resume@resume-place.com

I don't know if I should call myself the Ann Landers of federal job applications, but I do know there is no one single person or place to ask for career help in government.

I'm happy to fill this very important gap. A lot of times people feel like there's no one to turn to as they work on advancing their federal careers.

For example, the Office of Personnel Management's Web site (www.usajobs.opm.gov) is excellent at offering job announcements, but at this time, they do not answer the multitude of questions applicants have in applying for federal promotions and jobs.

I do.

People who want to work for the federal government for the first time or who want to get promoted in government write to me. I get e-mail from all over the world because of my Web site (www.resume-place.com) and the books that I have written on the subject of the new federal resume. People have complicated questions about the federal application process, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities statements (KSAs), deadlines, job announcements and the overwhelming process of writing applications.

In Ann Landers fashion, I'm starting a new feature in this column: Answering e-mailed questions from readers. Here's why:

1. To point out why you should not wait until the last minute to start writing a very complex application.
2. To remind you how important a good resume is to your self-esteem, self-confidence and sanity.
3. To help you appreciate the value of a really good writer and editor who might help you write this all-important document.
4. And finally, to show that you're not alone in struggling with your resume and federal application package.

Dear Kathryn:

I adapted my SF-171 into resume format, but it's not "making things happen." Can you help?

Kathryn Says:

If your resume is converted straight from your SF-171, then it's probably pretty dull. If you just lift the copy from the 171 into the new federal resume format, that won't sell. You have to change the way you write about your work. The description of your current position has to be very specific about what you do, who your customers are, your skills and accomplishments and your value to your office. The 171 never covered any of that. The description of duties on the 171 was based on the position description, which might not be up to date.

Dear Kathryn:

I wanted to apply for a position but thought I wouldn't have enough time. I found out they extended the deadline by two weeks. So there's still time to get help. Can you help me out? I have a resume (not very good one) and a two-year-old SF-171. I haven't done anything different since that time. I am really weak on the KSAs part of the application.

Kathryn Says:

Great - an extension of deadline - two more weeks to review that announcement and make the resume fit the position! The challenge of KSAs is that the responses have to be specific. You can't just write: "My ability to communicate orally has been demonstrated throughout my 15 year career. I communicate very clearly and concisely and have knowledge of my office programs." Instead, you should write, "As a budget analyst, I communicate with the 12 program managers who submit detailed reports on a quarterly basis. I give specific direction on format, information and deadlines. In May of each year, I produce a 200-page budget report for the Office of Management and Budget and the Director that includes statements from the 12 programs. I then communicate the findings and justify requests for additional funds based on my program managers' requirements. I am persuasive, informative and concise in my presentation. I have been successful three out of the past four years in receiving every request that I presented. I am pleased to say that my program managers have achieved more because of my ability to communicate their needs."

That's an interesting KSA statement, don't you think? A hiring official would be impressed with the budget analyst. You should review your KSAs and the resume to make sure they are written to fit the announcement and focus on accomplishments and skills. You have two weeks - get started right away!

Dear Kathryn:

While I used your materials to fashion a GS-15 application I needed, I bailed on an SES application. Between my health problems, and the seeming enormity of complying with all the executive core qualification (ECQ) requirements in a short time span, I got pretty discouraged.

Kathryn Says:

I don't blame you for bailing on the SES application. That is a huge project and if you're not feeling well, don't try. When you're better, start in on the ECQs again. They can be wonderful to write if you're feeling good. You will be able to write about your accomplishments in leading change and leading people - and I know that you have done this in your work if you're trying for a SES position.

Dear Kathryn:

When an announcement lists a KSA or technical qualification which I feel I do not meet or meet only marginally, is it worth it to submit an application? Specifically, knowledge of laws, regulations, and methodologies pertaining to anti-smuggling operations as a mandatory technical qualification.

Kathryn Says:

Yes, it is worth submitting the application, even through you don't have a book to write about one particular KSA. Just make sure you write something - you can't get a zero or you'll be out of the running. You have to do some research to be able to write a good response to a KSA that is only marginal in your experience. You have to find the laws, regulations and methodologies. Read them, relate them to your current position, or write about your understanding of your own laws, regulations and methodologies. You might actually find that you have more knowledge than you realize after you study them. This situation requires investigative skills and effort - but if you want the compete for this position, you will do this.

If you need help with your federal career questions, write me at resume@ari.net. I'll post the answers here on Federal Career Corner so that others can benefit as well as you.

By the way, in case you didn't notice, I'm changing my name back to my maiden name (Kraemer). My children are grown and I like my name. I'll be using it in the future.

Kathryn Kraemer has been the president of The Resume Place, Inc. for 27 years. Kathryn helps people get promoted and change jobs. She is the pioneer designer of the new "federal resume." She wrote and published the first book on federal resume writing and is a popular resume writing workshop leader in government.