GovernmentExecutive.com

resume@resume-place.com

A reader recently wrote me:

How about a few words of wisdom on KSAs? Maybe I am wrong about what should be in them, but it seems to me that I already addressed all the KSA info in my resume and I am just reiterating it. I may have to reapply for my job due to restructuring. Thanks for your columns.

My beloved readers, I am here for you! So let me answer five commonly asked questions about KSAs.

1. What's a KSA?

KSAs are Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Statements.

KSA statements are part of the federal employment application. They are usually three to five questions or statements that the applicant has to address on separate sheets of paper that support and explain their particular skills for performing a job. Typical KSAs cover:

• Ability to communicate orally
• Ability to communicate in writing
• Knowledge of certain policies, programs and procedures (this one is really tough - I'll write about it in a future column)
• More specific requirements for a position

2. How do KSAs and federal resumes relate?

In your resume, you list major accomplishments and job duties, but you don't get into extensive details about specific projects or accomplishments. In the resume, you don't get into all the context and the specific challenges in a particular situation. That's what you put into your KSAs. The KSAs and resume are not repetitive if you keep the resume concise and qualifications-based. Then you can use the KSAs to expand on particular examples that demonstrate your knowledge, skill or ability.

3. Why do federal agencies want KSAs?

The personnel staff want you to tie your experiences to the qualifications for the job. They want specific examples that are concise, informative and on separate pieces of paper. They don't have time to pick through your resume to determine if a certain experience is relevant to "ability to communicate orally," or another experience fits under "ability to plan, coordinate and carry out projects."

4. What is the KSA writing style?

KSAs are written in the narrative first person.

Example: "I direct the five accounting professionals and 20 staff members who manage accounting information, using a mainframe general ledger system with FOCUS and Report Writer to download accounting information. We are currently in the process of implementing e-commerce options for customers, which will streamline the billing and collections operations."

5. How do KSAs fit in the application package?

The federal application package is made up of two pieces: 1. The resume, which concisely lists your qualifications for the job. 2. The KSAs, which give examples that will help the hiring staff decide if you can perform the job.

Next week, I'm going to introduce the new CCAR Model for writing KSAs. CCAR means: Context, Challenge, Action and Results. Stay tuned. If you need more KSA information, consider my book, The Federal Resume Guidebook, available in most major bookstores and online at www.resume-place.com. I'd love it if you wrote me with KSA examples and questions.

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.