Writing KSAs

1
Writing KSAs

• Tutorial

2

• This tutorial will explain KSAs, present tips on
  how to write them and provide you with samples.

3
KSAs?! What are They?

• KSA stands for Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.
• They are narrative statements requested by
  federal agencies to help identify which
  applicants possess the necessary skills,
  qualifications and training as required by the
  job.
• These statements are used to assess applicants
  and help sort out the best qualified candidates.

4
KSAs?! What are They? (Continued)

• Some federal job vacancies will require
  applicants to submit KSAs or a similar writing
  component with their application.
• Depending on the agencys preference, KSAs may be
  written on separate pieces of paper or included
  in your resume.

5
KSAs?! What are They? (Continued)

• Other synonyms for KSAs include
• Essays
• Narratives
• Statement of qualifications
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other
  Characteristics (KSAOs)
• Quality Ranking Factors
• Competencies

6

• Writing KSAs and Examples

7
KSA Example

• The following two slides contain a KSA listed in
  a federal job vacancy.

8
KSA Example 1

• On plain paper, list each of the following KSAOs
  separately and explain how your experience,
  education, training, self-development activities,
  appraisals, awards, etc. relate to each KSAO. 
  Please limit your narratives to one page per
  KSAO. KSAO summary statements that address all
  KSAOs together are not acceptable.  To be
  considered for the position, you must submit
  narrative KSAO statements with your application
  package. (Continued on next slide)

9
KSA Example 1 (Continued)

• 1. Demonstrated knowledge of archival principles
  and techniques in order to make critical
  judgments in the analysis and processing of the
  collections including appraisal, review,
  description, preservation and reference of
  records in a variety of media.
• 2. Demonstrated ability to communicate in
  writing.

Example taken from www.USAjobs.gov
10
KSA Example 1 (Continued)

• From the previous KSA example, it is evident that
  the applicant must
• Answer both KSAOs
• Type each response on a separate piece of paper
  with the KSAO listed at the top.
• Limit each KSAO to one page.
• Reference personal experiences, education,
  trainings, self-development activities,
  appraisals, awards, etc. when answering the
  KSAOs.
• Submit the KSAOs with a completed application.

11
Writing KSAs

• First, begin by identifying and highlighting the
  key words/phrases found in the job announcement.
• Refer to the vacancy announcement in order to get
  a better idea of what the KSA is asking. This
  information can usually be found under the
  Duties section of the announcement.

12
Writing KSAs (Continued)

• Second, review your resume and identify
  experiences, trainings, etc. that you have which
  clearly relate to the KSA.
• As appropriate, include other experiences related
  to the KSA. Consider student leadership, awards,
  school projects, volunteer work, etc.

13
KSA Example 2

• Below is another example of a KSA. This one,
  however, is simply stated.
• The following two slides provide two different
  responses to answering the KSA.
• One is a poor example. The other is more
  appropriate.
• KSA
• Identify skill in written communication.

14
KSA Bad Response

• My communication skills are excellent. I am
  often asked to help out in this regard and am
  commended for my work.

15
KSA Better Response

• In the past 10 months, I have taken over a
  number of writing assignments previously held by
  my supervisor
• I have been drafting monthly reports on leasing
  activities under the purview of my office. These
  are routinely approved by my supervisor without
  change and are circulated to 10 field office and
  Regional Directors.
• I have assumed the responsibility of reporter for
  the quarterly meeting of the bureaus Research
  Directors. Reports of these meetings are viewed
  by the Directors Office prior to distribution to
  all participants.

16

• CCAR
• Method

17
CCAR

• One method often used by applicants to write
  thorough KSA statements is the CCAR format.
• Context
• Challenge
• Action
• Response
• This method keeps applicants focused and allows
  them to clearly highlight accomplishments and
  achievements.

18
CCAR (Continued)

• Context
• What were the factors contributing to the
  challenge (i.e. low membership, small budget,
  etc.)?
• Challenge
• What was the problem/situation? What factors
  contributed to the particular challenge?
• Action
• What steps did you take to address the
  problem/situation? Dont be modest. Highlight
  what you did.
• Results
• What was the outcome? If at all possible, use
  percentages, numbers and even grades to quantify
  the results.

19
CCAR Example

• KSA
• Ability to problem-solve.

20
CCAR Example (Continued)

• Context
• My organizations membership had been steadily
  declining for the past five years. At one point
  we had the least amount of members of all student
  organizations.

21
CCAR Example (Continued)

• Challenge
• As a result, my organization was facing
  disciplinary actions by both the school and the
  national organization if we did not increase
  membership by 10 percent.

22
CCAR Example (Continued)

• Action
• As president, I first scheduled regular meetings
  with school and national representatives in order
  to keep them updated on the groups progress as
  well as to receive guidance.

23
CCAR Example (Continued)

• Action
• I then led my leadership team to create a
  recruitment plan with specific steps to implement
  and specific goals created to measure progress.
• Included in this plan was a publicity campaign,
  numerous open houses, outreach efforts and
  co-sponsorship with other organizations.

24
CCAR Example (Continued)

• Results
• As a result of the recruitment campaign, my
  organization successfully recruited twenty new
  members, which was a 15 percent increase in
  membership.
• Furthermore, my organization was awarded Most
  Improved Organization for the year by the
  Student Government Association.

25

• Things to Remember

26
Individuals Who Write Good KSAs

• Clearly link experiences to the KSA.
• Only include relevant information.
• Focus on outcomes to which they directly
  contributed.
• Identify responsibilities that were assumed.
• Address all points listed in the KSA.

27
Things to Remember When Writing KSAs

• Write in 1st person
• Be descriptive
• Do not exceed one page in length per KSA
• Type the question at the top of the page
• Include your name and SS
• Use 1-3 examples for each KSA
• Type KSA as a Word document first. Then cut and
  paste it into the online form.

28
Things to Remember When Writing KSAs (Continued)

• Always spell check and proofread your KSAs.
• Do not use acronyms.
• Include examples that really speak to your talent
  and qualifications, as well as thoroughly answer
  the question.
• Include the KSA, your name and Social Security
  Number on the top of each page.
• Have someone else proofread your KSAs.

29
Resources Located in the Career Resource Library

• The Students Federal Career Guide 10 Steps to
  Find and Win Top Government Jobs and Internships
• Guide to Americas Federal Jobs A Complete
  Directory of U.S. Government Career Opportunities
• Ten Steps to a Federal Job
• FBI Careers The Ultimate Guide to Landing a Job
  as One of Americas Finest

30
Need More Assistance?

• Review A Guide to KSA Writing found at
  http//www.mcdaniel.edu/KSAs.pdf
• Contact Career Services
• 410-871-3305
• career_at_mcdaniel.edu
• www.mcdaniel.edu/5402.htm

31
References

• The information for this tutorial was adapted
  fromTroutman, K. K. Troutman, E. K. (2004).
  The Students Federal Career Guide 10 Steps to
  Find and Win Top Government Jobs and Internships.
  The Resume Place, Inc. Baltimore, MD.
• And Making The Difference at http//www.makingthe
  difference.org/federaljobs/ksawriting.shtml