What
are KSA’s and why are they important?
KSA's are an important part of the recruitment process.
They are to assess your ability to perform the job you
are applying for. In addition, they are used to distinguish
between best qualified and basically qualified applicants.
KSA’s are usually in statement format versus questions.
As a candidate, you should address each KSA statement
as thoroughly as possible, paying close attention to detail.
Below you’ll find more information on what KSA’s
are and tips on how to address them.
Knowledge
A range of information or understanding, usually factual
or procedural, gained through experience or association.
Skill
The proficient manual, verbal, or mental manipulation
of data or things. It is desirable, quantifiable, and
measurable; e.g., skill in typing, skill in operating
a vehicle, skill in editing for transposed numbers.
Ability
The natural aptitude or acquired proficiency to perform
an observable activity; e.g., ability to write reports,
ability to analyze numerical data, ability to plan and
organize work.
How
Should I Respond to a KSA? State your experience; give clear examples of how and in
what environment you gained the experience. For example,
if you developed a way to make a difficult task easier,
explain what the difficulty was, what and how you researched
a better way to handle the task, how you were able to resolve
the problem, and state if any recommendations were adopted
and by whom. While it is important that you give enough
information in your narrative, try to be concise, and be
sure you do not embellish the truth.
^ Top ^
Limit
each KSA response to no more than two pages. Add
your name and announcement number to
each page. Name and announcement number are helpful
in case pages become detached. Also, if you are continuing
to a second page, include the KSA title from the previous
page. ^ Top ^
Include
concrete examples, dates, results, get to the point, and
state specifically what you have done. Try
not to borrow language from the position description. Refrain
from giving generalized statements, such as "I have
thorough knowledge of" or "familiarity with"
or "considerable skill" since no assumptions can
be made about your achievements. These phrases are non-specific
and do not provide the reviewer with anything to measure.
Write each KSA response as though the person reviewing it
does not know you or the job you do. ^ Top ^
Do
not ignore a KSA if you do not have the experience.
Make maximum use of any related experience and training.
Look outside of your professional work history for relevant
experience. Not only list the actions you have taken, but
also the results that are achieved. ^ Top ^
State
only what you have accomplished, rather than philosophizing
on how things should be. ^ Top ^
It
is recommended to include volunteer experience if it is
relevant to the position you are applying for.
In order to receive credit, remember to include volunteer
experience, including dates and specifics of duties you
performed. For example, volunteering as a basketball coach
can demonstrate the ability to train and coordinate other's
activities. ^ Top ^
Be
consistent between the application and your responses to
your KSA's. For example: use of time frames,
consistency of dates, type of work and duties performed. ^
Top ^
Accurately
represent your experience.
^ Top ^
Use
the old journalism jargon of demonstrating Who, What, Why,Where, When and How. Using this method of review
will help you write a well written product.
| Who
was impacted by your actions and who was involved? |
| What
was the outcome, repercussions, or changes resulting
from your actions? |
| Why
was it done? |
| Where
did this occur, i.e., program wide versus local impact? |
| When
did you perform the work? |
| How
did you accomplish or perform the work? State the
primary steps that you were directly involved with. ^ Top ^ |
Edit
and proof read and proof read again. “Spell
check” does not find everything; you may want to have
another person review it. A professional application gives
a positive impression to hiring managers. Therefore it is
recommended that you make the effort to assure your application
is neat, legible, error free, easy to read, and concise. ^ Top ^
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