In Business Since 2001 We accept Paypal
Home Article Directory
More from Bill Platt
"Bill Platt for Book Authors" Youtube Channel
Training for Book Authors
Other Resources for Book Authors & Publishers
FictionPlots.com (350+ Plots & counting)
Please Support Our Advertisers

 
D9 Hosting


Seven Secrets for Writing Successful KSAs

Copyright (c) 2006-2023

If you have never heard of a KSA statement, you are not alone. Many Americans don't know what a KSA is, let alone how to write an answer to one. However, knowing not only what a KSA statement is, but also how to write an effect answer to one can make the difference between getting a job... and getting left in the dust.

What is a KSA Statement?

KSA stands for Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. A KSA statement, therefore, is a statement about the unique qualities needed to fill a particular position. A job that requires KSAs usually lists between three and five KSA statements in the job description.

Although KSA statements are not questions, each one still requires an answer. Federal employers use KSAs to help determine the applicant's eligibility for the job. In other words, your answer to each KSA tells the employer whether you would be an appropriate candidate for the job. Well-written answers to KSA statements can land you an interview, whereas poorly written or incomplete answers can disqualify you right off the bat.

Seven Secrets to Writing Successful KSAs

Writing KSA answers makes many people nervous - mainly because they don't know what they are doing. With the right tricks up your sleeve, however, you'll find that writing a winning answer to any KSA is a breeze.

Be complete. It is important to answer each KSA completely. Simply saying, "Yes, I have that skill," will get you nowhere. Treat each KSA like a news article: who, what, why, where, when, and how are all integral parts of the story. Tell the employer what knowledge or skill you have that satisfies their requirements; where, when, how, and why you got it; and who you got it from. And don't forget the other how: how your skill relates to what the employer is looking for.

Provide concrete examples. A vague assertion that you have the necessary skills for the job is not going to convince a prospective employer. Rather than stating that you have the desired training or experience, describe specific examples of where and when you gained the experience. Be sure to tie your answer back to the KSA statement by stating how your examples give you the skills needed for the job.

Be concise. The employer is not interested in your creative writing abilities, so keep the fluff to a minimum. Answer each KSA in plain language, so that your answers are simple and easy to follow. There is a fine line between answering a KSA completely and sounding like a pompous windbag; although your KSA answers should be as long as it needs to be to fully answer the question, most employers would prefer that each answer fit on one page - and certainly no longer than two pages.

Tell them what they want to hear. You don't have to make up examples, but you should provide examples that demonstrate desirable qualities in an employee. For instance, when answering the KSA statements, choose concrete examples that highlight your leadership skills, demonstrate your creativity and problem solving skills, or show that you are comfortable with working under pressure. You should also choose examples that are pertinent to the position you are applying for, even if they are not job-related; volunteer work, academic awards, and other sources of experience are all fair game.

Think outside the box. Even if you think you don't have any experience to satisfy a certain KSA, don't leave it blank. Instead, consider other areas of your life that may have given you the necessary skills. Not every KSA must be answered purely with job experience; training, volunteer work, internships, and academic projects and awards may also demonstrate that you satisfy the requirements of the position. At the very least, think of related examples and demonstrate in your answer how they tie in to that particular KSA.

Sell yourself! KSAs give you an opportunity to set yourself apart from other applicants. Use these documents to sell your best qualities - and paint your worst in a more pleasing light. If your answers demonstrate confidence in your abilities, an employer will be much more likely to believe that you can do the job.

Edit, edit, edit! Most professional documents require editing and proofreading to verify that they are free of errors. However, unlike other professional documents, your answers to the KSA statements have a lot riding on them: they are your only chance at a good first impression. Therefore, you need to take pains to make sure every word is in its place - no typos, misspellings, or discrepancies between your resume and your KSA answers. If your high school English teacher wouldn't have been impressed, neither will the employer!

Success Seekers Wanted

KSAs have one purpose: to find the best person for the job. In order to write successful answers, you need to assume that you are that best person. Take your time with each answer, choosing the best possible examples of your knowledge and experience. Polish your answers until they shine. With the right amounts of confidence and care, your KSA answers will open doors for you that otherwise would have remained closed.


About The Author: Shop Amazon - Top Gift Ideas
Jason Kay is a writer for KSA Doctor, a leading KSA writing service. KSADoctor.com also provides sample KSAs, resumes and other federal job application assistance. KSA Doctor has helped thousands of people create powerful and effective KSA statement responses.

VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE
Needs Work >> 0 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 << Excellent Article

Tell our authors what you think about their article.



Top-Level Category: Career Articles

10 Most Recent Articles Written by Jason Kay

Successful Federal Resume Writing Tips
Written by: Jason Kay | Distributed: 2007-01-17 | Word Count: 1108 | Page Views: 6121 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.78
Applying for a federal job may seem a bit intimidating, due to the long list of special requirements regarding your application. One of the requirements is a resume in a certain format, known as a federal resume.

All of Author's Articles on this site:

Most Recent "Career" Articles

The Keys to Writing a Killer Resume Cover Letter
Written by: Gerald Penniston | Distributed: 2013-07-24 | Word Count: 904 | Page Views: 5547 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 1.60
As a job seeker, you must understand the importance and value of a professional resume... Do you, however, also take stock of the importance of a well-written cover letter? Many job seekers fail to realize that a cover letter completes a resume, and both should go hand-in-hand.

How to Write a Resume - Simple and Complex at the Same Time
Written by: Rebecca Hawkes | Distributed: 2010-12-09 | Word Count: 438 | Page Views: 6881 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 1.89
Writing an effective resume is as much a creative art as it is a logical puzzle. How do you take 500-600 words and make them jump out and scream "hire me" to an employer? It's a skill that needs constant refining.

3 Cutting Edge Steps Show You The Real Way To Make Money Online
Written by: Ryan Parenti | Distributed: 2010-11-16 | Word Count: 742 | Page Views: 6108 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 0.40
Tens of thousands of people all over the globe are quietly cashing in on what may be the only recession proof industry -- at the very least it's one of few industries maintaining consistent and enormous growth! These people... well, these are just regular folks who have decided they want some extra income and have turned to information publishing for profit (staggering profit). Here is how they do it.

The Perspective of Dawn
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2010-03-15 | Word Count: 560 | Page Views: 5282 | Votes: 5 | Rating: 0.80
For years, I have been a night owl as opposed to an early bird. I embrace beautiful sunsets, bur rarely, on purpose, strive to witness a glorious sunrise. Recently while on a Caribbean cruise, with Diane Ackerman's book in hand, I challenged myself to be an early riser to discover the beauty of sunrise rather than my standard, sunset. It was a chance to try a different perspective. And, it was rather enjoyable.

The Top Ten Mistakes Made in Job Interviews and How to Avoid Them
Written by: Cecile Peterkin | Distributed: 2010-03-11 | Word Count: 650 | Page Views: 5681 | Votes: 6 | Rating: 0.83
A job interview is your chance to shine. Now that you've been given this opportunity, it's critical that you don't waste it. Here are the top ten mistakes made in job interviews and how to avoid them.

The Decline and Fall of the Retirement Empire
Written by: Irene A. Majchrzak | Distributed: 2010-03-10 | Word Count: 1317 | Page Views: 4836 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
"I have a pension and it'll have to be enough!" As a financial Advisor over the past 10 years I have often heard this statement. It was difficult 10 years ago to explain to future retirees why this was an impossible belief to hold. 10 years ago no one would believe the changes that would occur in our world view.

Plan Ahead: Your Personal Body Art May Carry An Unforeseen Cost
Written by: Eileen Howerton | Distributed: 2010-02-25 | Word Count: 532 | Page Views: 4923 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
Over half of all tattoos that are given each year are spontaneous, and given without plan or thought. While these tattoos seemed like a great idea at the time, many young people are finding out that these tattoos are costing them more than the charge to have them put on.

New Year Still Is A Time Of Uncertainty For Economy
Written by: Barbara Wulf MS, ACC, CPCC | Distributed: 2010-02-02 | Word Count: 509 | Page Views: 5876 | Votes: 2 | Rating: 0.50
As we look back on the first decade of the new millennium, we realize in many ways it was a dud and disappointment. We witnessed the World Trade Towers being toppled with senseless terrorism. We closed the decade with the toppling of the global economy that resulted in high unemployment and massive job loss for young and old, skilled and unskilled.

She's After Your Money
Written by: Scott Bywater | Distributed: 2009-12-14 | Word Count: 460 | Page Views: 4909 | Votes: 3 | Rating: 0.33
Who would you rather be? The guy who had just managed to inherit a tidy sum from a bank before he left and had $700,000 in the bank... but had no money and limited skill? Or the guy who had invested the last five years of his life to gain the knowledge to practice as a specialist in this country with highly sought after skills. Many people would probably say the first guy.

Job Searching and Staying Marketable in a Recession
Written by: Cecile Peterkin | Distributed: 2009-08-11 | Word Count: 507 | Page Views: 4867 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 1.36
Job searching is never fun, nor is it something that is particularly comfortable for the majority of people out there. It can be frustrating, but ultimately, it can prove to be an extremely rewarding experience. There are additional challenges that exist, however, when it comes to job searching in a recession. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you'll be successful.

Most Viewed "Career" Articles

Why Becoming a Pharmacist Means You Don't Have to Worry About Student Loans
Written by: Jennifer Charleston | Distributed: 2008-09-26 | Word Count: 692 | Page Views: 37431 | Votes: 102 | Rating: 3.00
So you want to become a pharmacist but are not sure where to start? Unlike other careers, there really is only one way to go about becoming a pharmacist. And that is to attend a university and gain a degree. For this reason all prospective pharmacists must have fantastic study abilities as well as the commitment to see out a long six year degree.

10 Killer Job Interview Questions and Answers
Written by: Carole Martin | Distributed: 2006-10-04 | Word Count: 1094 | Page Views: 23388 | Votes: 83 | Rating: 2.42
Behind every interview question there is a concern or another question. Your job is to process the question thinking about what the interviewer's concern might be. In other words, why is the interviewer asking you this question?

Why a Nursing Career is the Most Highly Rewarding Career You Can Choose
Written by: Jennifer Charleston | Distributed: 2008-10-06 | Word Count: 766 | Page Views: 23219 | Votes: 40 | Rating: 2.60
Nursing careers provide a richly rewarding career option. If you enjoy helping people and making a difference in their lives, then nursing is a wonderful career choice for you.

How to Know if You'll Make a Good Police Officer
Written by: Jennifer Charleston | Distributed: 2008-09-24 | Word Count: 789 | Page Views: 19750 | Votes: 37 | Rating: 3.16
Becoming a police officer means you'll be taking on the most noble of jobs. Police officers are highly respected members of any community who risk their life daily in order to protect citizens. For this reason, becoming a police officer can be risky although very exciting. No two days are ever the same for a police officer out in the field.

Questions You Should Ask During The Job Interview
Written by: Carole Martin | Distributed: 2006-09-14 | Word Count: 680 | Page Views: 17496 | Votes: 16 | Rating: 2.50
At some point, usually at the conclusion of the interview, you may be asked, "Do you have any questions?" A common answer to this question is, "No, I think you've covered everything very well." This is the wrong answer!

One Star that Doesn't Need to Shine: The truth behind the Order of the Eastern Star
Written by: Siobhan Gamble | Distributed: 2007-07-09 | Word Count: 831 | Page Views: 14434 | Votes: 41 | Rating: 1.54
Standing firm by the side of the organization that many of us know as Freemasonry, is a woman's auxiliary which was founded in 1868 known as the Order of the Eastern Star. It is the largest Fraternal Organization in the world. Also known as the "Star", OES is only open to women with specific Masonic affiliation and men who are Master Masons.

Job Interview Answers - What To Say If You Got Fired
Written by: Bob Firestone | Distributed: 2007-03-12 | Word Count: 747 | Page Views: 12854 | Votes: 21 | Rating: 2.67
Have you ever been fired from a job? Use these winning job interview answers to beat this tough question and get hired into the job you want.

Building and Sustaining Positive Relationships in the Workplace
Written by: Gail Solish | Distributed: 2006-10-04 | Word Count: 539 | Page Views: 11464 | Votes: 15 | Rating: 2.60
It's Monday morning and you've only been at the office for a couple of hours. The phone has not stopped ringing, you've barely made a dent in your emails, there is a project deadline looming, a team meeting to lead and your boss is concerned and hassling you about the project outcome. Does any of this sound familiar to you? Does it feel overwhelming? The truth is that order to be successful, productive and less stressed, you need positive, supportive relationships at work.

There's More to Culinary Arts Than Being a Chef
Written by: Jennifer Charleston | Distributed: 2008-10-09 | Word Count: 797 | Page Views: 11292 | Votes: 20 | Rating: 2.50
Culinary arts is simply the art of cooking. Working in the field of culinary arts usually involves preparing meals which not only taste good, but look great too.

The Pros and Cons of Teaching Abroad
Written by: Justin Burch | Distributed: 2006-10-31 | Word Count: 720 | Page Views: 9331 | Votes: 28 | Rating: 2.82
As it has been said, teaching abroad isn't for everybody. Each program you will encounter will require some prerequisites and the proper attitude, but will offer unique challenges and personal incentives to the right individual. Here is an impartial analysis of opportunities confronting both sides of the arguments you need to consider before deciding to teach abroad

Highest Ranked "Career" Articles

How to Know if You'll Make a Good Police Officer
Written by: Jennifer Charleston | Distributed: 2008-09-24 | Word Count: 789 | Page Views: 19750 | Votes: 37 | Rating: 3.16
Becoming a police officer means you'll be taking on the most noble of jobs. Police officers are highly respected members of any community who risk their life daily in order to protect citizens. For this reason, becoming a police officer can be risky although very exciting. No two days are ever the same for a police officer out in the field.

Create Success-With Whatever You Have! 7 Practices for Creating What Matters Most In Life And Work
Written by: Bruce Elkin | Distributed: 2007-12-25 | Word Count: 1103 | Page Views: 5606 | Votes: 19 | Rating: 3.00
Seven Practices For Creating Almost Anything -- These 7 practices are no magic formula. But they will help you create outstanding results-with whatever you start with.

Interviewing And The Electric Toothbrush
Written by: Carole Martin | Distributed: 2007-01-18 | Word Count: 697 | Page Views: 4608 | Votes: 11 | Rating: 3.00
Many electric toothbrushes have a shut off mechanism that turns off the toothbrush after two minutes of brushing – which is the time that someone decided was enough teeth-brushing for any one period.

You Give What You Get In Your Career
Written by: Deborah Brown-Volkman | Distributed: 2007-01-23 | Word Count: 653 | Page Views: 4720 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 3.00
How do you treat the people you work with? Do you say hello in the morning or stare at something else as you walk by? Are you friendly or aloof? Are you only nice to those that you deem as necessary or can further your career?

Why Becoming a Pharmacist Means You Don't Have to Worry About Student Loans
Written by: Jennifer Charleston | Distributed: 2008-09-26 | Word Count: 692 | Page Views: 37431 | Votes: 102 | Rating: 3.00
So you want to become a pharmacist but are not sure where to start? Unlike other careers, there really is only one way to go about becoming a pharmacist. And that is to attend a university and gain a degree. For this reason all prospective pharmacists must have fantastic study abilities as well as the commitment to see out a long six year degree.

How Generation *R* Got It Right!
Written by: Kent Jacobson a.k.a. Mr. Success | Distributed: 2007-06-14 | Word Count: 472 | Page Views: 4634 | Votes: 12 | Rating: 2.92
Who is generation R? I'll tell you, they are our retired mothers and fathers, and even our grandparents who were born in the 20's and 30's. Why am I writing about this generation of people?

Federal Jobs Are Plentiful
Written by: Benji O. Anosike | Distributed: 2009-02-26 | Word Count: 1351 | Page Views: 6254 | Votes: 10 | Rating: 2.90
Think there are no job hiring anywhere in america today? Have you tried to job search in one place? Truth is, there are plenty of federal jobs with the federal government right now, with even increased worker hiring scheduled. And here's how and where!

You Gotta Go Through
Written by: Deborah Brown-Volkman | Distributed: 2007-04-25 | Word Count: 676 | Page Views: 5046 | Votes: 9 | Rating: 2.89
Are you facing a situation in your career that you thought you'd never face? Working in a job that you are overqualified for? Reporting to a boss that doesn't get or like you? Unemployed after years of hard work? Interviewing endlessly when in the past jobs came to you?

Online Medical Assistant Schools
Written by: Mark Stout, BSc, MD | Distributed: 2008-06-05 | Word Count: 399 | Page Views: 5325 | Votes: 8 | Rating: 2.88
Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, and other health practitioners running smoothly. The duties of medical assistants vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the practice and the practitioner's specialty.

Key to Success: 10 Success Tips for Maximum Achievement
Written by: Sharif Khan | Distributed: 2006-05-23 | Word Count: 1787 | Page Views: 5439 | Votes: 35 | Rating: 2.86
First off, I would echo the voice of 18th century French philosopher Voltaire, made popular and relevant in today's leadership lexicon by "Good to Great" author Jim Collins, who said, "Good is the Enemy of Great."











Download an eBook today
 
Directory Navigation
Locate By Category:

ALL Categories
Arts & Crafts
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - Offline
Business - Online
Career
Computers
Education
Family
Finance
Food & Drink
Health & Wellness
Home & Garden
Humor
Internet
Nature & Pets
Real Estate
Religion
Self Improvement
Shopping
Society
Sports & Recreation
Technology
Travel & Leisure
Uncategorized
World Events
Writing & Speaking

Change Number of Results:
50 - 100 - 200 - 500
Article Reprint Rights
Creative Commons License

This work is
licensed under a
Creative Commons
License


You are not required to show the creative commons license notice when you reprint this work.
Article Statistics
Word Count: 862

Total Views: 7332

Article Rating: 2.76 of 5
Votes Cast: 17

More Articles By Author:



Last Distribution Date:
2006-12-08 14:12:00

Internal ID: #4044





All Articles are Copyright © 2001-2023 of the Defined Authors.

All other material and images on this site are:
Copyright © 2001-2023, ThePhantomWriters.com