When you apply for a Federal Government position, you will note that some Federal job announcements require additional statements. These statements are known as KSAs - Knowledge, Skills, and Ability statements. They also may be called Selective Factors, Key Elements, TQs (Technical Qualification statements), or KSAOs (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics). If they are asked for, they are required. KSAs are one of the most critical components in earning best qualified status and getting interviewed for federal jobs.

For many announcements, these questions are separate 3/4 to 1 page answers to questions related to the job for which you are applying. Other announcements may specify other lengths - or may ask you to include answers to the KSAs in your RESUMIX resume. Some announcements require you to cut and paste your KSA answers in an online application. You will need to read each announcement carefully for its particular requirements. We can help you to read these announcements to determine what is required.

KSAs can be difficult questions to answer. Each KSA will be graded from 5 to 20 points per answer - and are critical in being ranked as "qualified" or "best qualified". KSAs are similar to short stories that represent your experience answered in the form of a story to support the KSA question. We offer our expertise in writing these statements, highlighting your experience to ensure maximum KSA ranking.

With the advent of the Internet, it is now easy to find job openings within the Federal Government. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has a website, USAJobs, which allows potential applicants to search most positions being posted for civilian employees. Go to www.usajobs.opm.gov. The search is very detailed in criteria, and is much easier to use than in the past. Positions from most Federal agencies may be found using this system.

If the job is identified as Public, generally all US Citizens can apply for it. If the announcement states it is for Status Candidates Only, one must read the announcement carefully to determine who is eligible. Generally, in this case, Federal Government employees, military spouses or veterans who have separated in the past 3 years or who are eligible for veteran preference points may be considered as Status Candidates. If it says Agency Employees Only, it is open only to currently employed civil servants in that agency and other job seekers are not eligible to apply.

The announcement will indicate the date on which the announcement closes. Application materials must be submitted according to the instructions in the announcement, by the closing date (and sometimes closing time). The announcement will detail how to submit materials - the process is announcement specific. Depending on the announcement, an applicant may be required to file online, by fax, by email, by hand delivery or by mail.

This question is often tricky to answer. You must read the job description and qualification criteria very carefully to ensure you meet and/or exceed all experience requirements. In general, the resumes selected for further consideration contain pertinent keywords, with dynamic statements showing how the applicant has experience in performing the duties required for the job and meets the qualification criteria. When one reads an announcement, they should ask themselves whether they have performed or accomplished that particular function previously AND if they have any demonstrated success in doing so.

For federal jobs, an applicant's background MUST match the stated requirements for the job. For example, if a degree is stated as required, it is required. If certification, including DAWAI contracting certification, is stated as a requirement, it is required. If the vacancy announcement has a desirable qualification, but one that is not mandatory, you may still apply, but your competition may have the desirable qualification requested, therefore earning a best qualified rating while you do not.

If the announcement indicates a resume or OF-612 is acceptable for application, a paper resume will need to be developed. We call this a federal resume which is developed in MS-Word format. If an online format is required, generally a link or an "Apply Online" button is contained within the announcement. Clicking on the link or button will bring the user to the agency's website with further instructions on how to apply for the job. If an online application is required, an applicant must be sure to follow all the instructions on how to file. These can be quite involved and confusing - each online application has its own requirements. Instructions are shown online, however some of the instructions are more complicated than others.

If a paper federal resume application is required, it may be submitted by hand, by mail or fax. Based on discussions with hiring authorities, with delays in mail due to terrorist concerns, it is recommended an applicant uses overnight services other than the US Mail - with a return receipt. In addition, if faxing is an option, it is recommended - as is saving the documentation that it was sent. Receipts can serve as documented proof that an application was submitted on time if the application is lost. Save your fax receipt as a confirmation if faxing your application is permitted.

While the Federal Government continues to attempt to standardize its on-line hiring systems, this will not like be accomplished any time in the near future. With that said, there are numerous federal application formats, both paper and on-line -- to name a few: Quickhire, USAjobs, AVUE Digital, Army CPOL, Navy CHARTS, Cool, and the list goes on. Depending upon the federal agency to which you wish to apply, you must find out its specific requirements for its on-line resume builders.

We recommend that you build several federal resume formats if you are seeking a specific general schedule series or pay band and you are not set on working for a specific federal agency. The difference in federal formats include character counts for various application elements, and If you build several formats you will be prepared to apply instantaneously to many federal agencies when vacancy announcements open for your particular general schedule or pay band. KSAwriters.com offers special discounts if you purchase two or more federal formats at the same time.

Other than your federal resume and KSAs, more documentation may be required to include: a DD-214 form (for veterans), the previously mentioned SF15 form, SF-50 forms (if already a civilian employee), transcripts or a declaration for public employment, OF-310. If documentation is required, send it according the directions in the announcement. If it is not requested, do not send it.

Read the vacancy announcement carefully. If the vacancy announcement states that you should not include a cover letter, and then do not. Many agencies will immediately disqualify you if you submit one when they have asked that you do not. Again, follow the directions in the vacancy announcement.

We recommend that we write both your KSAs and Federal Resume. By doing this, you will submit a complete package that represents you at your best, with both the Federal Resume and KSAs including all pertinent information. However, if you think your Federal Resume is already a polished document, we are happy just to write your KSAs.

The Resume Review - "Personnel/HR Departments generally screen applications for basic qualification requirements and narrow the pool to a group of Best Qualified Candidates." Applications are then generally forwarded to Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) and/or an evaluation panel and rated on a points system. The Resume Review also notes, "A list of 'Best Qualified Candidates' is referred to the selecting official for interview consideration."

Basic Qualified Candidate: Person who meets all the minimum qualifications requirements established by OPM and the appropriate selective factors. Best Qualified Candidate: Basic qualified candidate who ranks among the top when compared with other eligible candidates.

Some agencies will mail or email status to the client. For online formats, some agencies provide the status online. Response time differs by announcement; it can be days or weeks, or even months before you receive a reply. We have known interviews to take place as long as 6-9 months after receiving a best qualified designation and referral for a specific job. Be patient. You may call the contact phone number on the announcement if you do not get an interview or the application is rejected. Through the phone call, an applicant can find out what was missing or what needed additional clarification for future applications. In addition, at times, applications are not read correctly by the examiner and in these cases, applicants can gain reconsideration for the position.

For the past 20 years, our team of Certified Federal Resume Writers and Coaches have prepared over 30,000 resumes. When an employer hires someone to fill an important position they review candidates for specific experience, certifications, education, and accomplishments essential to meet their immediate position requirements. When selecting a federal resume service to develop your federal resume and KSAs, our team is the industry leader in all the aforementioned criteria. So, wouldn't it make sense to hire our team to fit your high standards in assisting you in this very important process? With a 99.6% customer satisfaction rate, over 30,000 successful resumes developed, and a 48% referral rate, our team has a 20-year proven track record backed by a results-driven and quality product. It only makes sense to select and expect the best when hiring a partner to help you in this very important process. Hire us… you will be amazingly pleased with the outcome!