Almost everyone calls them "KSAs" and while that may be as good a name as any, how you, the candidate, view them can determine your success (or failure) in obtaining that once-in-a lifetime job. Although you may not appreciate the fact while you struggle to present your talents both on paper and in a structured interview, this process does allow you to convince the Selecting Official that you are what he/she has been looking for in a candidate. The process is not complicated. You just need to draw on your past experiences, education and/or training that prove you can do the job-hopefully better than others in the candidate pool.
Objective
The objective of this procedure is to provide guidance in assuring that all qualified candidates receive fair and equal consideration for support positions based on merit principles. It is based on the premise that the best predictor of future performance is past performance in similar situations and is designed to ensure that the agency is staffed by the most qualified candidates available.
Personnel staffing decisions will be based on valid job-related criteria without regard to religious affiliation or nonaffiliation, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or nondisqualifying physical or mental disability, political affiliation, marital status, or reprisal.
Personnel staffing decisions will be based on job-related criteria without personal favoritism.
Completing KSAs
In order to complete the support position application process, you are asked to identify your major accomplishments as they relate to the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) required for the position for which you are applying. Each KSA requires you to draw on your past experience, education or training that demonstrates that you possess the particular KSA.
In addition to pasting your resume in the designated area, you must also provide a detailed written submission responding to each KSA. Please number and write the KSA followed by your response. Address each KSA listed separately. Do not combine KSA's and give one answer. The submission responding to each KSA should include a detailed narrative highlighting your past experience, education and/or training which further justifies that you possess the specific requirements for the position.
Please indicate clearly the proper KSA with the appropriate response. Please note that each KSA must be answered in order to be considered for the position.
Definition of Terms
Knowledge: A body of information, usually of a factual or procedural nature, which, when applied, makes acceptable performance on the job possible.
Skills: The proficient manual, verbal or mental manipulation daata or things. A skill can be observed quantified and improved with practice or training.
Abilities: The power to perform an observable activity or behavior which results in an observable product or consequence.