5 Secrets to Writing Great KSA Answers

With the state of the current economy, many employees who have been downsized are turning to the government – not so much for a handout, but for a job. The appeal lies in the benefits and relative security a government job offers. These benefits make the application process very competitive. Knowing how to "wow" Uncle Sam on your application may mean the difference between getting that government job and having to hit the pavement on an extended job search.

As you start the process of wooing the powers that be, you’re going to become very familiar with a set of initials that may be new to you: KSA. A KSA is a description of your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. Writing great KSA answers for government job applications will set you apart from the masses of people going for your job.

Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd:

1. Take it seriously. Some applicants try to scoot by without completing the KSA questions, but that’s a sure way to have your application rejected. Real people will read and score your KSA answers, so do your best to show them what your knowledge, skills, and abilities. This may make or break your chances at landing the job.

2. Look backwards with a fresh mindset. Some of your knowledge, skills, and abilities may not be directly related to positions you’ve held as an employee. Especially if you’ve been out of the workforce for a while, you may have developed knowledge, skills, and abilities through non-work related experiences, like community, school, church, or volunteer involvement. Just because you haven’t been paid to use these talents doesn’t make them any less valuable.

3. Ask for support. Your friends and family may be able to identify some areas of strength you don’t even recognize that you have. For you, some skills may come so easy that you think everyone can do it, and that may not be the case. By enlisting your friends and family to help you brainstorm, you’re less likely to overlook the knowledge, skills, and abilities that may set you apart from all of the other candidates.

4. Stay on the topic. You want to make sure to tie in each of your answers to the question you’re answering. Check to be sure that each sentence in your answer sticks to the point, which is how you are an excellent fit for the job you’re seeking. Consult the job requirements list frequently as you write, and make sure you address each requirement in your answer.

5. Quantify as much as you can. The more specific you can be about your results and qualifications, the better. Use numbers rather than generalities. For example, rather than saying you worked in an office where you answered several phone lines, give the number of lines. Or, instead of saying you planned your employer’s travel arrangements, state how many trips you planned.

After you’ve completed writing your KSA, also be sure to have a fresh pair of eyes review your work. Make sure you’ve caught any errors in spelling, grammar, or fact. Your KSA is an important part of your first impression – and taking the extra time to make sure it’s done well may make the difference between getting the job and continuing your search.

KSA Writing Secrets
Secrets to writing great KSA answers on government job applications.