Today’s volatile economic environment and expected layoffs means that many people will be searching for a new job. For many of you, a U.S. government job can offer security, excellent benefits, and interesting work. But be aware: competition for these jobs is intense and you have to stand out from all the other applicants to get a placement – that is where the KSA becomes a key opportunity you can use to get that government job.

What is a KSA?

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management maintains a searchable database, called USAJOBS that lists government job openings. Once you have signed up on line, you will find that specific position openings often require completion of a detailed description of your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) in addition to your resume.

Each job that requires a KSA will have specific KSA questions for you to answer usually in about a page of written content. This is not an optional task. You must do it and you must do it well. Each KSA answer is scored by human resources personnel on a 0-20 scale that reflects how closely your knowledge, skills, and abilities match the complexity, impact, variety, circumstances, and interactions that characterize the job for which you are applying. KSAs are frequently the deciding factor in your evaluation for employment in the U.S. government. So, what are KSAs? According to the CDC’s Help Page on KSAs:

Knowledge statements refer to an organized body of information usually of a factual or procedural nature which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible. A body of information applied directly to the performance of a function.

Skill statements refer to the proficient manual, verbal or mental manipulation of data or things. Skills can be readily measured by a performance test where quantity and quality of performance are tested, usually within an established time limit. Examples of proficient manipulation of things are skill in typing or skill in operating a vehicle. Examples of proficient manipulation of data are skill in computation using decimals; skill in editing for transposed numbers, etc.

Ability statements refer to the power to perform an observable activity at the present time. This means that abilities have been evidenced through activities or behaviors that are similar to those required on the job, e.g., ability to plan and organize work. Abilities are different from aptitudes. Aptitudes are only the potential for performing the activity.

How should you answer KSA questions to improve your chances of getting a government job?

The most effective answers to the KSA questions reflect your understanding of the job requirements based on detailed analysis of the job description and typical tasking. You should pay careful attention to the key words used in the job description and use those words in describing your knowledge, skills and abilities.

In general, knowledge is more abstract than skills and therefore can be generalized over many different tasks and responsibilities. Knowledge comes from academic and life experiences including, but not limited to, education and employment. Any knowledge that you possess that is pertinent to the job you are seeking is something you should include in your the KSA response.

It is a good idea to brainstorm by yourself and with others, what “knowledge” you should claim because you can demonstrate it via your written answers. For example let’s say the position requires “being able to organize a project”. Although your work experience did not provide the opportunity to manage a project, your experience running the PTA’s funding raising for a year, although an unpaid activity, could legitimately be claimed as “experience managing a project”. It is up to you to describe the knowledge you acquired in a way that translates to the job for which you are applying.

Think of skills as capabilities that can be tested i.e., understanding how a spreadsheet program can help manage a budget is knowledge; being able to create an Excel spreadsheet to track expenses is a skill. Extract skill requirements from the job posting and offer evidence that you possess those skills. For example, the position of Pharmacy Assistant requires knowledge demonstrated by certified training and skills acquired from previous experience handing drugs and working with customers.

How to write an effective KSA response

In responding to KSA questions, you are making assertions about your knowledge, skills, and abilities. You must then backup those assertions with believable evidence. You need to develop your KSA responses with an eye on two key variables: relevance of content and quality of presentation. The National Forest Service provides an excellent tutorial on do’s and don’ts of writing effective KSA responses.

Describe your knowledge, skills, and abilities in terms that tie directly to the job using keywords that you extract from the job posting. Then “prove” by specific examples what you can do because of what you did in the past and the context in which you did it. Put your compliance with key job requirements at the beginning of the appropriate KSA answer or the beginning of a paragraph. For example: If the job requires a degree in accounting, the first place you can say clearly, “I completed my accounting degree at XYZ University” do it; then continue to describe your experience in accounting tasks.

Numbers can be your friend when it comes to providing proof to your reviewers. Instead of saying, “I wrote reports” consider saying, “I prepared monthly reports on six field trials with a lead time of two days”.

Knowledge and skills can also be demonstrated by using an overview of your previous responsibilities with examples of specific tasks, by describing training or certifications you received, and by citing awards or recognition for accomplishments. Reviewers like to see action words in your KSA answers and that requires that you write in an active versus a passive voice. You should say: “I analyzed data …” not “Data was analyzed”. You can find a great list of action verbs at Job Skills – Power verbs.

In conclusion your KSA answers must:

? Be concise

? Be relevant

? Be specific

? Have quantitative examples

? Make it easy for reviewers to find your compliance with key job requirements

? Be action and accomplishment oriented

? Be well written with NO TYPOs and good sentence construction. It is a good idea to have someone else look over your answers before you send them because it is sometimes difficult to see your own mistakes.

Remember, KSA answers separate those who are qualified for a job from those who are most qualified.

It seems that the national car rental industry has now evolved into a developed state with the progress achieved in the past few years.

Over the past five years, most firms in the national car rental industry have been working towards enhancing their fleet sizes and to increase the profits. Enterprise currently the company with the largest fleet in the US has added 75,000 vehicles to its fleet since 2002 which help increase its number of facilities to 170 at the airports. Hertz, on the other hand, has increased its fleet by 25,000 vehicles and broadened its international presence in 150 counties as opposed to 140 in 2002. In addition, Avis has increased its fleet from 210,000 in 2002 to 220,000 despite recent economic adversities. Over the years following the economic downturn, although most companies in the industry were struggling, Enterprise among the industry leaders had been growing steadily.

Due to the increased attention of operator activity placed on offering more choice and variety there has a substantial increase in car rental figures. This has been particularly important in attempts to capture the general growth in tourist-related demand. On average, international tourists spend around one-sixth of their transport expenditure on car renting.

Also due to the greater amount of personal rentals and also increased number of companies renting cars national car rental volumes have increased. Institutional, economic, social and demographic changes all seem to have played a part in boosting the national car rental industry when considering the past 10 years.

Given the transformations that have taken place in the age structure, population distribution, and general developments within the economy the national car rental industry may continue in its line of success.

Picking and reserving a car model which has the features you desire is perhaps simplest when done through the internet. It is possible to rent a car for a day or even a year or two depending on what you require.

You should exercise caution when selecting a car though the national car industry seems to be booming and enjoying a season in the sun. Selecting a car which perfectly suits your purpose and also choosing a well reputed car rental operator is vital as there can be many operators renting out cars that are not maintained and serviced and are actually not suitable to be driven. A good knowledge on how cars work and also checking on the car rental agencies insurance policy couldn’t hurt!

When a person wants to plan a holiday or vacation in an area that is picturesque and peaceful, they will find that Waterfront cottages provides the perfect place to escape and get away. When planning your holiday you will want to select the cottage that is comfortable and can meet your vacation needs.

Cottages are a wonderful way to travel light. A person will find that all they need to bring is their clothing. Everything is provided in the cottage including a stocked kitchen. Picking up some groceries from the local market will have you enjoying a wonderful dinner at the cottage on your first night.

The cottages have a beautiful view and are near small towns or villages where the people are friendly and there is always one store or gathering place where you can sit an enjoy stories about the history of the area from the residents who live there.

A person may want to spend their vacation wondering through the stunning countryside and discovering the meadows and streams that feed to the lake. Or, you may want to fish or take a boat tour around the lake. When staying in the cottage, you will never feel like a stranger and will be participating in the local activities that take place during your stay.

The cottages are always equipped with everything that you will need during your stay. Most of the cottages have bicycles that are made available for you to enjoy biking along the trails and paths that surround the lake. You can hike along the trails and enjoy the wildlife and natural wonders of the area. The entire landscape appears untouched and you feel that you have taken a step out of time to a peaceful and slower place.

When you want to take part in activities in a larger town, you will be close enough to a large city to make the journey easily. There are clubs, dancing, and wonderful restaurants that serve both local and international cuisine. In the village, you can enjoy the many types of food that are indigenous to the local area. Fresh fruit, fish, and vegetables are used to make the kind of meals that will make you feel relaxed and at ease.

The reserves offer special treats as you explore the caverns and forest paths that have been in place for hundreds of years. The mature growth of forest that surround the cottage will give you the opportunity to exercise your imagination as the moon passes over a cloudless sky. Being so far from the city, you can count the stars that seem so close that you could easily grasp them from the sky.

For a writer, a day dreamer, or a person who just wants to escape the hustle of the city, a holiday at the Waterfront Cottages gives a person the escape that is needed to become relaxed and refreshed. You can spend time being part of a quiet community full of friendly people who are genuinely glad that you have come. A person can spend time enjoying the outdoor cafes or wandering around the lake and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of this beautiful place.