How to Write Knowledge, Skills, and Ability Statements for Federal Jobs

Give careful thought to make your KSAs as effective as possible.

Many federal positions require Knowledge, Skills and Abilities statements as part of the application process. KSAs are a series of qualities which you must show you possess. Well-written KSA statements support your resume and add details that will help you receive serious job consideration. An applicant putting little thought into writing KSAs is much less likely to get hired for a federal position.

Instructions

1. Understand the KSA statements. Knowledge is an organized body of information. This refers to knowledge of facts or procedures such as budgets, regulations and operational systems. A skill is the manipulation of an idea, person or thing. Skills might include equipment repair, second language proficiency or a trade such as carpentry. Ability is the capacity to perform a physical or mental activity. Examples of an ability include oral or written communication, organizing and planning work or mentoring staff.

2. Know what you should include on KSA statements. Include paid or unpaid experience, education, awards and positive quotes about you from letters your references wrote on your behalf.

3. Organize your personal information. This includes employment background, accomplishments, training, education, honors/awards and performance appraisals.

4. Learn as much about the job as you can. Read the vacancy announcement and the position description. As you read, match the listed KSAs with the listed skills and duties.

5. Match your skills with the KSA requirements. Write a narrative using the KSAs requested and your skills.

6. Take a break, then return to reread the KSAs you wrote. Revise and polish the statements. Use paragraphs and bullets when appropriate. After thoroughly polishing your KSAs, submit them as a part of your federal application.

Tips & Warnings

• Use specific or measurable terms on your KSAs.

• Use action words to describe personal experience.

• Don't use acronyms, especially if industry-specific.

References

• Making the Difference: Writing a KSA