Resume and KSA services

[skibum]

I really don't like writing KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, Ability) not to mention I'm terrible at it. I have no confidence in my writing ability and therefor would be more than happy to pay someone to write them for me.

I found a few services online and even a web site comparing each company, however, I would like first hand opinions and advice on which service to use. Or am I the only SOB willing to pay for this?

[retdetsgt]

To do what? If you want to be in LE, forget it then. The ability to write a report explaining and outlining our actions, what we saw, etc. is incredibly important in this job, no matter what level we are. If you don't have decent writing skills, you won't last through your probationary period.

[Safety Steve]

Instead of writing a clear and concise report, u culd jst pt it in txt form and jst say refr to video! ttyl



Be Safe.

[schoromanski]

skibum,

KSA's are suppose to be eliminated. No federal agencies will require them soon. The big O has signed legislation saying they are an unfair practice. But anyway, if you do research online on how to write.. a "knowledge > skill > ability" you can do it yourself.

Look up how to do a federal resume, they are much different than regular resumes plus they talk about how to structure your words, format etc.

[retdetsgt]

The big O has signed legislation saying they are an unfair practice.

God forbid we discriminate against the illiterate......

[skibum]

It's for a promotional opportunity for a non-LE position. Having no experience writing KSAs I figured I would pay someone to almost guarantee being placed on the best qualified list. Then again maybe I'm just getting too anxious at the thought of writing multiple 8000 word essays.

Thanks for the advice.

[Switchback]

Some of us understand that KSAs are designed to be a gauge of your communication skills and they serve as the 1st stage of the selction process. Despite having no experience in writing them, some people (like myself) commonly still "make the grade."

Maybe you can find a "pinch hitter" service for your interview, too.

[skibum]

Maybe you can find a "pinch hitter" service for your interview, too.

I would if I could

Funny you say that because just recently I didn't make the second round of interviews for a different position. The KSAs that I wrote got me on the best qualified list but I'm sure that the combination of the quality of the KSAs, or lack of, and the interview itself contributed to my removal for consideration. Better written KSAs would give me more of an edge I suppose.

I'm young and as for the interview process there's nothing I can do but practice, even though a higher pay grade would be AWESOME.

Lot's of good advice on here for interview tips though!

[MikeG]

skibum,

KSA's are suppose to be eliminated. No federal agencies will require them soon. The big O has signed legislation saying they are an unfair practice. But anyway, if you do research online on how to write.. a "knowledge > skill > ability" you can do it yourself.

Look up how to do a federal resume, they are much different than regular resumes plus they talk about how to structure your words, format etc.

Obama has eliminated Knowledge, Skills and Abilities for federal jobs? I am not surprised but if he is going to take over health care I am a bit worried. Or I may need a new job. "Yes, I'd like to be a Government Neurosurgeon. I understand that Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are no longer required which makes me very qualified for this position."

[Switchback]

I would if I could

Funny you say that because just recently I didn't make the second round of interviews for a different position. The KSAs that I wrote got me on the best qualified list but I'm sure that the combination of the quality of the KSAs, or lack of, and the interview itself contributed to my removal for consideration. Better written KSAs would give me more of an edge I suppose.

I'm young and as for the interview process there's nothing I can do but practice, even though a higher pay grade would be AWESOME.

Lot's of good advice on here for interview tips though!

Don't use being young as an excuse. I was 24 when I was hired as an 1811... and it was back before the "special" hiring intiatives, when ANYONE could apply. It can be done... and NO, I was not that good. I had a degree, military and no LE experience... by no means was I anything special (well, maybe a little "short-bus special", but that is another story).

[skibum]

Yeah, you're right. Sitting here thinking about it, I could be and should be applying for every job on USAJOBS.gov across the US for the sole purpose of experience.

Thanks for that last post.

[Kimble]

The best advice I was given for writing KSA's was to use the "STAR" method (i.e. Situation, TAsk, and Results). Put simply, if a KSA asks if you can communicate orally and in writing well you don't just answer "Yes, I can do that." Instead you give examples of how in previous work experience you had a time (situation) that called for you to demonstrate your communications skills (task) which ultimately led to the job getting done or a problem being solved (results). Basically you just write about how your past experience meets the required knowledge/skill/ability the KSA is calling for.