Expert: Laszlo Bockh - 10/24/2000

Question
What is a good source of information on how to write effective KSAs?  I work for the National Park Service as a clerk.  I want to work as a Computer Specialist.  I have taken some classes and I help coworkers with using computers and software.  However, I am not comfortable writing KSAs for job applications.  

Thank you.

Please visit my web site of Photos of Chickasaw National Recreation Area, a National Park in Oklahoma http://chickasaw.homestead.com

Answer
Thanks for your question and congratulations on working on your career.

The best source that I have found on KSAs is Kathryn Kraemer Troutman, of The Resume Place.  She writes a weekly column for Government Executive magazine; many of her columns deal with KSAs.  You can read the columns at URL http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1000/102400cc.htm (for the current column).  (The URL for the magazine is http://www.govexec.com/ and there is a Career Corner link on this page.)

Toutman's own web site is at URL http://www.resume-place.com/  The Resume Place site is a commercial site and is aimed at selling you materials related to KSAs and resumes, but it also has free content that will help you.  I believe you will find much that is useful here.  After you get familiar with the material you may want to buy some of her stuff.  (I have no relationship with her or her site.)

Hope this helps, and good luck in your career change work.

Regards,

Laszlo Bockh