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NEW!!!!! NEW!!!!! NEW!!!!! NEW!!!!! NEW!!!!! NEW!!!!! NEW!!!!! NEW!!!!!
The Federal Career Corner will now include a FEDERAL CAREER COACH FEATURE QUESTION to address a topic in each newsletter that is important to you! The questions are from the Resume Place Federal Job Forum at http://www.federalresumeplace.com/forum/index.php?a=forum&f=5&PHPSESSID=5e8157f330a86c5eb6ccc73fb01351bc.
This issue’s FEDERAL CAREER COACH FEATURE QUESTION:
"The Challenge of Answering Multiple Skill KSAs"
The FEDERAL CAREER CORNER(TM) is a free bi-monthly e-newsletter sponsored by The Resume Place, Inc., Kathryn K. Troutman, President; Jessica Coffey, Managing Editor, editor@resume-place.com.
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WHAT'S IN THIS NEWSLETTER?
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FEDERAL CAREER COACH FEATURE QUESTION
The Challenge of Answering Multiple Skill KSAs
Federal Jobseeker Question:
What is the best way to handle "Narrative"-type questions? Here is one that appears to be a combination of KSAs:
"Please tell us about your experience leading, analyzing, designing and developing criterion which measure and deal with complex computer systems, automation projects, and technical data processing systems; providing technical consulting services on matters relating to computer hardware/software; and formulating and recommending new or modified existing short- and long-range plans and schedules."
Federal Career Coach Response:
You are right, this is a challenging KSA with multiple questions in one request. The Federal human resources (HR) reviewers will have to rate you on your answer to this question. We don’t know if they will give points for each component of the question, we don’t know if they want you to respond to each section of the question, and we don’t know if you should answer them separately. Therefore, I will give you my best recommendation, so that you can make it easy to read, understand and get rated and ranked by Federal HR. And, so the supervisor can understand your answer and be impressed with your expertise.
- Break up the KSA into elements and turn them into questions so they are easier to understand:
What is your experience leading, analyzing, designing and developing criterion which measure and deal with complex computer systems, automation projects, and technical data processing systems;
What is your experience in technical consulting services on matters relating to computer hardware/software;
What is your experience in formulating and recommending new or modified existing short- and long-range plans and schedules?
- Key Words - Recognize that there are key words in each of these questions. Use these words in your examples/answers.
What is your experience leading, analyzing, and designing and developing criterion which measure and deal with complex computer systems, automation projects, and technical data processing systems?
What is your experience in technical consulting services on matters relating to computer hardware/software?
What is your experience in formulating and recommending new or modified existing short- and long-range plans and schedules?
- Examples - Give an example for each of the three elements of the question. They are each quite different, so make sure your examples support each question. Most KSAs are 2/3rds to 1 page each in length. Since you have three questions, each example should be approximately 350 – 400 characters long. Give examples that will demonstrate your expertise so that the reviewers can envision your performance in their organization.
Example using the CCAR Model (Context, Challenge, Action, Result):
What is your experience leading, analyzing, designing and developing criterion which measure and deal with complex computer systems, automation projects, and technical data processing systems?
Context: My agency was procuring the services of an IT vendor to upgrade our enterprise network to the latest Windows operating systems. We had had less than satisfactory service from our previous IT provider and we wanted to make sure to address this in our future contract.
Challenge: I was tasked to come up with the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) that would be used in the contract. This was a very new requirement and something my organization had not done before.
Actions: I led a team over a period of a month to gather the requirements, and coordinated the following actions of the team:
(1) We met with the Contracting Officer to understand the government procurement requirements for this project.
(2) We researched Service Level Agreements on the web – looking for best practices.
(3) We contacted counterparts in other organizations and discussed and documented how they had used SLAs.
(4) We met with our Department heads to understand what was important to them in our IT service delivery.
(5) I drafted up a set of SLAs and got feedback from our user groups and section heads and then submitted them to the Contracting Officer.
Results: The SLAs were used during the procurement process and in the management of our current vendor. They have made a significant difference in communicating with the vendor and getting the computing and networking service that we want. They have also served as a model to other organizations in our agency.
- Proofread and Edit - Read your answers carefully and have someone else read and edit what you have written. This is like an exam question and you want to get the highest possible grade, impress the teacher/HR reviewer and show that you are the BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB!
Good luck with your KSA writing! Kathryn, Federal Career Coach
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR KSA WRITING:
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FEDERAL JOB NEWS
- OPM Studies Show Heightened Interest in Federal Careers
"(Survey) respondents said that a federal career appealed to them more than one in the private sector by a ratio of 6 to 1. And nearly two-thirds of respondents said they were more interested in government work today than they were a few years ago. Eighty-five percent of the job fair respondents said "helping people and making a difference" made federal work appealing." Read Shawn Zeller’s entire story from www.govexec.com at http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0704/070104sz1.htm
- The Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) seeks to offer more telework positions to increase employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
"Workers with disabilities are an untapped resource for employers. As such, ODEP supports the creative use of alternative employment strategies and employment supports such as assistive technology, housing and transportation for people with disabilities," said Roy Grizzard, ODEP's assistant secretary.
Questions about the telework solicitation (SGA 04-12), which appeared in the July 8, 2004 Federal Register, should be directed to the US Labor Department Procurement Services Center, Room N-5416, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20210, Telephone (202) 693-4570. Grant applications may be downloaded from the Federal Register at www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html.
- Reasons for Hiring Delays as Varied as the Jobs
"Near the end of a House hearing yesterday, Rep. Jo Ann S. Davis (R-Va.) asked the question many federal job applicants ask: Why does it take so long to get hired in the government?"
There are several obvious reasons, and probably many far less obvious ones. Some federal employers find they lose time by reading so many applications and conducting interviews, others wait until an employee leaves before beginning the replacement process, and still others find it takes a long time to find individuals to serve on panels to assess and interview the applicants. OPM wants more timely offers to be made -- read Stephen Barr's full July 13th article at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48012-2004Jul13.html?referrer%3Demail.
- Did You Know? -- Federal Internship Programs Get Participants Permanent Positions!
(from "Agencies Step Up Efforts to Steer Interns Toward Government Careers," Stephen Barr, Washington Post, Tuesday, July 13, 2004; Page B02)
Last year, the Student Career Experience Program, a government intern program, had 15,756 participants, and 19 percent of them were converted to permanent civil service jobs, according to data collected by the Partnership for Public Service.
"Agencies are starting to recognize that these student interns are a great source of talent. . . . They can basically skim the cream from that talent pool by using the conversion authority and making job offers to the best students," said John Palguta, a vice president at the partnership.
- Ask Kathryn -- FEDERAL JOB SEARCH FORUM
The Resume Place has a New Federal Job Search Forum! This is a FREE service to facilitate communication about federal job search challenges by jobseekers, federal career professionals, and human resources managers. Kathryn Troutman, Federal Job Search Expert and Career Coach, will respond to your questions and other federal jobseekers might write back with insight they have discovered as well. There will be a lot of interesting, helpful information shared. Please join our forums at: http://www.federalresumeplace.com/forum/index.php?a=forum&f=5&PHPSESSID=5e8157f330a86c5eb6ccc73fb01351bc
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INTERVIEW SAVVY with Jessica Coffey
What to say and how to say it...
Rate Yourself On a Scale of 1 - 10
Recently, several clients have shared with us that they have been asked the question, "On a scale of 1 – 10, how confident are you of your skills in ______?" With this sort of question, employers are checking to see your level of self-confidence and ego-factor. Often done as a test to assess what type of person you are (sometimes unfairly), this question really sets you up to either overstate or understate your abilities. Give yourself a 10 and you come across as too self-confident. One client gave himself an 11 to impress the interviewer and prove how well he knew the subject matter, and the interviewer later told him that he came across as too full of himself. But give yourself a 6, 7, or even an 8 and you seem to be lacking confidence, perhaps an underachiever without sufficient knowledge to perform the job.
So what is your best bet? To honestly acknowledge that probably no one knows everything there is to know (which is why you will not give yourself a 10), but based on your qualifications, which are… (LIST THEM), you would rate yourself somewhere between an 8 and a 9. Also mention how you are always seeking to learn more to improve your skills in that particular area and remain on the cutting edge (and tell them HOW you are doing this.)
I was told once that one particular employer recommended not giving any number, simply switching the emphasis to your qualifications and segueing into another area. This could work unless the employer comes back and asks you for a number. They can be tricky like that!
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SES TIPS from Susan Custard
SES Candidate Development Programs
As you are looking for an opportunity to find a Senior Executive Service (SES) position, don’t overlook the possibility of an SES Candidate Development Program (CDP). CDPs are competitive programs designed to create pools of qualified candidates for SES positions. CDPs include a variety of activities that prepare candidates for success in the SES. In addition, CDPs advance the goal of a "corporate SES," a creative group of career executives who share a Government-wide perspective. CDP graduates share experiences which provide values and a common identity that reach beyond their individual professions or agencies. They are well-positioned to lead change both within their agencies and throughout Government.
All CDP's announcements require applicants to address the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ's) that embody the leadership skills needed to succeed in the SES. These skills apply to all SES positions and are in addition to the technical qualifications that agencies specify for particular positions. The Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM's) Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications describes these leadership skills (competencies) and the behaviors associated with the ECQ's.
Typically, CDPs are 18-24 months and are open to GS-14s/15s or employees at equivalent levels from within or outside the Federal Government. Each agency decides how large its program will be, and who may apply, based on its executive resources needs.
Agencies use merit staffing procedures to select participants for their CDPs, and most CDP vacancies are announced Government-wide. After certification by an OPM-administered Qualifications Review Board (QRB), CDP graduates, who competed at least government-wide, are eligible for noncompetitive career appointment to any SES position for which they meet the professional/technical qualifications requirements. (Note that QRB certification does not guarantee placement in the SES.)
Agencies may tailor CDPs to meet their particular succession planning needs and organizational missions. However, programs must include the following items required by 5 CFR 412.104:
- An Individual Development Plan (IDP), based on individual needs and competencies;
- At least 80 hours of training that addresses the ECQ's and includes individuals from outside the candidate's agency;
- At least four months of developmental assignments outside the candidate's position of record; and
- An SES mentor.
Current CDP vacancies are listed in OPM's Government-wide employment information system (www.usajobs.opm.gov).
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CAREER PRO INFO
Helpful information for federal career advisors and trainers.
- Client Tip #5: Be Specific in Order to Help Set Your Client Apart From The Competition
It is easy to fall in the habit of using catch phrases such as “highly motivated,” “detail-oriented,” “effective communicator,” “team player,” etc., to summarily describe your clients' skills. In fact, with the emphasis of key words for on-line submissions, and Skills Summaries to provide a quick overview, it can be difficult to avoid throwing such terms and descriptions into your clients’ resumes. However, it is important that you do not rely on them to effectively sell your clients’ skills. The words alone do not show the employer what the candidate has done. The best approach is to "show them the money," so to speak, and provide quantitative and qualitative examples of each of your client’s specific knowledge, skills, and abilities. CMI’s Career Master’s E-Bridge recently ran an article on this topic, and in it, Chris Shoulet, of Top Dog Recruiting Inc., says, "Show, don't tell what you've accomplished. Rather than saying, 'Results-oriented professional', why not say, 'Number-one sales rep for 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003?'"
- Federal Resume Writer & Coach Certification Program (CFRWC)
Web Conference & Teleclass Program -- No travel expense or time away from your job.
The CFRWC program is a 13-week Web Conference/Teleclass Program with Kathryn Troutman. If you are a career professional, counselor, or resume writer who helps jobseekers consider and tackle the Federal job search process, then you will greatly appreciate this certification training program. Help your clients consider the government, analyze vacancy announcements, advise them on the best positions and write/edit federal and electronic resumes. The 13-week web conference covers all of the important elements you need to help jobseekers.
Cost: $895 (includes a one-year's subscription to the Federal Career Pro Newsletter, a 20-page monthly print newsletter with the latest Federal human resources news and information for career professionals and trainers. Articles on training strategies, best practices, exercises and success stories for career coaches and trainers working with federal jobseekers).
It's not too late to sign up for the current class that began July 12 and will run through October 11! For more information about dates and registration, visit: www.resume-place.com/workshops/fedrescertification.html or call (888) 480-8265 to discuss the program.
- Federal Job Search Trainer Certification Program (CFJST)
http://www.resume-place.com/workshops/certification.html
Register now -- the next dates for the Federal Job Search Trainer Workshop are:
August 4, 5, 6
Location: Columbia, MD; Loyola College, 20 minutes from BWI Airport
Cost: $1095 per person (includes five Federal job search publications; PowerPoints valued at $250; and a one-year's subscription to the Federal Career Pro Newsletter, a 20-page monthly print newsletter with the latest Federal human resources news and information for career professionals and trainers. Articles on training strategies, best practices, exercises and success stories for career coaches and trainers working with federal jobseekers).
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UPCOMING WORKSHOPS, PRESENTATIONS, & EVENTS
Learn More About Federal Resume and KSA Writing Basics, Where to Find Federal Jobs, and How to Analyze Announcements
The Resume Place will offer a FREE hour-long teleclass on Thursday (August date TBA), at 12 noon, EST. A great time to ask your federal career questions. Sign up now.
Attend Resume "Take COntrol of YOur Federal Career," Place's Four-Part Workshop Series
SIgn Up for August or Spetempber Classes!
- Course 1: Vacancy Announcement Search & Key Word Analysis
(Monday, August 2 or Monday, September 13)
- Course 2: Federal Resumes That Compete - The Newest Techniques in Federal Resume Writing (Monday, August 9, or Monday, September 20)
- Course 3: Writing your KSAs with the CCAR - Your Best Stories!
(Monday, August 23, or Monday, September 27)
- Course 4: Electronic Resume Writing Strategies - Keywords, Accomplishments & Standing Out! (Monday, August 30, or Monday, October 4)
Click here to find out more!
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__________________________________________________________________________ RESUME PLACE SUCCESS STORIES
- I Was Selected!
Katherine Troutman was a speaker at my agency about a year ago…and we had some of her books on hand…Federal Resume Guidebook and Ten Steps to a Federal Job. I read over the materials and I rewrote my resume. I did apply for some positions at other agencies and I was able to make the cert list every time. I think the reason I didn’t get those positions were more so on my ability to effectively communicate during the interview. I’d just get real nervous. Well this last time out. I wrote mini stories for my KSA’s and I fine-tuned my resume using her books, but not only did I get on the cert list but I was selected!!!!
I now recommend her books to everyone who is seeking other opportunities within the federal government or those who want entrance!!!! Thanks so much!
- Firefighter Gets Permanent Position!
I was a temporary GS-05 firefighter for over a year at West Point Military Academy. I had submitted for a permanent job once before, and did not make the Best Qualified list. As a temporary employee, (with no benefits or job security), I had to apply as an external candidate for any permanent position. These positions are highly competitive -- when the job posted for a full-time, permanent position, they only accepted the first 30 applications. I wanted to make the top of the list! I found The Resume Place web site one day, while I was looking for KSA samples. I knew the West Point position would come out again and planned on having my KSAs done through The Resume Place. What I didn't know was that the position would come out when I was on vacation in Vegas. I was faced with not only getting the KSAs done, but a resume also. We worked quickly, and submitted the application before the 30-applicant cut-off. And, I came back in the top three for the open position. Number one and two on the list were veterans! Not including their veterans' points or depending on their skills, I would have been number one on the list of eligible people. The veteran who came in first was hired and is currently working at the other fire station in West Point. The number two veteran position I believe turned down the offer. So I was the next one on the list. A firefighter at West Point left to go to another base and they backfilled her spot with me from the same list. There wasn't an interview for the position -- I was hired based on good merit, and because I was already working there, I was just selected. This was the best investment I have ever made. The results were fantastic and it landed me my permanent job. Now I have benefits and a retirement fund.
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__________________________________________________________________________ THE RESUME PLACE PRODUCTS & SERVICES @ http://www.resume-place.com/shop/
The Resume Place Has a New Book --
"Student's Federal Career Guidebook & CD-ROM, Ten Steps to Top Jobs and Internships in Government"
Authors: Kathryn Troutman and daughter Emily Troutman
Accepting Pre-Publication Orders –$21.95 – Available in September!
COPIES WILL BE AUTOGRAPHED FOR FIRST 300 BOOKS SOLD
Call (888) 480-8265 to Order Now!
Federal Resume Edit and Design
Have you written your Federal resume, but would like a professional editor and designer to improve your draft? Send us your draft and for just $250, we'll edit and design your federal or private industry resume. http://www.resume-place.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=49b4819720199bb90ab4820dab6b7eec
Interview Training
Get ready for your next interview with general interview prep materials, position-specific questions to practice with, a telephone mock interview, plus a critique and Q+A session. Work with an expert Interview Coach to learn strategies that will help you Win the Job! www.resume-place.com/shop/?page=shop/browse&category_id=8ff6b75552eeed41fffc4ab8099a1f6f
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SHARE THE NEWSLETTER WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS
Please share our newsletter with friends, customers, and co-workers!
Simply copy and paste the text between the stars below and send the e-mail! The entire newsletter can be read on-line! Suggested Subject Line: From your name - The Federal Career Corner Newsletter, Late July 2004
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FEDERAL CAREER CORNER™, Volume 2, No. 10, Late July 2004
The latest Federal Job Search news from The Resume Place, Inc. and Kathryn Troutman, Publisher
Featuring: "The Challenge of Answering Multiple Skill KSAs," Federal Job News, Interview Tips, SES Info., and much more!
Read the entire online newsletter here:
www.resume-place.com/newsletter/vol_2_issue_10.html
Sign up here for our free bi-monthly newsletter: lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs.aspx?customerid=18651
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__________________________________________________________________________ CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FEDERAL CAREER CORNER NEWSLETTER
Please write to us with websites, success stories, job search tips, article ideas, and questions that we can use in the Federal Career Corner Newsletter. Send your ideas to Jessica Coffey, Managing Editor, at editor@resume-place.com.
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__________________________________________________________________________ THE MAILING LIST
Please refer our free bi-monthly Federal Career Corner newsletter to your colleagues and friends. Sign up now for the mailing list.
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