Friday, November 29, 2019

KSAs in the Federal Resume

KSAs in the Federal ResumeKSAs in the Federal ResumeKSAs in the Federal ResumeJohn Berry, Director of the Office of Personnel Management, is planning to eliminate the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) essays during his term in reservierung to make federal applications less cumbersome. govexec.com/dailyfed/0310/031610p1.htmEven so, it is still important to demonstrate in your federal job application that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform a job. How do I recommend that you do that? Include the KSAs in your federal resume In fact, vacancy announcements are already listing KSAs in the qualifications section with the note that the KSAs should be included in the text of the resume.The best way to make your KSAs stand out in the federal resume is to use our recommended Outline Format Resume for USAJOBS and other online builders. The sample federal resume in this article, which is in USAJOBS format, includes the KSAs found in the vacancy announcement.Re commend Format for KSAs in the Federal ResumeThe Outline Format for your federal resume was first developed in 2000 when Department of Defense agencies introduced the Resumix system. The Resumix system is a keyword system and is still the resume format used today by Army, Navy, and Department of Defense agencies. The Outline Format features keywords that could be the search terms used by the human resources specialists and supervisors.The KSAs can also be highlighted in the Outline Format by carefully selecting KSA keywords as the paragraph headers, then formatting these headers in ALL CAPS so that the information is very clear to the human resources specialist. The sample federal resume below clearly features the KSAs from Duties Qualifications and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities statements listed in the announcement.Readability is Key to Success for KSAs in the Federal ResumeFederal resumes posted in USAJOBS are read by federal human resources specialists, not a machine or artifi cial intelligence system. Being able to easily find the KSAs in the federal resume will make it easier to determine that you are Best Qualified for a certain position. Using a limited amount of ALL CAPS in your USAJOBS or builder resume can help HR and the supervisor see your KSAs and specialized experience.How to Include KSAs or Qualifications in Your Federal Resume1. Find the KSAs in the announcement in the Qualifications section.2. Copy them into a Word file.3. Copy the KSA into your resume.4. Match your current resume duties and accomplishments to the KSAs.5. Create the Outline Format, so that the KSAs stand out for the HR specialist.6. Write a description of your skills in each KSA area and give a short example if you can. It is important to give an example that demonstrates your past performance for each KSA.7. Write the KSA information within the Work Experience section of your resume.8. Emphasize the KSA skills within the brde 10 years if you can.9. Emphasize the KSA skills within the most recent one or two positions if you can.10. Give example for the KSAs if you can. This will improve your chances of being best qualified.KSAs in the Resume Sample Outline Format from USAJOBSThe KSAs for this position are the following TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM SUPPORT to an analytical workforce. DATA COLLECTION Gather, evaluate, and compile variety of data and information to report progress. REPORT PRODUCTION AND DATABASE ADMINISTRATION CUSTOMER SERVICES AND OFFICE ADMINISTRATIONSARA JACOBS4567 Dandelion WayWashington, DC 20009Mobile 202-222-2323Email smjacobsverizon.netWORK EXPERIENCE Federal Bureau of Investigation, Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate8/2009 PresentWashington, DC US Grade Level GS-07Salary 52,794 USD Per YearHours per week 40Management and Program Assistant, 0344TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM SUPPORT to an analytical workforce. As the sole Management Assistant to 10 Analysts, I support higher-level analysts in research and analysis of weapons of mass destruction. Conduct special research projects as assigned or as a team member. Support analysts with administrative tasks and assist in conducting studies concerning research on weapons of mass destruction.DATA COLLECTION Gather, evaluate, and compile variety of data and information to report progress. The analysts depend on me to compile and write drafts of final reports to include editing for obvious omissions or errors, as well as einhaltung with established format. Produce charts and graphics with content provided by analysts and original research.REPORT PRODUCTION AND DATABASE ADMINISTRATION I am the quality-control check and proofread reports and other documents for correct information. Coordinate administrative requirements with other Dept. of Homeland Security offices. I maintain the WMD databases, identify trends/patterns, compile reports, and apply data-gathering methods to collect information.CUSTOMER SERVICES AND OFFICE ADMINISTRATION I am the primary po int of contact for the Directorate Analysts. I also hold primary responsibility for administrative programs and ensure compliance with all procedural requirements.ACCOMPLISHMENTS+ Updated the WMD database with more than 2 months of data collected by the analysts. Created a spreadsheet with the updated information to summarize data collected, as well as news summaries from major news outlets. Received recognition from my supervisor for attention to detail.+ Developed a spreadsheet to maintain project status of the Analysts research, which was posted for easy access and 247 viewing. This resulted in less repetition in research and immediate information on available date. (Contact Supervisor Yes, Supervisors personenname Joette Zimmerman, Supervisors Phone 202-222-2222)*Sample from the Federal Resume Guidebook CD-ROM, 4th, Edition, Publisher JIST, Inc. Author Kathryn Troutman

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Five Positive Work Traits That Work Against You - The Muse

Five Positive Work Traits That Work Against You - The MuseFive Positive Work Traits That Work Against YouWhats that old saying? Everything in moderation?Yes, I know, typically people share that adage when talking about a healthy diet. You can have a donut once in a while- just leid every morning (unless youre totally OK with your waistband getting tighter with each passing day).But, while this age-old sentiment undoubtedly applies to the food pyramid, I think it rings true somewhere else as well With your behaviors.Think about it There are tons of different traits and qualities that are- for the most part- extremely positive. But, take them a little too far? Well, suddenly youve crossed over into completely obnoxious (or perhaps even counterproductive) territory. Apparently there really is such thing as too much of a good thing.Wait, what sorts of characteristics are you talking about? youre likely thinking to yourself now. Ive got you covered Here are five different qualities that a re great to have- as long as you dont subscribe to the donut per day philosophy. Remember, moderation is key. 1. Being a PerfectionistThis ones the obvious one- you had to know that it was going to appear on the list somewhere. So, we might as well get it out of the way first, right?As a perfectionist myself, Ill admit there are plenty of times that an unrelenting obsession with the details is an excellent quality. Youre always the one willing to put in that extra work to make sure everything is perfect- youre never willing to settle for just plain good enough.But, as Ive talked about at great length before, your perfectionist tendencies can often betray you. The working world can be fast-paced, and you dont always have endless hours to obsess over whether or not to use Times New Roman or Helvetica in that report. And- even worse- sometimes your constant quest for flawlessness can really just hold you back from trying new things. The threat of possible failure or embarrassment is to o much for you to bear. So, yes, I applaud you for being that details person who never settles. But, remember, life will never actually be perfect- sometimes good enough is the best youre going to get. 2. Being a Go-GetterFor all intents and purposes, this is a desirable adjective. Every employer wants to hire someone whos self-driven. Someone whos willing to bestattungs the bull by the horns and get things done.However, theres a line here too. You dont want to become so much of a go-getter that you end up transforming into a complete steamroller.What do I mean? Well, perhaps you and your team were just assigned a project to collaborate on together. You immediately accept the fact that youll need to be the one to shoulder all of the work (youve always operated with the assumption that everyone else is lazy and always looking to shirk responsibility anyway), and you just jump right in and take charge of the entire project.You never gave your team- which, in reality, is likely filled with intelligent, capable people who are more than willing to help- the benefit of the doubt. Even further, youve totally monopolized what should be a group effort and proceed to think of yourself as a hero while doing so.Sound familiar? Listen, I totally get it. In fact, Ive been this person more often than Id care too admit. Being a go-getter is admirable. But, remember to check yourself from time to time- or youll run the risk of turning a lot of people off. 3. Being a Team PlayerLets look at the flipside of that coin, shall we? If you dont want to be a complete control freak, then youll likely swing toward the other side of the spectrum to transform into more of a team player.But, spoiler alert Theres a delicate balance to maintain here, too. Have you ever worked with those people that are so agreeable and malleable, they dont seem to have one single opinion of their own? Theyre so hesitant to rock the boat, they never do anything that could cause even the slightest ripple in th e pond.Many times, that collaborative and team-centric approach is appreciated and even helpful. However, always remember that youre still entitled to an opinion and a contribution- and you can still be an excellent team player while doing so. You absolutely dont need to go along with everything without ever speaking your mind.So, dont let your desire to avoid conflict completely override all of your valuable thoughts and ideas. You have awesome suggestions to share- and, if you truly want to do the best for your team, you owe it to them to speak up 4. Being SocialIf youre that person in your office whos always up for a friendly chat, chances are youre pretty well-liked by your co-workers. Youre the resident social butterfly, and everyone can always count on you to strike up a conversation- about anything, really.Having an outgoing personality is a great characteristic to have Theres only one problem You can easily become so chatty, that youre rarely ever getting any of your real wo rk accomplished.The occasional banter around the coffee pot is one thing- in fact, its even encouraged to build better relationships with your colleagues. But, if keeping tabs on everything from Susans marathon training to Jims recent Disney vacation is majorly impairing your focus and detracting from your work, its time to rein things in a little bit. 5. Being FocusedWith all of that being said, thats another one of those traits where you dont want to head too far in the opposite direction.Yes, you need to be focused in the office- youre there to get work done, obviously. However, theres also a lot to be said for building some rapport with your colleagues. Strong working relationships are necessary in order to get your very best work accomplished.So, if youre always completely zoned in on your computer screen with earbuds always in, you could only be isolating yourself from your co-workers. And, seeming like that person whod rather eat lunch in a bathroom stall than have to engage with any of her team members? Well, I dont think its the message youre aiming to send- at least, I certainly hope not. As it turns out, that famous everything in moderation advice doesnt just apply to your diet- its also a beneficial sentiment for numerous personality qualities as well. Avoid going overboard on ansicht five traits, and youre sure to strike the perfect balance. Are there any other positive qualities that you think can quickly turn into negatives? Let me know on Twitter Photo of person working hard courtesy of Hero Images/Getty Images.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

When Thinking Sabbatical, Put Your Company First

When Thinking Sabbatical, Put Your Company First When Thinking Sabbatical, Put Your Company First When Thinking Sabbatical, Put Your Company FirstNot everyone waits for retirement to try to have an extended time away from their job. Enter the sabbatical. Its a word that may seem to some to be almost a myth, like the unicorn, but engineers have taken them. Still, you want to be smart about how you approach your company about a sabbatical, considering it from their end.Engineering is very team-centric and project-centric and you cant usually just remove somebody from it without challenges, says Anthony Fasano, president of the training company Engineering Management Institute.Fasano warns that it may not be an easy transition for the company. Youll need to have a good explanation or plan for your absence. The engineer should probably make it clear what they are intending on doing and what benefits might come back to the company from their time away, he says.Think of ways of lending cre dibility to your sabbatical, such as spending a year as a university professor or traveling around the globe, all as a way to engage with innovative engineers and learn new transferable skills.For You Dont Let Workplace Anger Get the Best of YouBut there are at least a couple of other factors that could improve your chances of getting a positive response to the request.Volunteering could be a great way to show your company how you will be giving back during your time off.Charity work can definitely have a better chance with certain companies, says Fasano, author of the book Engineer Your Own Success. Many want to give back, and it also can help them to be seen in a better light. If you want to, say, volunteer with Engineers Without Borders, maybe you pitch them on also sending pictures every couple of weeks to share on the companys social media or give updates to be shared as highlights on how the work is helping.Another factor that could aid your case is how long youve been with th e company.There is a thought many people have that the younger worker should be putting in their time, he says. On the other hand, if youve been there 30 years then they may see it as something you maybe deserve or could possibly think it could refresh you if youve been at it non-stop for decades.The timing of the request is also important. As far as requesting a sabbatical, Fasano says the earlier its done the better because engineering companies often have intricate driven projects where they need months in advance if they can even consider a big change.First and foremost, always put yourself in your companys shoes when requesting a sabbatical. If youre traveling, its always wise to add some engineering-related stops along the way.If youre in Europe for three to six months, its not hard to visit some modern transportation projects or something else which may relate to your company, Fasano says. They have to think about their company and, honestly, you cant blame them.Eric Butterma n is an independent writer.Read moreThe Rise of the Master of Engineering Management DegreeMaking Robots That ThinkTargeting Cancer Drugs to 3D-Printed TumorsThey have to think about their company and, honestly, you cant blame them.Anthony Fasano, Engineering Management Institute