The hardest part about writing KSA answers for federal job applications is simply getting started. One thing we’ve learned from experience is that it’s a lot easier to write your own KSA response if you start with a sample. You can customize the template with the particulars of your own education and experience, of course, but it’s so much easier to get started if you see what a great looking KSA response should look like.
We’ve been writing KSA answers since 2005, so we have a lot of sample answers that you can download to help with crafting your own responses. The following are actual responses prepared for previous clients. These sample KSA essays will not be tailor created for you, but they will aid you in writing your own responses. The samples below will give you a good idea of how a completed KSA should look, how it should read, and the level of detail to provide. They make a great cost-effective alternative to having custom responses specially prepared and provide an excellent framework for writing answers on your own. You should easily be able to modify these samples to fit your particular background.
KSA samples are only $9.99 each and can be downloaded immediately following payment.
On the Purchase Confirmation page, click on the file name to download your sample, as shown here:
You will also be sent an email with a download link, so be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t receive it.
| Knowledge of economic growth technical areas. | |
| Manage projects in a multi-cultural team environment. | |
| Knowledge of security concepts, principles, practices, and procedures. | |
| Knowledge of security screening or other related security processes. | |
| Interpret and apply agency procedures. | |
| Prioritizing and executing tasks in a high-pressure environment. | |
| Skill in workforce planning and scheduling. | |
| Knowledge of law enforcement functions, policies and procedures. | |
| Lead, direct, coordinate, supervise and manage the work of a diverse workforce. | |
| Ability to apply agency procedures to develop training programs. | |
| Knowledge of investigative techniques. | |
| Ability and willingness to accept responsibility and make decisions. | |
| Work and deal effectively with individuals and/or groups of people. | |
| Knowledge of business management including the ability to interpret and analyze. | |
| Ability to develop and promote a diverse workforce. | |
| Skill to function effectively in a stressful environment. | |
| Ability to write logically-sequenced reports. | |
| Ability to identify key policy issues and make recommendations. | |
| Knowledge of civil rights and EEO policies. | |
| Knowledge of bookkeeping and accounting terminology. | |
| Interpret and apply accounting procedures. | |
| Prepare budgetary and financial reports. | |
| Provide leadership and motivation. | |
| Plan, manage, and coordinate patient care. | |
| Knowledge of the Endangered Species Act. | |
| Knowledge of physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. | |
| Knowledge of medical terminology and understanding of basic health care. | |
| Knowledge of strategic planning. | |
| Knowledge of techniques for analyzing program productivity. | |
| Ability to work independently. | |
| Ability to operate computerized programs. | |
| Knowledge of air transportation security. | |
| Knowledge of clinical scheduling procedures. | |
| Knowledge of anti-terrorist tactics. | |
| Ability to organize, plan, and manage group meetings. | |
| Ability to select and train support staff. | |
| Ability to react to emergency situations. | |
| Skill in presenting information both orally and in writing. | |
| Plan, organize, and adjust fluctuating assignments and workloads. | |
| Understanding of program policies and administrative guidance. | |
| Knowledge of technical and physical security directives. | |
| Skill in working with the public and enhancing the TSA mission. | |
| Federal emergency response programs and capabilities. | |
| Formulate, plan, and manage multiple projects. | |
| Conduct research, interpret results, and evaluate data. | |
| Ability to lead or supervise. | |
| Ability to interpret and apply federal laws, rules, and regulations. | |
| Ability to plan and organize work. | |
| Analyze and present data in a variety of formats. | |
| Skill in applying principles and practices of budget formulation and execution. | |
| Project development, leadership and management. | |
| Working with civilian and military customers. | |
| Taking the initiative, critical thinking and problem solving. | |
| Skill in applying Congressional and OMB regulations. | |
| Skill in applying analytical, investigative, and evaluative methods. | |
| Skill at organizational leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead. | |
| Understanding of legal reference sources. | |
| Research, analyze, and make recommendations. | |
| Ability to evaluate pertinent facts. | |
| Skill in utilizing quantitative methods to measure program accomplishments. | |
| Ability to work with high-level officials. | |
| Knowledge to perform park ranger duties. | |
| Effectively interact and communicate with others. | |
| Carry out educational and training programs. | |
| Write reports, proposals, and education guidelines. | |
| Ability to research information. | |
| Work independently, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. | |
| Skill in managing a team effort. | |
| Follow administrative procedures. | |
| Ability to act as command functional representative. | |
| Knowledge to develop policies and procedures. |
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA) Samples to Get You Started
We’ve been writing custom KSA responses for our customers since 2005, and in that time we’ve written thousands of knowledge, skills, and abilities answers for federal job applications. Since that time, many other companies have started providing the same service. And the one comment we hear more than any other is, “wow you guys sure are a lot better than [company xyz]” and “you’re sample ksa answers are a lot better, I’m glad I found you.” It makes us very proud to know that our work has helped so many people to apply and get federal government jobs over the years. Great KSAs, along with a strong federal resume, are how you get a good government job.
KSA Sample #1 Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
This is one of the most common KSA statements that we see. For this you are asked to demonstrate that you can speak and write effectively on the job. This seems like a pretty basic requirement but not all people possess this skill. Give several examples of the type of written communication you have prepared during your educational and career experience. You might mention letters you have written, email messages you have sent, and Powerpoint presentations you have put together – just to name a few. Basically any way that you have communicated you can mention that here. Also try to relay how effective the communication you produced was. You can mention that coworkers or subordinates or supervisors took action as a result of your message that saved the company money. etc.
Originally published in January 2017, this page has been updated by Jason to include additional tips for using KSA templates to secure a federal government job.