Using KSA Samples to Help You Apply For Government Jobs

There are a lot of great aspects about government jobs-which is probably why there's such stiff competition for them-but one thing you may not enjoy is the application process. In addition to sweating over the usual resume and cover letter, you'll probably have to tackle at least one KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities). It's kind of the governmental equivalent of the essay portion of the SATs. If you're looking into a federal job for the first time, you may wonder whether KSAs are required-or whether they apply to you. The answer is yes. They're not optional, at least not if you want to land the job.

But unlike the SAT, help is available with writing your KSA response. There are KSA writing services that will utilize the information in your resume, together with expert knowledge of the government hiring process, to craft KSA answers for you. These services can be fairly expensive, however. Another option is to download a sample KSA response that has previously been written for someone else applying for a similar government job. KSA samples are much more affordable than custom written KSA answers yet contain the same style of professional writing and formatting. Of course you will need to tailor the sample KSA to your particular background, but doing this is much easier than starting your writing from scratch.

Having written dozens of KSAs over my government career, I have utilized sample KSAs many times and have found that the best ones are available from the following sources:

KSA Doctor. Site has dozens of sample KSAs from all position types and levels. The sample KSAs were professionally written for previous clients, and are now made available as samples. The quality is high and they can be immediately downloaded.

ResumeEdge. Great samples give an excellent idea of the type of detail to provide when answering KSA questions.

Aspirations. Another excellent source of KSA samples that are expertly written and formatted.

CDC website. Several government website include helpful tips for writing KSA responses. The Centers for Disease Control website is among the best. http://www.cdc.gov/hrmo/ksahowto.htm

Internet search. You can find many KSA samples by simply doing a Google search for "KSA samples".

Using KSA samples is a great way to obtain high quality KSA responses without spending lots of money. Just be sure to revise them by including details from your own education, training, and experience. Remember, KSAs separate those who are qualified for the job from those who are best qualified. So there's a lot of weight given to how you answer these questions. Be sure to provide specific examples of how you meet the KSA being asked for. And of course be very meticulous with your spelling, grammar, and editing.

Jason Kay is a professional resume writer and provides guidance with federal job applications. He contributes to career magazines and websites such as KSADoctor.com, which provides KSA writing services and federal resume writing services.

My Links : use stock for business Teacher Training Yoga The Office Wedding

Continuar leyendo

Ocultar articulo

Rig Welding Jobs - What You Need to Know About Oil Rig Welder Jobs

Rig welding jobs pay about $62,000 per year. This is more than double the average salary of welders in the manufacturing industry - good news as more and more production jobs move overseas. Even if this will be your first oil rig job, you still have a chance to get hired. Like roustabout jobs, rig welder jobs are considered entry level on an oil rig. Before you run out to look for these jobs, here is some background information to get you started.

The oil industry is always looking to hire qualified rig welders - the key point being "qualified". In most cases, you will be tested on your level of skill before you are hired. Of course, it helps to be certified, whatever that means in your jurisdiction. Certainly makes it easier for your resume to get through the oil contractor's human resources department.

In the UK, some oil companies require their welders to be certified up to "6 GR" by CITB (formerly known as City and Guilds). At this level, your welding needs to be very precise, even passing x-ray testing. In the US, much of your welding certification is not transferable between employers, and only lasts for 6 months. The exception is if you take your welding test at an accredited AWS facility.

It helps if you know someone already working as a rig welder. For one thing, he can help to recommend a job to you. For another, he can tell you what types of welding he usually does on his oil rig - what type of material, what positions, what processes, and so on and so forth. This kind of information can help you to prepare for the test.

Note that there are two main types of oil rig welding jobs. In the first type, you are permanently attached to the oil rig. Your job is to carry out repairs and build new metalwork. In the second type, you are part of a flying squad of welders. You go in when a big project needs to be finished quickly.

Be warned, most oil rig jobs (including rig welder's jobs) are best suited to single young men. They are very physically demanding and somewhat dangerous. Many oil rigs are located somewhere difficult to reach, so oil rig workers are often out of touch with their families. Unless your girlfriend or wife is very understanding, you might find your relationship in trouble.

Rig welding jobs pay very well for what is basically blue collar work. Since many companies consider this an entry level oil rig job, you have a good chance of getting in even if you have never worked on an oil rig.

Are you looking for rig welding jobs? Visit http://oilrigjobs.calvinmarketing.com/blog/ to learn how RigWorker can help you to quickly and easily find rig welder jobs.

Tags : use stock for business The Office Wedding Dating Games Online

Continuar leyendo

Ocultar articulo

How Your Credit Score Can Affect a Job Search

Background checks and drug tests on prospective employees have become routine in most industries. Most job seekers understand that a background investigation will include criminal and employment history. Unfortunately, many do not realize that the majority of all background checks also include your credit score. Consent is required for release of this information. Ask if the consent to a background check includes a credit report. Refusing to grant consent for a background check, of course, raises big red flags and immediately eliminates the candidate from serious consideration for the job. The key here is preparation. When consent is given for a background check, be sure you know in advance what to expect. Every American is entitled to an annual free credit check. Be sure you request this report. This will provide the opportunity to resolve any errors on your credit report. If there is any legitimate negative information on the report, you can attempt to resolve the problem or, at the very least, be prepared for tough questions from a prospective employer.

Although employers may hire a candidate with financial problems, a low credit rating can affect your chances of a job offer. This is especially true if the open position includes any financial responsibility. If your job search includes a recruiter, be sure you keep the recruiter informed of any negative information that may be revealed. This will enable the recruiter to counsel you on if, and when, the situation should be discussed with a prospective employer. Depending on the company and the position, a low credit score may be the end of a job possibility. If this is the case, do not waste your time or the time of the interviewer. On the other hand, the recruiter may be able to discuss the situation with the employer and pave the way for an interview and ultimate job offer.

If the open position did not describe necessary requirements for your credit score, you may not need to discuss credit issues until a serious job offer has been made and you know that a credit check is imminent. At that point, request a meeting with the appropriate person, most likely someone in Human Resources. Take a copy of your credit report to the meeting. Be prepared to explain what caused the low score, mention that it did not affect previous job performance, and explain what you are doing to raise the score.

In summary, do your homework and obtain a copy of your credit report, resolve any errors, take steps to improve the score and be honest. With honesty and a positive attitude, a prospective employer may be willing to give you the opportunity to prove yourself worthy of the job.

Mel Otero, author, worked in management in the mortgage banking industry and title insurance industry for over 25 years. She has been mystery shopping part time for over five years. She has started web sites and written articles to provide information, resources and inspiration during this difficult economy. She loves to write, learn, and share information.

MORE JOB RESOURCES

A WINNING RESUME

My Links : use stock for business Match Final World Cup

Continuar leyendo

Ocultar articulo

Overnight Jobs - Fast Hiring Online Jobs

Fast overnight jobs are simply the best, there's no waiting for a letter or phone call so you wont end up sitting around for weeks on end just to see if your application was accepted. The overnight jobs you are about to read of actually hire you on the spot. There are no interviews, no special skills or experience required and it does not matter where you live. These overnight jobs will end your job hunting right here and now.

There are only a limited number of places in the world that will hire someone this quickly without even so much as an interview but market research companies do, they are the undisputed kings when it comes to handing out overnight jobs. And here's the reason why.

Market research companies get paid to gather data for big multinational companies. One of the most effective ways for them to do this quickly is by paying consumers cash for filling out short surveys. This is where you enter the picture. There are now survey agencies out there that you can sign up with that will supply you with enough surveys to enable you to earn a full time income from home. And the money? How does a minimum of $25 per hour sound just for filling in your opinion on various topics?

Most people think it's not possible to find overnight jobs and instead end up beating the streets for months on end looking for employment. The reality is that they are right here in the online world. However, there are a lot of survey companies out there that will promise you a king's ransom and then pay you little to nothing. Finding the right survey companies to do your surveys for is the biggest hurdle that most people face when starting out. It really pays to get help with this or do some research of your own.

Tags : use stock for business The Office Wedding Yoga for Beginners Teacher Training Yoga

Continuar leyendo

Ocultar articulo

Seeking A New Job While Currently Employed : Tiptoeing Through the Minefield

So, you currently have a job but you are looking for something a little better. You are getting tired, uptight, and maybe just a little stressed out. This is a dangerous time - the time when job seekers can turn into wing nuts and make key mistakes. So, how do you avoid tripping over those pesky landmines, you know - your current boss, workmates, and customers - and still carry out an effective job search?

Here are some of the risky situations you are going to want to tip toe around so as to not have your job search blow up in your face:

Landmine #1: Oops, I did it again! Ready, fire, THEN aim that email

You've done all the right things: Tailored a cover letter, crafted a killer resume, and found the right contact, Bill Smithers at "The Best Company In The World, Inc." Now all you have to do is hit Send. So you do, hit send that is. So far so good. OK, next target. Ms. Jane Topboss at "Dream Company Corporation." Let's see...type in email address...browse...attach file...and...send. Oops! I think I sent the Bill Smithers cover letter and resume to Jane Topboss.

Avoid this landmine by taking the necessary time and making sure you have reviewed and attached the correct file(s) to the correct email. One sure way to blow up your job search is to get in a hurry and mistakenly send the right email to the wrong person or the wrong email to the right person. Do not send ANY job search-related emails from your current place of work. Send all such email outside of work. Take the necessary time to make sure the right email is going to the right person, THEN hit the send button.

Landmine #2: Having potential employers call you at your current workplace

Jennifer Jobseeker had it all figured out. Since she was at work during work hours, it only made sense to list her work number as her contact number for potential employers. "Why burn my cell minutes and have to keep checking my home machine," she thought. Ah, poor innocent Jennifer, totally unaware of the dangerous trip wire she was about to trigger with the brand new patent leather Woodberry loafers she had just purchased as part of her job interviewing outfit. "After all, I can just grab all incoming calls, screen them and if it's an interview call just cross that bridge when I come to it." Then something went terribly wrong. Jennifer took a 15 minute break and that's when Mr. Murphy the hiring manager called. A coworker took the call, asked if he could take a message, and was surprised to learn that Jennifer had an interview scheduled for 11:00 am the following day. Take a guess at what the coworker did with this info...you've got it: The news spread around the office faster than Simon humiliating someone on American Idol and Jane was knocked completely out of her brand new loafers (metaphorically) and her current job (literally.)

Use common sense when giving out your contact info to potential employers. Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER use your current work phone number as the point of contact. Pass your cell or home number along to potential hiring folks and just let them know that if they get your voice mail, you will call them back as soon as you are able - they will understand. Two other things to keep in mind here: 1) Make sure your voice mail message is professional and not too cutesy, rude, or profane; 2) Never, ever, ever, ever, EVER call them back from your office number - if you do you will suffer Jennifer's fate.

Landmine #3: Using your current company's intranet or internet access for job seeking and interviewing

This should be a no-brainer. In most companies, every key stroke you make on your company computer is recorded and can potentially be tracked. Many IT departments now flag certain key words and phrases and automatically create reports detailing who is doing what with their laptops and desktops. These reports are then passed to management for review. Odds are you probably signed a computer use policy when you joined the company. And guess what? In addition to mandating that you can't play games, view any inappropriate sites, or conduct business outside of what your company is doing, there is likely a clause about using company property for private purposes or gain. And unless you are going to include your current company in the job search with you, you definitely do not want to violate this clause.

Landmine #4: Don't slack off at your current job

Even though you might have S.T.A (short timer's attitude) it's a good idea to not let it show. Keep doing the best job you can. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will seem pointless; after all you are searching for a new place to work. And yes, you will need to continue to support what you may think are mundane tasks and soon-to-be former coworkers and customers. But be aware that you are being watched. Cubicles and hard walls alike have both ears and eyes and they see and hear everything. If you change your behavior even slightly, your coworkers and your boss will likely notice. It's important to remember something here. Most bosses don't get to be bosses because they are dumb. Most bosses get to be bosses because they are continually observing events around them and seeking ways to keep things running smoothly. Your boss will know something is up if you are slacking off. Whether you like and respect your current boss or not, you are obligated to serve him or her, the company, your coworkers and your customers as long as you are on the payroll. And it's the right thing to do. You will feel better in the long run if you do the right thing.

Commit to yourself to keep putting in the necessary time and effort that you are getting paid for. Remember, you are the one looking for work so it's up to you to figure out how to balance your current work situation with your job search efforts.

Landmine #5: Attending a job or career fair that includes a booth for your current company

Let's face it, you can often find excellent job leads through a job or career fair. These events attract a large and diverse group of employers who are looking for qualified candidates just like you. So, being the go-getter that you are, you schedule a vacation day in advance (very classy) so that you can attend the job/career fair guilt free. You polish up your shoes, dust off that business suit, brush your teeth, comb your hair, go over a few interview questions in your mind, print up a dozen or so resumes and head to the event. You are prepared, you are confident, and you are going to find that next best job! After all, you don't call yourself Cory the Career Conqueror for nothing.

Imagine your surprise, accompanied by that "I've-just-been-punched-in-the-gut" feeling, when the first booth inside the door is YOUR company's booth staffed by a couple of well known coworkers and a person or two from your Human Resources department. "Why Cory, what are you doing here?" the admin assistant from HR asks, as four pairs of eyes bore into to you like some evil demon guarding the secret passage in the latest Play Station game.

Career and job fairs are great, just make sure to learn what companies are going to be represented there, and if yours is, you may want to rethink attending.

Landmine #6: Listing your current boss or coworkers as references while conducting a stealth job seeking campaign

Consider the following from the movie script "Nightmare on Just Lost My Job Street":

Scene 1: Christina is having a terrible nightmare (dissolve...fade to dream sequence...phone rings...)

"Hi Mr. Jones. My name is Megan Hiringpro at XYZ, Inc. Just a quick question if you don't mind. Do you have a Christina CareerChanger working for you?"

"Why yes I do Ms. Hiringpro. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, you don't know? Christina has listed you as one of her references and we are thinking of bringing her in for an interview but would like to get some feedback from you first."

Christina wakens in a cold sweat and realizes she has dozed off at her desk. "Whew, thank goodness it was only a dream" she thinks with relief. (Fade out...)

Scene 2: As Christina slips a Cool Mint Thin Strip into her mouth, her boss, Mr. Jones, stops by her cube (close up of Christina as Mr. Jones asks)

"Christina, may I see you in my office for a moment."

Christina, now realizing it was not a dream after all, resigns herself to her fate and trudges slowly towards Mr. Jones' office.

"What was I thinking?!" she screams silently to herself.

Scene Ends (and so does Christina's current job.)

This is a tough one. On the one hand, the people you are currently working for and with are in the best position to speak about your qualifications. On the other hand, if you are conducting a stealth job seeking campaign, you can't really let on that you are doing so.

There are only 2 ways to handle this situation and each carries its own degree of risk:

1. Reveal to your current boss that you are looking for other job opportunities

2. Keep your job seeking under wraps and find other references you can use

As Christina learned, you really can't have it both ways. It is just a matter of time before your references will be contacted. It is important to have your strategy in place and all the bases covered so that you are not taken by surprise.

Conducting a stealth job seeking campaign carries risk. If it is not possible or appropriate for you to discuss your job seeking with your current employer, you owe it to yourself to take the necessary time and effort to avoid landmines you know exist on the path to your new job.

The best way to avoid landmines is to plan your job search strategically, continually scan the path ahead, and use as much patience and persistence necessary to arrive safely and intact in your new job.

Dr. Dan Strakal has been an expert on the changing workplace, job transition, and career development for nearly 20 years. He acts as a trusted client advisor and consultant within the corporate sector, government agencies, civic organizations, small businesses, and educational institutions. He also provides business, executive and career consulting, coaching and workshops for individual clients and is the coauthor of and contributor to two books, Better Job Search in 3 Easy Steps and Better Job Skills in 3 Easy Steps. Dan is often called upon by the national and international media as an expert and has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Self Magazine, SmartMoney.com, Computerworld, Diversity Inc. Magazine, Chief Information Officer (Australia’s Magazine for Information Executives), the Radio America Program: News You Can Use, KBS Radio Canada and many other media outlets. He is on the Board of Directors of the Career Planning and Adult Development Network and is a Platinum Member of the Career Masters Institute. More info at http://www.capable-consulting.com

Recommend : use stock for business Yoga for Beginners Dating Games Online

Continuar leyendo

Ocultar articulo

Applying Online For A Job Is Not An Effective Job Search

How many jobs have you applied for online? How many job offers have they gotten for you? It would be my educated guess that the answer is zero. Don't worry-you're not the only one. Online job applications are probably the most common, yet least effective, job search effort.

Why isn't applying online an effective strategy?

Think about this: When you see a job posting online, how many other people do you imagine have seen it, too? Thousands. So when you throw your hat into the ring, how easy is it to get lost in the crowd? Very. If you don't have the perfect application with the exact keywords that the HR department of that company is looking for, you won't even get a "Dear John" letter.

That's why. Online applications don't help you stand out. They are a time-wasting black hole.

Now, think about this: What would you say is the way most people get jobs? Through people they know-their networks. Networking has always been the most effective way to land a job. Why? For one thing, people like to hire candidates who have been recommended to them by someone they know and trust. There's a connection. Now, that someone could be a personal connection, a professional connection, a recruiter-you get the idea.

But you can take this one step further. The other reason networking works is because it puts you in front of the hiring manager, who is the decision-maker (and keeps you away from gate-keeping, candidate-blocking Human Resources departments). That alone helps you stand out.

The good news is, you can contact hiring managers directly. The most effective way to do this is through LinkedIn. LinkedIn is an easy way to get in front of hiring managers, who can then check out your profile, see who you're connected to, see what you've said in discussions, and feel like they know something about you.

There are other ways to contact hiring managers directly, of course: using your own networks is a great way to do that. But LinkedIn gets you a larger number of managers, which increases your chances that one of them will be interested in finding out more about you.

If you need help with figuring out effective ways to use this strategy, find a career coach to help you. In addition, a career coach can help you position yourself in the market in order to attract the attention you need in your job search-which just might make hiring managers contact you.

Amateurs post resumes on online job boards...serious professionals get interviews and offers by working LinkedIn. Learn the secrets to contacting hiring managers directly with these LinkedIn Ninja Tricks. => http://linkedin-for-jobseekers.com/linkedin-ninja-tricks1.htm

Peggy McKee has over 15 years of experience in sales, management, recruiting, and career coaching. Go to Career Confidential for innovative tools and powerful advice to land the job you want today! => http://www.career-confidential.com

See Also : use stock for business The Office Wedding

Continuar leyendo

Ocultar articulo

Teacher Job Search

Are you struggling to find a job as a teacher? Were you one of the teachers in Florida that lost their job due to budget cuts? There are plenty of teaching jobs out there, but you have to know where to look. Performing a teacher job search is not difficult, but there are some hints that can help you.

Hint #1

Never limit your search to just one state or one city. Teachers are needed in different areas of the United States and you might not be living in the area that is in need. As a city or state grows it needs more teachers and will experience shortages of teachers until it hits a plateau. Areas that are growing have a demand for teachers, but areas that have grown and then stop growing will often have to cut the budget and eliminate some of their teachers.

Hint #2

Apply at both public and private schools. By applying for teaching positions at both public and private schools you will give yourself more of a chance to get hired somewhere. There are always teachers retiring, quitting, or moving up to a new level, and those are positions that need to be filled. You could fill one of them if you get your resume in front of the right principal.

Hint #3

Stay flexible with your search. Be open to working as a teacher assistant, teaching a different grade than what you are used to, and stay open to working in a school that you would rather not teach in. If you are struggling to find a teaching job, then you need to be open to whatever is available. You can always continue your search the following summer and keep looking for that dream teaching job, but for now you need to be employed for the experience and the money. Be willing to accept an assistant job, a different grade than you want, or a different school than you want because the experience will help you with in your next search.

Use these three hints along with all the skills you were taught in school to help you with your teacher job search.

Discover how to eliminate the guess work in your Teacher Job Search . Get more information here:

Teacher Job Search, Click Here

Related : use stock for business The Office Wedding Cat Litter Match Final World Cup

Continuar leyendo

Ocultar articulo