I have posted several articles about writing great KSAs. This particular writing will give you some specific action verbs, nouns and descriptors you can incorporate into your writing as you build and develop your great KSAs otherwise known as knowledge skills and abilities.

The foremost purpose of writing great KSAs is to distinguish YOU as the candidate who fulfills most or all of the desired qualifications; stating your experience using descriptive words that characterize who you are thusly enticing the reader to continue reading. Below is a list of descriptive words you can use to succinctly characterize who you are and set yourself apart from other qualified candidates. Remember, how you market yourself in your KSAs is fundamental to being selected as a best qualified candidate and being referred to the selecting official.

These are just a few examples of some of the great verbiage you can incorporate into your KSAs transforming something ordinary into something extraordinary. For more ideas, consider adding a thesaurus to your personal library. Not only will you be developing and writing great KSAs, you’ll also expand upon your own verbal communicative vernacular, another highly desirable skill.

Below are four distinctly different examples of great KSAs. Writing great KSAs is about demonstrating your specific expertise in the functional areas requested in the vacancy announcement. As I have stated in other posts about writing great KSAs, it is an exercise in writing and one you can masterfully demonstrate by spending quality time preparing your KSAs.

The excerpts below are examples of some great KSAs that landed each of the four different candidates on the “best qualified” list referred to the selecting official. Feel free to use these as a guide as you develop your own great KSAs. Or if you need help or advice, you can contact me though my contact form.

Application of specialized knowledge of laws, procedures, practices, relevant to managing and executing programs in an operational environment

…Served eight and one half years in the US Army and was honorably discharged at the rank of SSG/E-6. During my service, I was stationed in Korea and was selected and trained as a Korean Linguist. I was responsible for leading teams of soldiers to secret high ground communications outposts and in charge of monitoring, interpreting, and reporting South Korean communications and intelligence activity. The work our team conducted was highly classified and was an essential component to intelligence gathering and served as an important element in effectively ensuring the security of the United States and its allied forces. Upon my return to the United States from my tour of duty in Korea I was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. I was assigned the responsibility of establishing a language maintenance program for the returning linguists which enabled and assisted them in maintaining their proficiency of the Korean language and the various dialects.

I was also responsible for document control on all classified material at our company, the 335 ASA Company. This assignment required highly specialized knowledge of not only the Korean language, but also an extensive knowledge of all the applicable international laws regarding such, and an in-depth understanding of reporting top secret military intelligence through appropriate mechanisms and established protocols.
I am also a retired Police Lieutenant with twenty years of investigative experience. For more than half of my career in law enforcement I served as a Sergeant and Lieutenant. I participated in numerous management training sessions during my tenure including a four week Police Management Program held at Babson Business College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. I have had extensive training in constitutional law and civil liability. I have evaluated and trained police officers on proper police procedures and served as Criminal Investigative Supervisory Lead in notable homicide investigations, robberies, and other high profile investigations. I was also responsible for the management of two Sergeants and twenty patrolmen within my command. I ensured and monitored on-going training both in the classroom and on-the-job and ensured strict adherence to all applicable Federal, State, and Municipal Laws…

Ability to communicate orally and in writing to provide advice and guidance to co-workers and other employees and to coordinate work initiatives with external customers

…A skilled and experienced professional in the presentation complex technical and organizational information, I am also well versed in media relations and facilitating group meetings. I have presented to diverse groups and audiences in community forums, formal and informal training sessions, and executive level meetings. Most of my expertise lies in the presentation of complex analytical and abstract reports. I am adept and well versed in composing a variety of documents, letters, memoranda, reports, and documentation to provide guidance and direction on technical issues, business rules and practices, human resource and confidentiality issues, and other varied business circumstances.

I was personally requested by the owner of a large vacation/resort management company, to conduct and present an operational analysis of the Sales and Marketing departments of the company. I assumed the lead position and worked closely with the Internal Auditor and corporate CPA to collect data and analyze operational workflow, data validity, reporting methods, training standards, and current system and manual processes. Upon completion of the analysis, I presented a lengthy oral presentation and substantive written summary of our recommendations to the owner and executive staff, which ultimately resulted in the development and implementation of multiple new management information systems.

I have planned and coordinated work initiatives with internal employees and external vendors. One specific example was a large and complex equipment relocation of a remote telemarking office. The move encompassed the reconfiguration of more than 200 personal computers, telephony equipment, T1 lines, and two multiplatform predictive dialing systems. The entire project was completed ahead of schedule without any interruption in service and had no effect on regular business operations…

Ability to handle pressure and stress in a dynamic and changing environment

…I have successfully worked under strict timelines in management, development, and implementation throughout my career as an IT professional. I have produced some of my best work operating under enormous pressure. I am a highly organized individual and have successfully managed numerous complex projects requiring the intricate management of both people and timelines and received praise for my demonstrated proficiency in the mastery of new complex information and human relations. I have effectively implemented numerous projects ahead of schedule, and free from error.

Some detailed examples of unexpected or stressful situations would include system glitches and failures, which require rapid and proficient interpretation and evaluation. Often, these processes are large in complexity and dimension. As a regular part of my job, I was required to reverse-engineer processes, both functional and non-functional, quickly and effectively to ensure continuous and smooth business operations. One notable example was a complete systems failure inadvertently discovered by the Vice President of the company. He was missing data from one of his morning reports and was requesting IT assistance via the corporate intercom system. I was in the office and quickly began investigating the failure, discovered the issue and attempted to initiate the process manually, however, that proved unsuccessful. I had less than 30 minutes to reverse-engineer and through process-of-elimination, determine and correct the problem. I was successful and had the department up and running a few minutes before operations’ were to commence…

Please briefly provide an example of your customer service skills

…An example of my professionalism and commitment to customer service was one particular woman who had made her way through a very busy checkpoint only to find out that she had prohibited liquids exceeding both the maximum allowable size and carry-on quantities. She was already frustrated as she was running late for her flight. I explained to her the necessity for conducting a bag search and that it appeared that she did have numerous prohibited liquids inside her bag. She ranted for a bit about how ridiculous this policy was and that she paid a lot of money for her items. I took it upon myself to calm her down and re-explained the policy and showed her what she needed to do with her items when she travels. I listened to her concerns and helped her pack her smaller non-prohibited liquids into a small quart size plastic bag that was permissible for carry-on. As we worked together to correct the problem, she explained that her exasperation with the checkpoint and being late was of her own doing. After we conversed and worked together to separate her items, I escorted her to the exit with all her property and the bag she decided to check with the airline. In the end, she was calm and apologetic and thanked me for my patience and professionalism in handling her concerns and complaints.

Situations like this are a daily occurrence at the checkpoint and can become frustrating if we as officers lose our patience and compassion for our passengers. I pride myself on being professional and courteous no matter how many times I am required to explain procedures. I am also attuned to the circumstances surrounding each situation and handle each situation according to the needs of the particular individual. I meet people where they are, and strive to help them develop a better understanding of our mission at TSA and our concern for not only their safety but for the safety of everyone who travels…

These are just a few examples of how to write great KSAs if you are seeking a career in the federal service. Writing is a skill that you too can develop over time. This site is a great place to get some advice about writing and to help you develop your own unique writing style. I can also help you prepare your KSAs and give you some advice on how to get not only on the “best qualified” list, but I can also help you with what happens during the interview process. See my contact page if you would like some help with writing your Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities statements for Federal employment. In my book I offer 4 Free KSA Samples , click the banner below

Words are amazing and powerful and a writer, just like a magician with his props who performs amazing and mesmerizing feats seemingly impossible or a fisherman with his tried and true lures for reeling in the big one, writers rely on a wide assortment of literary contrivances to amaze and reel-in their audience. Writers use poignant, infallible and potent words constructing sentences with language that entices and beguiles the audience. These are your tools for writing great KSAs.

I haven’t stationed an actual post to this web site for more than a year, as I have been busy writing government KSAs, amongst other things, and most recently my first E-Book titled “How to Write a Great KSA, Six steps to navigating your way to a career with the Federal Government.”

I am constantly amazed by how many visitors this site attracts each day and even more amazed by the number of requests I receive to write effective, professional KSAs.  That was my motivation for writing the E-Book.

The current economic climate has driven many people to seek employment with the federal government. Certainly, when the jobless estimates exceed 10% nationally and employment stagnates it can be disheartening for anyone who is out of work or underemployed.  If you are like most people you have researched and found that custom, professionally written KSAs can be expensive. This E-Book is a quick look into the federal system and how I have learned to construct well written – get you to the short list – KSAs.

Without giving away to many details, I think you will find the information in the E-Book valuable and easy to understand.  And, you can apply what you learn to the construction and development of your own KSAs.   I have also included at the end of the E-Book, four professionally written KSA samples.   The samples alone are worth far more than the price of the book valued at over $300.

In addition, you get my tried and true method for writing KSAs.  You can apply what you learn in the E-Book to any writing you do.

I hope that if you found your way here, you will check out the E-Book. You’re just one click away from beginning your own journey to a fascinating and rewarding career with the federal government.

Given today’s economic climate and the growing uncertainty within our own economy, I find many people who are looking for security, stability and longevity. Generally speaking a career in the civil service provides those things along with great health benefits and also opportunities for a pension after retirement. It also provides the opportunity to serve your county in other meaningful ways rather than through traditional honorable military service.

If you are considering a career in the Federal Government keep in mind, one of, if not the most critical component to getting your foot in the door, is writing your Knowledge, Skills, and Ability statements. Have no doubt; writing great KSAs is an exercise in writing, one that can be dauntingly laborious and arduous if you go at it with the wrong mindset. I like to think of writing great KSAs as an opportunity to sell you better than anyone else could ever do! Who knows more about you than YOU!

When it comes right down to it, KSAs are really just essays about you, nothing more. Your particular KSAs will be a collection of half-page to full-page, focused narratives, or essays, you include in your application package that highlight your particular knowledge, skills, and abilities on the selection criterion or factors desired within the vacancy announcement.

Great KSAs give specific examples of your paid and non-paid work experience, education, training, awards, and other honors you may have had. One area I see many people fail to focus on is their volunteerism. I have seen clients who haven’t worked for several years turn experience and training with their local PTAs into valuable, highly desirable experience. I’ve known women who while staying at home with their families, develop highly desirable skills through their devotion to their children’s education by volunteering at their schools PTA, participating in local and county level PTA activities, and by volunteering in their community churches and hospitals helping people who are sick, dying or incapacitated.

So be creative and resourceful as you ponder your own non-paid experience. My own son volunteers on a regular basis as part of his high school graduation requirements. He will be able to use those valuable and diverse experiences he is gaining throughout High School on his first resume as compelling relevant experience.

Remember, as you write your KSAs they are specifically written to support each area of knowledge, skills, and abilities listed in the vacancy announcement. Generally there are four to six KSAs required for each application. Sometimes more, sometimes less, depending on the vacancy and unlike your resume, they are written in the first person. (I.E. I did this or that…)

Another point to remember is that first-level Human Resource professionals grade or “rate” your KSAs. They use a ranking system for each KSA statement. Your statements can range from superior to not acceptable, or may even be assigned a numerical score. There is no real rule of thumb as the rating systems vary from one job to the next. You will not know which of the KSAs you submit will be the ones the hiring managers consider to be the most important, that’s why you want to ensure that your have put your best foot forward in every KSA you write.

So, now you are ready to write your KSAs for the job you’ve just found in which you know YOU are the perfect candidate. You start thinking about your background and suddenly you say to yourself, what they heck is the delineation between my knowledge, skills, and abilities?

To help you understand, here is how the government defines each of these terms:

• Knowledge: An organized body of information, usually of a factual or procedural nature, which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible.
• Skills: The proficient manual, verbal, or mental manipulation of data, people, or things. Observable, quantifiable and measurable.
• Abilities: The power to perform an activity at the present time. Implied is a lack of discernable barriers, either physical or mental, to performing the activity.

By these definitions, grammar and spelling are areas of knowledge. Bodies of information the applicant needs to perform a job, such as writing, editing, or proofreading. Typing is a skill. Measurable and quantifiable in terms of words typed per minute. On the other side in qualified terms, being able to maintain your composure in tense or stressful situations is ability. Here you are talking about a person’s ability to manage stress and do his/her job well while under pressure.

Now you know what KSAs are and how the government defines each of the terms. Here are seven rules you should always follow, every time you write a KSA.

1. Give at least one or two good examples per KSA and remember don’t speak in generalities. Present very specific details about what you did and the results you achieved.
2. Use different examples in each of your KSAs. Try not to repeat examples unless you can use the same example to highlight a different aspect of your experience.
3. Fill each KSA with solid information. Do not pad your KSAs with superfluous words and phrases
4. Write in the first person. Remember, you are talking about yourself and write in complete, well-structured sentences. Draw material for your KSAs from all aspects of your life and remember to consider volunteerism and other unpaid experiences.
5. Don’t use Acronyms. Spell everything out. The government loves to use Acronyms but doesn’t necessarily understand your particular acronym acumen.
6. Quantify your results. Again, you don’t want to speak in general terms, if you saved your company money by implementing a policy, procedure, a new way of doing something, state how much. Be specific. Don’t say I type fast when you can type 85 words per minute. Say so!
7. Proofread, proofread, and proofread some more. No matter how many times spell checker tells you your document is free of spelling errors, proofread your KSAs. I have found typos and incorrect word usage in so many of the KSAs I have proofread. Be careful and ensure you have no errors by having someone else take a look at your finished product.

Remember, anything worth doing is worth doing well. If you are seeking federal employment and desire a job that is both rewarding and worthwhile, spend the time writing your KSAs, they are going to be the determining factor in whether you make it to the all important “best qualified” list that gets sent to the hiring official..

I was inspired to write today when I stumbled upon this quote by Stephen R. Covey.

“You can change. You can live out of your imagination instead of your memory. You can tie yourself to your limitless potential instead of your limiting past.”
— Stephen R. Covey

That statement is profoundly enlightening and authenticates my own fundamental belief that you are the one responsible for making a choice, a commitment to any personal or professional accomplishment you desire to achieve in life. These are words apropos to not only personal success, but also to success in business. We all possess limitless potential or that “master aptitude” defined by Daniel Goleman in my article “Emotional Intelligence, How Do You Measure.” What we don’t all possess is the motivation or commitment to developing those abilities that are affected by that aptitude. Or do we?

We center on that which we are comfortable and familiar. We focus on what we have already carved out for ourselves from our past, what we’ve learned from our parents, our schools, our friends, our society, and numerous other influences, both positive and negative and then wonder why we achieve a result short of what was expected. We miss the mark, or we never even start aiming for it because it’s too hard or too frightening.

Fact of the matter is we must be willing to unlearn some of our history and be open to new learning and imaginative landmark ways of thinking and meticulous self exploration. Again, it all comes down to a personal choice, our own choice, no one else’s and not because of anyone else.

I started this site to nourish my passion for writing, but as I have been thoughtfully evaluating my own commitments, I find that the track is very much aimed at one for personal growth and development and how it applies to success, be it through improving your writing or to understanding your own strengths and weaknesses through scrupulous self evaluation.

This site is about writing. But it is also about improving an existing ability or aptitude you already possess, and that segues into growth and development and to the rationale I use to write about more than just writing. The written word brings the promise of commitment. When we put something to writing, we are committing to it. We are giving our assurance that you can depend upon what’s being said.

I am committed to provide more than just topics within the writing niche. Writing is one thing; writing better is a commitment to change, to grow, to learn, and to think and learn in new ways as you travel down the path of self discovery. Thoughts, choices, commitment, knowledge, development, transformation, thinking and feeling, these are measureable well defined characteristics of a healthy soul, they are there for all of us to choose, to seek at spectrometric levels outside our own characterization of ourselves.

Do you want a job with the federal government?  Many people do, it’s a great career choice and one that can provide lasting stability, advancement, and personal and professional reward.  I am currently an employee for the US Department of Homeland Security.  I can’t go into specifics regarding what I do for the Agency, but I have found it to be a personally gratifying and rewarding experience to be able to serve my county in this capacity.

Finding a federal job is not all that difficult.  Go to USAJobs.gov and you will see thousands of jobs listed for numerous career fields all over the US and the world.  The measure of difficulty comes into play as you begin researching how to apply for these jobs.  One would think that all the agencies accept the same formats, require the same information, and provide easy to follow instructions on how to apply for vacancies.  Well, it is easy if you use the right approach.  How pressed are you to find a job?  Do you need one right away, or are you currently employed and have the ability to wait through the lengthy process to becoming a federal employee.  If you are pressed for time, the government is not the place to begin your search.

This article will address one of the most important factors in obtaining federal employment.  Writing KSAs.  What are KSAs? They are specific narrative statements that pertain to the qualifications and experience you posses that are directly related to the position you are applying for.  It will also address the important personnel review process. Understanding the personnel review process and the importance of good KSAs is critical to your success in being hired by the Federal government.

Finding Federal Jobs that Interest You

Again, go to the USAJobs.gov web site and you can find employment from entry to executive levels.  All have specific pay grades and ranges available based on your particular experience.  Once you have found a job that appeals to you, read the vacancy announcement very carefully.  Take notice of the particular skills they require and verbiage used within the vacancy announcement.  Just as there are key words and key phrases that SEOs use to rank websites and blogs, there are also key words and key phrases that can be utilized in demonstrating your Kowledge, Skills, and Abilities to the staffing specialist that reviews your entire application package.

You can have the best resume in the world, but your answers to the KSAs are what the rating official will use to determine whether you make that “best qualified” ranking list.  This is the list you want to be on once your package has been reviewed and the weight placed on your KSAs is vital to being selected as a “best qualified” candidate.

Understanding The Personnel Review Process

Your completed application will be sent to the specific federal agency you are making your application to. This can be done most times on-line, however, there are certain agencies that require you to fax your entire package to a specific location. This will include your federal-style resume or OF-612 and KSAs particular to the vacancy announcement. The announcement may also ask for supplemental information as well. You have to very carefully read the instructions to determine what they want, i.e., college transcripts, DD-215, your last supervisory evaluation, or other applicable information. Ensure that you have included everything they request in the announcement.  Be thorough, lots of people never make it past this point.

A Personnel Staffing Specialist will review your package to ensure it’s complete and all required documents are in the package.  He/she will then review your resume to determine whether you meet the basic qualifications for the job. If you meet the basic qualifications they will review the entire package to determine whether you meet minimum qualifications.  Again this information will be contained within the vacancy announcement.  If you are qualified, they will usually decide at this point whether you are qualified or highly qualified.  Meeting either of these requirements will ensure a review next of your KSAs.  This is the final determination in your package as to whether you are referred to the hiring authority.

KSAs can be ranking and rating factors, evaluation factors and job ranking elements, supplemental statements or a written test.  More importantly, they are used as an elimination tool, which is why they are so important.

Writing Your KSAs

First, you want to think about the specific experience you have and how it pertains and relates to the vacancy.  This can, for some people, be a tricky analysis as they have a difficult time translating their experience to the specific specialties and qualifications contained within the vacancy announcement.

Everyone, no matter whether you are a new college graduate with little practical experience, or a seasoned veteran within a particular field can demonstrate desirable qualifications.  Often times they are not the hard skills you posses, but the soft skills you have developed though school, previous employment, a hobby, volunteerism, etc. that can demonstrate a practical Knowledge, Skill, and Ability.  More and more, employers are focusing on these soft-skills.  They are measures of emotional intelligence which are critical to any organizations’ bottom line.

Next, I highly recommend you print out the vacancy announcement so you can readily refer to it as you write your KSAs.

As you begin to think about your skills and writing KSAs, start by developing an outline.  Don’t worry about all the content initially.  Just start with an outline of positions you have held and see if you can’t define a few particular accomplishments for each position.  Once you have your outline developed, begin to add content to each item.  Remember; refer to the vacancy announcement as you relate your experience and qualifications to the requirements within announcement and make sure they correlate.  Using keywords taken from the vacancy announcement throughout your descriptions with help to align the points you make within your KSAs to the specific qualifications for the position.

Most federal positions require KSAs of some sort.  Sometimes they are specifically requested by name, other times you will be directed to an on-line application form that will require an essay sort of response.  Make no mistake, this is still a KSA and should be written accordingly.  There are varying opinions regarding how long your KSAs should be and there is always a maximum stated within the announcement.  I am of the mindset that they should be as long as needed.  What I mean by that is use verbiage and language that conveys your message, clearly and concisely, and make it interesting to read.  You have to elaborate and use colorful descriptive language to express your supporting points and convey your meaning.  It is a balancing act and it is also specific to the sort of vacancy you are applying to.  Exercise your best judgment and read and re-read your KSAs.

Here are some tips to remember where you are writing your KSAs

Read the vacancy announcement carefully

• Gather the information needed to begin writing
• Be specific
• Be precise
• Get to the point
• Do not ramble
• Use lots of examples
• State specifically what you have done
• Do not use acronyms
• Present yourself in “clear and plain” language
• Do not borrow language from the position description

Once you have your KSAs written and your happy with the way they read, be very comfortable with the examples you site and the message you convey.  If your KSAs land you on that “best qualified” list, the next step will be a personal interview where you can then capitalize even more on all the great personal characteristics you possess and further substantiate your qualifications and why you are the right candidate for the job!

For those of you who read my very long, first post about the history of what inspired me to start the-write-biz.com, I thought I would go ahead and layout some ideas you can use to nurture and develop your style of writing.

When you write, it is very different than when you speak. Oral communication is much more comfortable and easy because there are so many other attributes to speaking that help you to expressively communicate. We use body language and gestures, without even realizing it, which enables the listener to interpret and comprehend what we are communicating with depth, feeling and clarity. But with the written word, it is just that; written, no additional vibrancy or animation, gestures, vocal intonation or inflection and no body language. These are all rudiments in the art of oral communication and we all stand out at different levels. But even the most basic communications are enhanced by the characteristics we all possess when we speak.

We all talk, and we talk a lot, about 16,000 words per day. Needless to say we are pretty good at talking. Compare that to writing. When was the last time you wrote 16,000 words? Never…that’s what most would say, so, since we are all proficient talkers, we too can develop and grow to become capable writers with some creativity, practice and persistence.

One of my favorite ways to write is to write about something I love, which is one of the reasons I started the-write-biz.com. I love to write. What are you passionate about? What do you love? What are you an expert at? Think about this as every person in the whole wide world has something they enjoy or love or have a gift or talent for. When you discover what you are passionate about, start writing. Don’t worry about what it sounds like or what it looks like on paper. Just get your thoughts transcribed out of your mind and onto the paper.

One of the most important tools I used years ago to develop my writing was in a job I had as an administrative assistant. I worked for a man that was a very gifted speaker. As part of my job, I transcribed from a Dictaphone his letters, memorandums, correspondence and speeches. It was an invaluable tool for both him and me. He would speak into his recorder which allowed him to fluidly convey his thoughts and ideas directly and succinctly. I would transcribe and he would edit and re-edit until it was written exactly the way he intended it.

“The beautiful part of writing is that you don’t have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon. You can always do it better, find the exact word, the apt phrase, the leaping simile.” — Robert Cormier

That quote by Robert Cormier is altogether relevant and germane to any style of writing you set your mind to composing.

So whatever your reason is for wanting to become a more seasoned writer, use tools that will help you. Practice writing down interesting observations you make throughout your daily life. There are infinite topics to read and write about. Find something that interests you and start writing. Keep a journal or diary. Invest in a thesaurus. Speak to people you admire who are gifted writers and speakers. Read. Read something interesting and challenging everyday to develop your skill. Make it a practice to learn one new word and use it throughout the day. Your brain is a muscle, the more you use it the better it’s going to serve you in whatever you desire to achieve.

This post was submitted to the Home Based Business Group Writing Project

One of the most, if not the most important determinant in opening the door of opportunity into any organization you have aspirations to join, is your Resume. The time you invest in the development of one of your most valuable assets in your quest to find the perfect job will significantly increase your ability to make your entrance into nearly any field of expertise and get noticed.Though the years, I have had many different resumes that I’ve personally used, but none with the success of the particular style I use now. My style, my uniqueness if you will, is easily conveyed not only with the words or content within my resume, but the actual visual presentation of the resume itself. My particular style is certainly not the only way to get noticed and I am speaking from purely my personal experience but it has served me well and has been key in getting called for that personal interview. Face it, that’s the goal, the interview. Once you get to the interview, well that’s an entirely new and substantive topic and will be covered in other posts. For now, I would like to focus purely on presentation.

Background

Years ago, I worked with a very talented young man both artistically and articulately, who is now a popular local news anchor where I live. He is responsible, although completely unaware, that he was the one who turned me onto the idea. He was developing his own resume and shared its content and layout with me. I found his idea very eye catching and the way he presented his qualifications and experience extremely appealing on a number of levels.

Application

First, although he had plenty of education and experience to capitalize on, he managed to arrange it in a way that accommodated a one-page resume.

I prefer one-page resumes. Reason being, I have known many HR professionals and been responsible myself for hiring competent, creative, and innovative employees and understand how inundated you can be with resumes from 100’s of applicants depending on the competition within the particular field your hiring. It is a daunting task to sift though all the various candidates and determine who and who does not make the first-cut. I personally review resumes when I am in a position to hire new employees (I don’t believe that computers can identify those soft-skills that are so important to me as a hiring official). The qualifications all sound the same, the layout, the same…objectives, highlights, experience and the like, all start to run together and feel more like boring advertisements rather than lets face it, the sales pitch they need to be to get my attention.

Secondly, in coming to understand my own unique talents, knowledge, skills, and abilities, I find that if I am going to choose to work for someone, rather than myself, I want to work in a place that exudes a culture that aligns with my values and encourages innovation, creativity, and outside-the-box thinking. So, understanding what kind of person you are, your personality type, what kind of job or career gives you the sense of satisfaction you desire, and your own personal strengths is fundamental in the development of your particular resume. This is no easy task and requires a very honest, personal evaluation. If your not honest with yourself about your own perceived strengths and weaknesses, others will see though you.

So whether you are a number cruncher, in sales, human resources, information technology, management, training…etc. etc. etc., you must have a good fundamental understanding of who your are, and then develop your resume from that understanding. Think of it this way, you are the foundation, you don’t build a building without a blueprint, so spend the time developing the blue print for who you are and then lay the foundation and build from there. This will help you not only in the development of your own resume, it will also help you after you get though the door to the Human Resource or other hiring authority who will be interviewing you. If you aren’t what you convey though your resume, it will be apparent to any experienced hiring authority.