I’m only applying for entry level into MSC when there is an opening but I was told that they look for good KSA’s. Can someone give me some examples? I have been a small boat captain for many years and I know all the nautical terms, navigation, and those types of things but what is it that they look for? A private message would be fine as well.
Thanks!
If you had the right KSAs you wouldn’t have to ask. 
Nice one! Yes, where would one find KSA’s for Federal Jobs that aren’t yet posted, smart ass…
C808
Hmmm…maybe if some one here has a copy of an old entry level job announcement…Are you going for OS? Here’s a link about how to write your repsonses to the KSAs http://www.msc.navy.mil/civmar/promotions/ksa.htm
It aint that difficult, you either have the KSA they are looking for or you don’t…writing you response clearly is what can make it count
I went to a MSC job fair an they handed out some information packets with a generic KSA or two in it. I was told to make the ones I filled out look exactly like those example ones. Of course job #, names, etc would be different. If the KSA says to put your name first, then your SSN, and address. then make sure you do exactly that. The recruiter told me the first person to look through the hiring paperwork is just looking to see if everything is there and filled out correctly, if not the go into a separate pile to be looked at later. Not sure how true it is, but wanna risk it? Good info on KSA’s here, http://www.msc.navy.mil/civmar/promotions/ksa.htm
http://www.maritimejobs.com/JobShow.aspx?JobShow=100071 There’s an old MSC OS Advancement Program Job Announcement at this link and it includes the 4 KSAs you’ll probably encounter.
Isn’t Google great?!!?
[QUOTE=Kingrobby;49088]I went to a MSC job fair an they handed out some information packets with a generic KSA or two in it. I was told to make the ones I filled out look exactly like those example ones. Of course job #, names, etc would be different. If the KSA says to put your name first, then your SSN, and address. then make sure you do exactly that. The recruiter told me the first person to look through the hiring paperwork is just looking to see if everything is there and filled out correctly, if not the go into a separate pile to be looked at later. Not sure how true it is, but wanna risk it? Good info on KSA’s here, http://www.msc.navy.mil/civmar/promotions/ksa.htm[/QUOTE]
Thanks for the link, first time I heard this. I followed the link and learned “The phrase “KSA’s” refers to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities needed to carry out the functions of a particular job.”
The link is to a short well writen artilce.The two key skills required are: reading and writing"
K.C.
They don’t have to be a well written essay or anything, but the big key with them is write down EVERYTHING. If they ask about communication talk about everything from any languages you know, nautical terminology, talking on a radio, all the way back to any speech and english comp classes you might have taken in school. I’ve been told by the CMA career counselor that they have a list with a bunch of differnt things in front of them when they read your KSA’s and go down the list and just check off what you put down. Each check you get a point, then they total it all up. The whole point is so they can have an “objective” way of looking at your skills. The KSA’s are super broad, so it’s hard to brainstorm everything that might’ve applied along your lifetime, but the more the better (up to 15 pages I think?)
KSAs are stupid. They are not a measure of anyone’s knowledge, skills or abilities. They are a measure of one’s creative writing skills. Once you understand that you can weave a completely truthful narrative showing vast experiences for whatever opening you’re going for.
If you can believe it, there is nothing wrong with someone else writing your KSAs for you. From MSCs KSA page, http://www.msc.navy.mil/civmar/promotions/ksa.htm “If you have a problem with reading and writing, you may want to consider additional schooling while you are on vacation or asking a friend to assist you.” Much of the time people just have someone else write it for them.
[QUOTE=DeckApe;49118]KSAs are stupid. They are not a measure of anyone’s knowledge, skills or abilities. They are a measure of one’s creative writing skills. Once you understand that you can weave a completely truthful narrative showing vast experiences for whatever opening you’re going for.
If you can believe it, there is nothing wrong with someone else writing your KSAs for you. From MSCs KSA page, http://www.msc.navy.mil/civmar/promotions/ksa.htm “If you have a problem with reading and writing, you may want to consider additional schooling while you are on vacation or asking a friend to assist you.” Much of the time people just have someone else write it for them.[/QUOTE]
That makes sense, I got profesional help a couple of times writing a resume.