What to know when you're looking for a job

When businesses look at a candidate and ask questions during an interview, they are trying to determine the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) of that person. KSAs are the attributes required from a candidate to successfully perform a job and are generally demonstrated through qualifying service, education, or training. It’s important that you are able to appreciate the differences of these three topics so that you can focus your job search in an area that makes the most sense for you.

Let’s start with some definitions:

Knowledge – A body of information or understanding, usually factual or procedural, gained through experience or association. These would include formal education, training, certifications, or class work that you would have completed.

Skill – The proficient manual, verbal, or mental manipulation of data or things. It is desirable, quantifiable, and measurable; e.g., skill in typing, skill in operating a vehicle, skill in editing for transposed numbers. Simply put, these would be those things that at which you are good because of your repeated successful experiences.

Ability – The natural aptitude or acquired proficiency to perform an observable activity; e.g., ability to write reports, ability to lead or motivate others, ability to analyze numerical data, ability to plan and organize work.

Collectively, these three concepts can paint an accurate picture of what you can offer a potential employer. The trick is in relating them to an employer in the way that makes the best sense for that position.

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Document Library:

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There are three basic types of resumes:

1. Chronological: This is the most popular format. It places information in reverse chronological order (i.e. from most to least recent). Employers tend to prefer this format as it (hopefully) demonstrates a candidate’s steady and upward career growth. Thus, the focus is on time, job continuity, growth, and achievements. Click here for more information on Chronological resumes.

2. Functional: A functional resume focuses on skills, credentials, and accomplishments over the course of all jobs held. Emphasis is on what you did, not when or where you did it. Accomplishments, qualifications and experience are grouped together, to emphasize your experience in specialty areas. Click here for more information on Functional resumes.

3. Combination (Uses a Career Profile): A combination resume uses a career profile, which is a functional style listing of relevant skills and accomplishments, and then proceeds to describe employment and education histories in reverse chronological order. In other words, it is a combination of the above two concepts. The experience section directly supports the functional section. Click here for more information on Combination resumes.

NOTE: Unless a functional resume conveys your suitability significantly better than the other types, a chronological or combination format is suggested for entry-level positions. We recommend that you avoid using a functional resume unless an employer specifically requests that format.

Resume Templates:

Microsoft has templates for basic resumes. Please note that these templates require Microsoft Word 2000 or greater.

Chronological Resume Template:

thumbnail of chronological resume template

Download a Chronological Resume template.

Functional Resume Template:

thumbnail of functional resume template

Download a Functional Resume template.

Find more templates for Microsoft Office programs.

Rate Your Resume:

image of a + signDoes your resume make the grade? Use this form to rate your resume or to allow your friends to rate your resume. Grade the resume in each of the categories listed as either Excellent, Average or Poor.

Download the Rate Your Resume PDF - 47 K.

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