Helpful terms to know when applying for a federal job

Automatic Resume Scanners – Computers programmed to read nouns that identify key skills; the TSA does not use this technology when reviewing resumes.
Behavioral Interview – Interview style in which candidates are asked about past experiences. Questions may start with something like, “Tell me about a time when…”
Best Qualified Candidate – A candidate who ranks among the top when compared with other eligible candidates; earning “best qualified” does not guarantee an interview.
Competencies – The personal and professional attributes that are critical to successful performance.
KSAs – knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Keywords – words, or short phrases, that describe skills and knowledge needed for a specific position; often found in a position announcement, particularly in the job description, duties, and self-assessment questionnaire.

Module – Questions about a candidate’s qualifications are divided up into Modules in the Vacancy Questionnaire; these can indicate key skills required for a position.

Self-Assessment Questionnaire – a part of the federal application process in which you rate your skill level on a number of job-related functions and then indicate where on your resume the reviewer can find supporting evidence. You can preview questions in the “How You Will Be Evaluated” section of the job announcement. The Modules and questions can provide insight into some of the skills that are important to include on your resume.

STAR – A technique that can help structure answers in a behavioral interview by reminding candidates to answer with a description of the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Structured Interview – Interview format where all candidates are asked the same questions to make the process fair for all.