Alice, I retired from a Federal agency 2 years ago. I spent 22 years in Human Resources, the last 10 as an HR manager. I can safely say that I have reviewed thousands of applications, and have given a few dozen classes on the application process. Two important points: The instruction for the KSAOs should say something like give the date(s), position/job title, and employer at which you used or acquired these skills. This is important, and if you omit it, kiss the job goodby. Also, answer every question. Leave no blanks blank. Avoid saying "not applicable," even if the question seems to have no relevance whatsoever to the job.

A point on the process: Each agency does things a bit different, but this application is probably going to a HR/Personnel office, and they are the keeper of the bureaucratic keys. They will send a list of qualified candidates to the office that actually has the vacancy in their own sweet time, probably 2-4 weeks. Often the only thing that office gets is the list, so anything you include with your application may or may not be provided them. Keep a copy and offer it when you are interviewed. Also, depending on the grade level of the job, the personnel office may be legally required (by the Veterans Preferance act of 1946, as amended multiple times) to refer qualified disabled veterans and other veterans (2 separate classes of individuals) ahead of non-vets. This is no reflection on your qualifications or the desires of that office...its the law.

As SRS says, the weight of paper makes no real difference (don't use onion skin!), and odd-sized paper or plastic covers are definitely out. Because of the job, the application itself (grammer, spelling word choice, appearance, and so forth) are at least as important as the answers to questions. If you want, send the whole thing to me at artbrooks@earthlink.net and I'll go over it for you. Or PM me with specific questions if you'd rather.

Good luck.