While the 2008 pay pools have been met, the scores are completed, and the

results are in, it's time to think about 2009 and get your accomplishments

started. 

Attention NSPS Employees: Increase your chances of receiving a better evaluation by your supervisor with the NSPS Self-Assessment Writing Guide & CD

This is critcially important to consider if you are planning to retire

in the next five years.  Your pay resulting from upcoming NSPS performance

evaluations can greatly affect the monthly dollar amount you receive

from your retirement annuity (which is based on your "high three

average salary").  

Here's a quick checklist to help you maximize your 2009 NSPS

evaluations:

1. Take a new look at your job objectives and decide if they are real and true

   for your current job and for 2009.
   
   

2. Find out what the pay pool comments are about the job objectives in general

   and begin to work on a new updated version of your job objectives.
   
   

3. Review your job objectives in terms of the recommended SMART format. 

   Re-think the contributing factors, and make sure you selected the right ones for

   last year.
   
   

4. Make an appointment with your supervisor to discuss your 2009 objectives.

   
   
   

5. While you are in your meeting with your supervisor, just ask the supervisor

   to interpret the agency's mission for you.  Listen for an up-to-date,

   new take on the mission.  There could be some new information important for

   you to consider.
   
   

6. Begin a "Top Ten List of Accomplishments" for 2009 right away. You are

   probably beginning 2009 projects right now, might as well get started with your

   interim list.
   
   

7. Create a plan for updating your accomplishment list -- is it weekly, or

   bi-weekly? Considier logging into an Excel spreadsheet, or in your

   calendar.
   
   

8. Be careful to recognize the difference between a regular job duty and an

   accomplishment or project. The accomplishments are the critical information for

   the NSPS self-assessment.
   
   

9. Make your wish list for conferences, training and college courses you'd like

   to take in 2009. Ask for tuition reimbursement or attendance to conferences

   now.

About the Author

Kathryn Troutman, President and Founder of The Resume Place, Inc.

Troutman is the nation's leading expert in federal career

training. and is the author of nine federal career books including

Writing Your NSPS

Self-Assessment.