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NSPS Self Assessment: Preparing Great Job Objectives (Part 2 of 2)
by Nancy Segal
Like we discussed in the part one of this
article, as the fiscal year winds down, it's time to start
thinking about end of year activities. One of the key, end of year
activities for many Department of Defense employees is the preparation of self
assessments for rating year 2009 and the development of effective and relevant
job objectives for rating year 2010.
The prior
article discussed writing self
assessments; this article will explore the preparation of job
objectives.
As you saw when you created your self assessment for the
last performance year, if you did not have good job objectives, it is very
hard to write a good NSPS self assessment.
What goes into creating good job objectives?
Far too many job objectives read like position descriptions. Good job
objectives should reflect the three to five main results that you are expected
to achieve during the rating year. In addition those results must clearly
link to you organization's mission and goals and include a relevant contributing
factor. In PAA 3.0, you have 1,000 characters to write a powerful job
objective.
We recommend using SMART to prepare your job
objectives. What is SMART? SMART job objectives are:
specific, measurable, aligned, realistic, and timed.
S (specific): Think about what you are expected to
produce; we recommend using a noun, rather than a verb to describe the result
expected. Instead of "Complete audits", which is really an activity, try
reframing this is "Audits completed", which is the result that is expected
M (measurable): You want to have several measures to
show that you achieved your result; measures can be both quantitative
and qualitative. We measure things every day, and not all of our measures
have numbers associated with them. Do you have "good kids"? You are
measuring your kids, and most likely you aren't using numeric measures!!
A (aligned): How does your result contribute to your
organization's mission? Your job objective should clearly help your
organization achieve success. If your job objective does not support your
organization's success, it shouldn't be a job objective and you shouldn't be
doing it!
R (realistic): Your job objective should be achievable
and within your control. If there are other units or people that impact
your success, you should note it.
T (timed): When is your result due? If you have
a multiyear project, your job objective should specify what can be achieved in
THIS rating year; leave out-year expectations for next year!
A couple of final thoughts:
Don't forget to look at the performance indicators for your pay scale and
band when writing your job objectives; these can help you with language (the
Resume Place offers a free, key word tree to assist you).
Additionally, be sure to include a contributing factor with your job
objective and discuss your job objectives with your supervisor; you need to
ensure that your job objectives reflect not only what is important to you, but
also aligns with the results you supervisor is expecting!
About the Author
Nancy Segal, a retired federal human resources specialist with 30 years
experience, is the co-author of Writing Your NSPS Self-Assessment and works with The
Resume Place. Inc. as a training instructor and author. Samples, keywords,
personal empowerment writing style, and instruction for writing accomplishments
are available in the newly revised, second edition of this book -- snd this
second edition of the book is in PAA 3.0 format. Click here for more information on Writing Your NSPS Self Assessment
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