Writing Accomplishment Reports

Emmanuel J. Songcuan
DMMMSU Center for English Language Learning and Studies

What is the Purpose of an Accomplishment Report?

Serves

as a reminder to both the employee and supervisor of individual achievements, contributions, and accomplishments within a rating cycle.

Is There a Special Format?

(Our Suggestions ALWAYS ask your supervisor what format they want)

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pages Arrange by performance element Describe accomplishments Explain the impact of each accomplishment

Example of Arranging by Performance Element

Output 1: Administrative Support (Critical) Accomplishment: Impact:

How Do I Describe My Accomplishments?

Use

action verbs Fully describe accomplishments Refer to activity/status reports, calendars, previous accomplishment reports, etc. Describe current year accomplishments Avoid laundry lists or bullets

Action Verbs to Describe Skills, Jobs, and Accomplishments in Employment Documents

Summary:

"Action Verbs to Describe Skills, Jobs, and Accomplishments in Employment Documents" is a categorized list of action verbs that can be utilized to explain the daily tasks completed by an individual on the job.

What is an Action Verb?

An

action verb expresses achievements or something a person does in a concise, persuasive manner.

Why is it Important to Use Action Verbs in Workplace Writing?

You

should use action verbs in workplace writing because they make sentences and statements more concise. Since concise writing is easier for readers to understand, it is more reader-centered. Because reader-centered writing is generally more persuasive, action verbs are more convincing than non-action verbs.
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Why is it Important to Use Action Verbs in Workplace Writing?

The

following job description uses a nonaction verb: Was the boss of a team of six service employees
The

job description below uses an action verb: Supervised a team of six service employees
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Why is it Important to Use Action Verbs in Workplace Writing?

The job description using a non-action verb is less concise. It contains ten words, and it focuses action on a form of the verb "to be" (was). The job description using an action verb is more concise. It contains seven words, and it focuses action on an action verb (supervised). Because concise writing is easier for readers to understand, the job description using an action verb is more powerful and is more persuasive.
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Why is it Important to Use Action Verbs in Workplace Writing?

Using

action verbs will allow you to highlight the tasks you can do. Word choice is critical in order to describe what you have done

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Communication Skills
Negotiated

price reductions of up to 30% with key suppliers Interpreted financial information from the companys annual report Translated all relevant company information into three different languages Other words: Advocated, Clarified,
Corresponded, Encouraged, Interpreted, Negotiated, Persuaded, Presented, Publicized, Solicited, Spoke, Translated

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Creative Skills
Created

an interior design layout for a 500 square foot retail venue Introduced a new method of navigating through the A Software Program Presented a new research project to the managers at the location Other words: Acted, Applied, Composed,
Created, Established, Founded, Improvised, Introduced, Navigated, Originated, Presented
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Data / Financial Skills

Computed

and recorded inventory valuation on a monthly basis Documented inventory counts at the end of each working day Verified the amount owed to the creditor in the Accounts Payable account Other words: Adjusted, Allocated, Budgeted,
Compared, Computed, Counted, Documented, Estimated, Forecasted, Inventoried, Invested, Predicted, Projected, Quantified, Recorded, Retrieved, Verified
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Helping Skills
Assisted

customers with choosing appropriate products Trained new employees in the plant through demonstration techniques Volunteered in the nursing home every weekend to serve the community Other words: Aided, Assisted, Built,
Demonstrated, Facilitated, Familiarized, Helped, Performed, Represented, Solved, Supported, Trained, Upheld, Volunteered, Worked
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Management/Leadership Skills
Administered

a variety of surveys to collect data about the employees Implemented a safety communication program to promote safety awareness Recommended an alternative solution to one of the company's problems Other words: Achieved, Administered, Assigned, Attained,
Challenged, Coordinated, Decided, Delegated, Established, Executed, Handled, Headed, Implemented, Incorporated, Intervened, Launched, Led, Managed, Mediated, Motivated, Organized, Oversaw, Planned, Prioritized, Recommended, Scheduled, Supervised, United

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Efficiency Skills
Eliminated

unnecessary cost of each unit of production Maximized profits by 15% during the month of July Heightened the level of employee moral through program incentives Other words: Accelerated, Allocated, Boosted,
Centralized, Downsized, Edited, Eliminated, Enhanced, Expanded, Expedited, Heightened, Lessened, Leveraged, Maximized, Merged, Optimized, Outlined, Outsourced, Prevented, Prioritized, Reorganized, Reduced, Revised, Simplified, Standardized, Streamlined, Synthesized, Systematized, Upgraded
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Research Skills
Examined

a new mechanism that may reduce sickness on the campus Identified a major defect in a microscopic organism last month Surveyed a group of Purdue students with regard to Product A Other words: Analyzed, Collected, Compared,
Controlled, Detected, Diagnosed, Evaluated, Examined, Gathered, Identified, Investigated, Located, Measured, Organized, Reported, Replicated, Researched, 18 Reviewed, Searched, Surveyed, Wrote

Teaching Skills
Defined

a new product strategy and discussed how it would be implemented Instructed Department B on how to reduce inventory and raise net sales Prepared a tutorial manual for an English class last semester Other words: Aided, Advised, Clarified,
Communicated, Defined, Developed, Encouraged, Evaluated, Facilitated, Fostered, Guided, Helped, Incorporated, Informed, Initiated, Instructed, Lectured, Prepared, Supported, Supervised, Stimulated, Taught
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Technical Skills
Assembled

an entire computer programming simulation for my CPT course Designed a new form of Widget C for a manufacturing facility Programmed three new computer programs tailored for a network system Other words: Analyzed, Assembled, Built,
Calculated, Computed, Conducted, Designed, Devised, Engineered, Maintained, Operated, Programmed, Reengineered, Remodeled, Transmitted
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How Do I Describe Impact?

results and outcomes Why is the accomplishment important? Describe how accomplishments: affected or enhanced a work process had impact on a client or customer helped your unit/Lab achieve its goals
Explain

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Sample Accomplishments
Output

1 Preparation of Reports (Critical) All quality control reports for my supervisor were prepared prior to established deadlines. By providing these reports prior to deadlines, branch employees had extra time to analyze the reports for erroneous data. Our Branch received an award from the Director for having such low error rates.

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Sample Accomplishments
Output

2 - Communications/Customer Service (Critical) Excellent customer service during the rating cycle was provided. This accomplishment is supported by more than 20 letters of appreciation and awards from satisfied customers. This excellent customer service reflected favorably on the Branch and enhanced the image of the Division.

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Sample Accomplishments
Output

3 Planning and Organizing Work (Critical) In addition to the assigned tasks, more than 40 travel authorizations and vouchers for Marys organization prepared and processed while she was on extended leave. As a result of these efforts, the travel function in Marys organization remained operational.

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Sample Accomplishments
Output

4 Special Projects (Non-Critical) Outside of the scope of my responsibilities, I created a web-based program that allows our clients access to program information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The development of this program prevents our customers from having to call in for necessary information and saves them money on long distance phone calls. It is also a time/cost savings for our organization in that the resources allocated to respond to callers may be redirected to perform other necessary work.
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Sample Accomplishments
Output

5 Planning and Organizing Work (Critical)

In accordance with Section objectives, FY-01 work plans were submitted two months ahead of schedule. Plans included all anticipated projects, professional meetings, training, travel, and resource requirements. I adjusted plans as needed. All projects and other activities were completed ahead of schedule and within resources requested. Early submission and adherence to plans allowed for better project management, budget control, and scheduling of contractor personnel.
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Types of Accomplishment Report

Annual

Accomplishment Report Monthly Report Assessment/Progress Report After Activity/After Operation Training

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Monthly/Annual Report
Name/Unit:

Year/Month
Action

Plans and Performance Objectives Actions Taken/Outputs and Level of Performance Impact of the Actions Taken

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Assessment/Progress Report
Project

Title Objectives Phases of the Project Current Status of the Project Future Activities and Projected Date of Completion

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After Activity/After Operation

Title of Activity or Operation: Brief Narrative: Situation: What Action/Extension Was Done What Resulted: Evaluation Methods Used:

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Teaching
This

is an opportunity to share the results of a teaching event. Identify one or two teachings that you have conducted during the past year. The teaching should be one that has been taught more than once and with different clientele

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Training

Title of Presentation: Audience: Learner objectives: Teaching Outline: Materials developed: Innovations used: Teaching evaluation results: Professional Development Experiences: Other Scholarship Activities:

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Training

The title should describe the teaching unit and relate to a program planned. Be specific. e.g. Master Gardeners, New milk testing patrons. List two to four learner objectives that describe what the clientele will learn. The teaching outline covers the specific subject matter that is taught. It should be listed in a logical order, relate to the learner objectives and be easily followed by the reader.
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Training

Identify instructional materials used. Identify source or items you developed. Identify any specific innovations that were used in the teaching. These innovations may be a type of teaching method, use of teaching aids, new technology, or other unique instructional approaches.

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Training
Results

of your teaching should relate to the listed learner objectives. Identify the evaluation instruments that were used. List professional development activities and experiences that were attended during the past year. List other scholarship activities that you were involved in during the past year.
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Training
Provide

the progress made in multi-year plan not included in program report. Statements are to be in the same order as in plan. Speak in terms of clientele, not activities. Maximum of 75 words. Program reports are to be no longer than 500 words with at least half of the report being results. .
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Training
The

report needs to show impact or changes people have made. Title should be taken from multi-year or annual plan title. Provide a brief statement about the success story.

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Training
Briefly

tell the conditions that affected the situation. Describe the steps and delivery of information. Write in journalistic style - tell impact first. Describe how results were determined.

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Remember the Basics

Proofread for:

typos spelling errors proper grammar

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Employee Responsibilities

Participate in the establishment of performance elements and standards Ask questions - ensure an understanding of what is expected Cooperate with management in the rating process Provide feedback on accomplishments Prepare for performance reviews

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