My job has changed recently, and in addition to all the other business writing that I do, I am now responsible for staff performance objectives and reviews. My technical writing background pays for itself again. Here are some things that have helped me...

1. Follow the guidelines set up by your Human Resources department. They provided an overview, suggestions, and training on the automated software. (Technical writers have software aptitude. Learning a new system isn't hard.)

2. Take the time to outline what you're going to write before you start. (All good writers do this to some extent.)

3. Keep good documentation throughout the year. I keep electronic and paper folders of feedback from others. Do your research before you start. (All good writers know the facts before they start.)

4. Take the time during the year to make progress notes (with examples) in preparation for the 6- or 12-month reviews. (Document and take good notes. That's nothing new for a technical writer.)

5. Accentuate the positive. (This is one of the key tenants of technical writing. You always start with the positive.)

6. Stick to the facts and support them. (Basic technical writing)

7. Proofread carefully. (This is second nature for professional writers.)

8. Take time to reread the evaluation before you send it or share it with the person. (Again, this is second nature for technical writers.)

The skills you hone has a technical writer will serve you well in your current career. And if you choose for whatever reason to pursue something else, they transfer easily to other fields.

Keep writing (and proofreading)!