Create Merit File Guidelines

# Merit File Guidelines

Create comprehensive merit file guidelines for [CONTEXT — e.g., faculty promotion and tenure at a university, employee annual merit review, performance-based promotion, academic award application] at [ORGANIZATION_NAME].

## Context
- **Who prepares the merit file:** [PREPARER — e.g., faculty member, employee, applicant]
- **Who reviews it:** [REVIEWERS — e.g., department chair, promotion committee, HR, panel]
- **Review cycle:** [CYCLE — e.g., annual, every 3 years, triggered by promotion application]
- **Outcome of review:** [OUTCOME — e.g., salary adjustment, promotion decision, tenure award]

## Guidelines Structure

### 1. Purpose & Overview
- What a merit file is and why it matters
- How it is used in the review process
- Timeline and submission deadlines

### 2. Required Components
For each component, specify:
- **What to include**
- **Format and length requirements**
- **Tips for presenting it effectively**

#### Standard Sections:
- Personal statement / narrative (goals, accomplishments, trajectory)
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Evidence of performance in [AREA_1 — e.g., teaching, research, clinical work, sales]
- Evidence of performance in [AREA_2 — e.g., service, leadership, innovation]
- External recognition: awards, publications, presentations, media
- Supporting documentation: student evaluations, peer reviews, data
- References or letters of support

### 3. Evaluation Criteria
Explain how files will be scored or assessed:
| Criterion | Weight | What Reviewers Look For |
|---|---|---|
| [CRITERION_1] | [%] | [DESCRIPTION] |

### 4. Common Mistakes
5 most common errors that weaken a merit file.

### 5. Sample Language
3 examples of strong vs. weak narrative statements with commentary.

### 6. Submission Instructions
- File format, upload instructions, naming conventions
- Who to contact with questions