Posted in

Writing the Personnel Section

A photo of four college students, working on a technical communication proposal in a well-lit campus libraryLet’s be honest. When you’re rushing to finish a group project, the Personnel section is often an afterthought, but writing this section thoughtfully can actually make your project stronger and your teamwork smoother.

What Is This Section For?

This part of your proposal shows how your team plans to divide the work and use your individual strengths. It’s not just about saying who does what. It’s about explaining why each person is taking on a specific part of the project.

Start With Short Bios

Strengthen this section by briefly introducing each team member and connecting their skills or experience to their assigned tasks. Think of it like a mini resume highlight: what does each person bring to the project?

Example:

Maria Lopez is a senior majoring in Professional and Technical Writing. She has experience conducting user research for websites and will lead the team’s usability testing and audience analysis.

Jordan Patel is skilled in visual design and has taken courses in user experience. He will be responsible for creating graphics and mockups for the recommendation report.

To get started, return to the professional bios that you shared in the Introduce Yourself Discussion earlier in the term. The biography statements and the bio tips there can help you compile a rough draft. After gathering ideas, add the details that connect each group member to the tasks you’ll complete as you work on the Recommendation Report.

Be Specific About Responsibilities

Avoid vague statements like “everyone will help with writing.” Instead, outline who is responsible for which parts of the proposal, such as:

  • Choosing and researching the target website.
  • Drafting the problem statement and purpose.
  • Planning and conducting usability research.
  • Writing the project schedule and timeline.
  • Editing the full proposal for consistency.
  • Designing any visuals, graphics, or mockups.

You can also mention who will serve as the group leader, someone who makes sure the group stays on track and communicates effectively.

Why It Matters (and How It Helps You)

This section isn’t just for your proposal audience. It helps you as a team. When everyone knows what they’re responsible for (and why), the work is easier to manage and the project stays on track.

Final Tip: Keep It Professional

Even though the Personnel section is about your team, write it in a clear, professional tone. Use full names, write in third person, and avoid overly casual language.

By taking this section seriously and connecting your team’s skills to the project goals, you show that your group is organized, capable, and ready to tackle the work ahead. And that’s exactly the kind of impression you want your proposal to make.