How to Benefit from Your Annual Performance Review

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Know the amount of the standard raise for your company. The standard may be a dollar amount or a percentage, and you should be able to get this information from your supervisor or a Human Resources representative. It is very important to know the average because it gives you an idea of what to aim for when working up your personal assessment. For example, if the company average is 5%, then you may not want to ask for a 20% raise unless you can justify the increase. Personally, I have been very successful in asking for 1-3% above the company average, but every one will have a different experience.
Step 2

Create a list of your professional accomplishments. This should include special projects that were assigned to you, deadlines that were met or exceeded, education or licensing that you received, mentoring that you did for a coworker, etc. Do not be afraid to list many items. Many supervisors have multiple employees, and they cannot remember every accomplishment for all of their employees. This is why a self assessment is necessary. I was a little surprised when my current supervisor admitted to me that she had forgotten about several of my accomplishments until she went over my self assessment. The lesson is this: Do not be afraid to talk yourself up. As long as it is relevant, then it is absolutely acceptable to include.
Step 3

List long term and short term goals. If your long term goal is to eventually become the VP of Marketing, then feel free to list it. However, your short term goals need to show what you wish to accomplish in the upcoming year in order to achieve that ultimate goal. Keep in mind that these goals may change when you discuss them in your review. Expect your supervisor to give you the guidance needed when it comes to outlining your career goals and plans.
Step 4

As stated above, it is important to give a concise list of all of your achievements. However, it's also important to recognize areas where self-improvement is necessary. On my last review, I listed that I needed to work to open up lines of communication with other coworkers. I recognized the fact that I don't necessarily ask for help or delineate tasks to my subordinates, which I need to be able to do in order to advance and prove that I am capable of managing people. Keep in mind that this is meant to show that you are capable of recognizing areas of improvement. Self critique shows your supervisor that you are able to take constructive criticism, proving maturity. This list should not be ongoing. I would just include one to two points of improvement and move on. Do not be surprised if your supervisor agrees or even provides a few pieces of constructive criticism as well. Be prepared to talk about areas of improvement, and do not be afraid to ask for help. This is why you are doing this to begin with, so keep that in mind.
Step 5

Organize your review in a format that is comfortable to you, and find a trusted friend or mentor to review for errors and mistakes. I have a friend that is a supervisor at another company. I gave him a copy and asked him to look at it as though he were my supervisor. I was able to receive a wonderful critique that ultimately strengthened my self assessment. Try to find someone that will be objective. Your mother may be a true professional when it comes to most things, but maybe she is not as objective when it comes to "her baby." It's best to find someone who is willing to be honest with you. And, try not to get offended if you do not like what they have to say. Remember that you asked them for their honest opinion. They are, after all, just trying to help.
Step 6

Save a dated copy to your computer and keep a paper copy for your records. Finally, give a copy to your supervisor. I give mine to my supervisor about a month before my actual review. It gives her time to review and decide on the amount of my raise. When I give her the copy of my review, I tell her what I am looking for in a raise. I do no bother to include it in the paperwork, but you may wish to do so.
Step 7

While waiting for your actual review, you may want to think of some questions to ask your supervisor. Keep in mind that this is one of those rare moments where you have your supervisor's undivided attention, so it is an excellent time to have an open discussion about where you want to go within the company and how he or she can help you get there. Feel free to ask them what steps they think you need to take in order to advance. What education or special designations should you receive? What projects should you undertake?
Step 8

The Review - Listen to what your supervisor has to say. Take note of areas where they feel you need improvement and where they feel that you have exceeded. If the raise is not what you were expecting, ask how you can improve. In most cases it is okay to negotiate, but be prepared to justify your request. Usually, supervisors are looking for ways that you have helped to improve performance or have saved the company money.
Step 9

Post Review - Take assessment of your review and plan for the upcoming year. Make your goals a priority. If your supervisor suggested that you take a class, then get enrollment information. If he or she suggested that you work on a company project, then make it a top priority to get involved. Keep track of your accomplishments as the year progresses. This will make the next review fast and easy to complete. Finally, check in with your supervisor throughout the year to make sure that you are staying on track.

Comments

edieness said

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on 6/5/2009 Great article on How to Benefit from Your Annual Performance Review.5*

practicalmagic said

on 4/1/2009 I wish I had read this about two weeks ago, I could have used this!

on 3/31/2009 A review is an opportunity to both understand what is next needed to personally progress as well as to amplify your past accomplishments and current objectives. This is well stated by the author of this piece.