Things You'll Need:
- Time
- Internet access
- Notebook to track accomplishments
- List of questions to ask
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Step 1
First things first you have to prepare for your performance review. Unfortunately if you wait until the day of the review to get ready your going to miss arming your self with a lot of great information. This is not a one time process you need to prepare throughout the year.
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Step 2
List of your accomplishments.
As the year progresses keep a written notebook or excel sheet with all your major accomplishments and any time you stepped beyond the bounds of normal work. There is no way your supervisor will remember all these times and frankly it's not there job to. We'll talk about sharing these in a bit. -
Step 3
List of any recommendations for improving the company you have given.
Show that you contribute more than just work, that you try to make it a better place to work in, higher quality services or products, or just help the customer out. -
Step 4
List of any recommendations you were given for improving your work and how you have done so.
I know this is not fun, but by writing down any feedback it will focus you on improving in those areas. It also forewarns you about what may be coming in the performance review so you can show how you have improved those areas. -
Step 5
Walk through and answer the questions your supervisor might ask you.
Here are some of the standard performance review questions for more check out the resources at the end of the article:
* What was your favorite task\role in the past 12 months?
* What did you do well the past year? Brag, brag, brag.
* What was your biggest mistake in the past 12 months and how did you fix it? Make sure you have an answer and practice how to use it to show you changed, or fixed an underlying problem.
* What have you done to help the company grow?
* Why do you stay with the company? What would cause you to leave?
* How am I doing managing you? This takes a confident supervisor to answer this, but even if they don't ask be ready to give feedback back to your supervisor. -
Step 6
Walk through and write down a list of questions to ask your supervisor.
Remember a performance review is a two way street you need to give the supervisor and the company feedback on how they are doing. Here are some sample questions you can find more through the resource links:
* Do you feel I have achieved my performance goals from last year? If your new to the firm don't be afraid to bring up how you achieved your previous jobs goals if they are relevant.
* What other ways can I help my team\division\etc? Show you want to help, it also allows you to get a feel for where the company is going.
* What do you think I should do differently next year? I know seems negative, but you need to get feedback if the supervisor isn't giving it to you.
* Is there any new training I should get? This identifies the skill sets to improve, and puts the onus on the company to tell you. -
Step 7
Create your own performance review for your supervisor.
In your mind go over how well your supervisor does managing you. It may not be appropriate to share all this information, but it will help you identify ways you would like to be managed. In the performance review let the supervisor know how you want to managed, thanked for helping out, etc. If you hate public recognition let your supervisor know that. Trust me they have no clue unless you tell them. -
Step 8
Decide on how much you want to be paid.
In some organizations the performance review is held in tandem with compensation increases in others it's separated. Either way it doesn't hurt to prepare. Check some web sites like those listed in resources to find out the salary ranges for your position. Make sure to take in account the size of your company (smaller usually pay less) and the location. Also try to identify how the company tracks the bottom line. The closer you can show how you add to the bottom line the more likely you will get a raise. -
Step 9
Finally review all your information the day of the performance review and take at least your list with you. Remember the performance review should not be a day of judgement, but a way to provide feedback to you and from you. Good luck and don't forget to ask for a raise if you deserve it.
