How to Get a Better Employee Performance Review

Preparation will help you stand out at your next performance review.

Employee performance reviews come around once a year. It's a way for employers to give feedback on an employee's performance over the past year and set goals and expectation for the coming year. Most people approach a performance review with trepidation. That shouldn't be the case. A performance review is an opportunity to demonstrate accompaniments as well as a chance to snag a promotion and raise.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make a list of job responsibilities and check against the official job description. Are you doing all that's expected of you? Are you doing more? Or less? Be honest with yourself. If there are some weaknesses, be aware of them beforehand and try to respond and make the needed adjustments. On the other hand, if you have taken on more responsibilities lately, this is no time to be a shrinking violet. Make a list of those extra responsibilities and have it ready to talk about at review time.

2. Make your own goals list for the coming year. Identify areas that could use some attention and be ready to talk to your boss about putting them into action, with you taking the lead. But remember: always keep those goals and potential projects aligned with the business's strategic plans.

3. Take advantage of training throughout the year, especially if it is employer sponsored, even if you can do nothing more than take an online webinars or read books. Make sure you boss knows, even if you have to casually mention it.

4. Put all these actions into motion well before your review. Getting a good evaluation takes 52 weeks of effort.

5. Treat the annual performance review like an interview. Be prepared to talk about job responsibilities, accomplishments and positive feedback you've received. Like you did when you first interviewed, put your best foot forward and sell yourself.

6. Accept feedback for better or worse. It's never easy to take a negative response. However, the first rule is listen and don't talk. Think about the evaluation objectively. If you disagree with your boss, then prepare a rebuttal, but make sure you have the facts to back it up. If any of the criticisms make sense, figure out how you can do better. Make an action plan and sit down with you boss to discuss.

References

• Superperformance.com: How to Survive a Bad Performance Review (and Move to Your Dream Job)