The Best Way to Prepare for a Performance Review at Work

A performance review enables you to receive constructive feedback on your past job performance and instruction on how to improve your performance in the future. Use this meeting with your supervisor to identify goals, learn how to enhance your skills and map the direction of your professional growth. Preparing for your performance review can help you get the most benefit from your supervisor's feedback.

Instructions

1. Maintain a personal file that contains work-related materials, such as your job description, past performance reviews, commendations, disciplinary forms, record of accomplishments and goals. If you don't have a file like this, start one. Maintaining your own personal employment file will help in charting your professional growth and recording all documentation related to your employment.

2. Request a copy of your employment file at least a couple of weeks before your performance review. Review your personnel file for completeness and accuracy. Compare your employment file to your personal file, making sure you have copies of documents contained in your official employment file. Pay particular attention to your performance review for the previous year. If your employer doesn't provide employees with an opportunity for self-assessment, use your performance review form as a guide for drafting your comments to prepare for your evaluation meeting.

3. List your tasks and responsibilities and compare the list to your written job description. Over the course of a year, you may have been assigned additional responsibilities your job description doesn't reflect. Highlight any additional tasks and duties you perform. Beside each task, describe your performance, as well as your strengths and weaknesses, as objectively as possible.

4. Practice reading a summary of your performance throughout the past year. Demonstrate confidence in your job skills and potential, and include other activities you participate in that enhance your job skills. The Boston.com article "Tips to Succeed in Your Performance Review" offers sage advice: "Don't go into the review expecting your manager to lay out everything for you. Have a list of things you want to talk about, anticipate what specific aspects of your job will be a topic of conversation, and prepare answers to any potentially tough questions you think may come your way."

5. Remain calm during your performance review. Remember, this is your chance to discuss your performance, share your insight and obtain feedback for professional development. Restate any professional goals you identified for the next year. Acknowledge the constructive feedback and ask for training with any new or unfamiliar job duties or areas of weakness. Express your appreciation for the performance review.

References

• International Association of Administrative Professionals: How to Prepare for Your Annual Performace Review
• The Ohio State University, Office of Human Resources: Preparing for Your Performance Review
• The Boston Globe: Tips to Succeed in Your Performance Review
• USA Today: "Ace Your Annual Review," (Cavender, L.; Nov. 14, 2002)
• FNC iMag: Tip to Help You Prepare for a Yearly Performance Review

Resources

• Resume-Help: Negotiating Your Annual Performance Review
• Thomas More College: Guidelines for Conducting an Effective Performance Review
• Harvard Business Review: How to Sail Through Your Tough Performance Review