Ten Power Tips on How to Prepare for Performance Reviews
Whether your company does performance evaluations annually or every month, it is critical that you are strategically prepared for these conversations.
I’ve worked with thousands of clients from essentially every industry and one topic that has come up time and time again: many people don’t know how to prepare for their review.
While I agree it can be uncomfortable to talk about yourself, especially if you’re addressing your strengths and weaknesses, there are specific strategies that you should prepare for when going into a review.
In today’s blog, we are going to focus on how to make every performance review a WIN for you.
Quick side note before you dive into this read: first, make sure you read my blog about how to master the art of the humble brag because these skills are essential to preparing you for this review too!
WHY PERFORMANCE REVIEWS ARE YOUR FRIEND
Even though your first instinct may be to feel anxious, performance reviews should be your BFF!
Here’s why:
You have solid feedback about areas where you can improve
You can learn more about your strengths and grow your confidence
You can negotiate based on your performance
So, if you want to make the most out of your review without letting anxiety get in the way, read on.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR MEETING:
Print out your job description or expectations. Use this to compare and contrast what you are currently working on versus what you were hired to do.
Review your goals, expectations, and achievements since the last time you were reviewed. Rate yourself to see where you exceeded expectations or fell short in certain areas.
Reflect on where you see your position evolving into over the next 1-2 years. Use these ideas to plant the seed for future goals, visions, or ideas for your company. Discuss these points during your review.
Create an agenda of topics you would like to cover during the meeting and email it to management. Make sure to do this at least 24-48 hours in advance so both of you are prepared for the discussion, too!
FOUR THINGS TO REMEMBER DURING YOUR MEETING:
Make sure to turn your phone on silent, and avoid any unnecessary distractions. This will allow you to stay focused and attentive to feedback. It’ll also keep them from feeling like you aren’t fully participating.
Keep to your agenda. Often times personal conversations or side bar conversations can take place in high stakes meetings, such as a performance review, however it is very important to stay on task during this conversation.
Be open to feedback. The point of a performance evaluation is to ensure you and your manager/reviewer are on the same page. Remember that you are all on the same side and stay receptive to feedback.
Most importantly, stay calm, especially if the conversation is not going as anticipated. Similar to an interview, the nervous jitters are normal when you are being evaluated. If you do not know what to say, fall back on “Thank you for the feedback, I will consider these points and get back to you on my ideas.”
AFTER YOUR MEETING:
Once you’re out of the meeting, take a breath! You made it through and now you have great direction (and maybe a little raise) to go along with the experience.
Here are three more things to do after your meeting to close the loop:
Follow up with an email with your biggest takeaways from the conversation
Create a plan for improvement and growth based on the feedback you received
Set up your next performance evaluation to ensure you are taking
Good luck, and let me know your thoughts about these tips!
Most importantly, for more insight into how you can level up your career, join my Career By Design membership. You’ll gain expert guidance and a network of professionals that will help you thrive in your career!
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