How to prepare for a performance review

Preparing for a performance review is crucial for maximising its benefits and making a positive impression. Here are steps to help you prepare effectively:

1. Review Your Job Description and Goals

• Understand Expectations: Revisit your job description to ensure you understand your role and responsibilities.
• Assess Goals: Review any goals or objectives set at the beginning of the review period. Understand the metrics or criteria used to measure your performance.

1. Gather Documentation

• Compile Achievements: Collect evidence of your accomplishments, including completed projects, positive feedback, and any metrics demonstrating your success.
• Prepare Examples: Expect to discuss specific examples that highlight your contributions, skills, and improvements.

1. Self-Assessment

• Evaluate Yourself: Honestly assess your performance, considering both strengths and areas for improvement.
• Prepare a Self-Review: Write a self-review if your organisation encourages it. Be objective and provide concrete examples to support your self-assessment.

1. Reflect on Challenges and Solutions

• Identify Challenges: Think about any challenges you faced during the review period and how you addressed them.
• Highlight Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss how you overcame obstacles and what you learned from these experiences.

1. Prepare for Feedback

• Anticipate Feedback: Consider potential feedback you might receive and how you can respond constructively.
• Open Mind: Approach the review with an open mind, ready to accept both praise and constructive criticism.

1. Set Personal Goals

• Future Objectives: Think about what you want to achieve in the coming review period. Publish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
• Career Development: Consider any skills you want to develop or additional responsibilities you'd like to take on.

1. Prepare Questions and Discussion Points

• Clarify Expectations: Prepare questions to clarify any uncertainties about your role or expectations.
• Seek Feedback: Ask for specific feedback on areas where you can improve and how you can support the team better.

1. Plan for Compensation and Promotion Discussions

• Research Market Rates: If you plan to discuss a raise or promotion, research industry standards and have data to support your request.
• Build Your Case: Be ready to explain why you deserve a raise or promotion, linking your achievements to your increased responsibilities or contributions.

1. Practice Active Listening

• Stay Engaged: During the review, practice active listening. Show that you are engaged and consider the feedback seriously.
• Ask for Clarification: If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. This shows your commitment to improvement.

1. Follow Up Post-Review

• Create an Action Plan: Based on the feedback received, create an action plan to address areas for improvement and achieve your goals.
• Check-in Regularly: Schedule regular check-ins with your manager to talk about your progress and adjust your goals as needed.

Conclusion

Preparing thoroughly for a performance review can help you highlight your achievements, address areas for improvement, and set the stage for your future success. By approaching the review with a positive and proactive attitude, you can make the most of this opportunity to grow and advance in your career.