Instead of just sitting around dreading your annual performance review, why not prepare yourself for it? Being proactive will make the process more comfortable and productive for both you and your boss. Instead of sitting passively and receiving feedback and direction from your manager, be ready to discuss your perspective on your performance, your career goals and your future with the company. Here’s how:

  • Create your own assessment. Review your job description and the goals, competencies and development plans created during your last appraisal. Use these as a jumping off point for summarizing your accomplishments, strengths and areas for development. If you look at the feedback and ratings you were given at the time, it will help you see where you’ve grown and developed and where you might need to apply yourself.
  • Prepare a list of areas for development. In addition to identifying those areas where you felt you struggled or fell short, note any areas where you would like to expand or share your skills, experience or expertise as part of your career growth and progression. When discussing your struggles with your manager, ask for coaching, mentoring, training, or whatever support you need to develop or improve. And be ready to discuss what skills, knowledge or experience you’ll need to achieve your career goals.
  • List goals for yourself. Instead of letting your manager hand you a list of goals, come up with your own list of possibilities. Base them on your current job, the needs of your department or the organization, and on your desired opportunities to expand your duties, broaden your knowledge, or take on more responsibility. You can review these during the meeting with your manager.
  • Go in with an open mind. It’s hard not to feel defensive when walking into a performance appraisal meeting. After all, you’re either bracing yourself to hear criticism or worrying that you’ll find out you didn’t earn a raise. But being defensive means you can’t listen very well. Try to relax and prepare yourself for the feedback and hopefully constructive criticism your manager gives, so you can collaborate on goals and development plans that will help lead you to success.

Many employees don’t prepare for a performance review and think of the process as one-sided. Instead, if you approach it as a time for mutual discussion, you can improve your overall work and career—and ease the tension on both sides!

If you are looking for new career opportunities in Jackson, contact the team at Staffers for assistance!  We are experts at helping candidates find the perfect position and excel in their careers and would welcome the opportunity to work with you. We look forward to hearing from you!

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