How to Ace Your Performance Review

The end of year is the time when many of us will get our annual performance reviews. And whether you're looking to do so well that you'll get a raise/promotion or you simply want to hold on to your job in a tough economy, The Wall Street Journal says you need to prepare now to ace your performance review. Here's their list of what you should do:

• Know what's expected. A month or two before the meeting, review the goals that were set for you in your last performance evaluation.

• Do a self-assessment. Take an objective look at your performance to determine whether you're on track to meet your goals, Ms. Smart says.

• Document your successes. Craft a summary of your accomplishments from throughout the year to help refresh your boss's memory.

• Find out how to excel. You should be vigilant all year about asking your boss how you can go above and beyond what's expected.

• Prepare a career wish list. "Many people think of the performance review just as a backward reflection," says Dr. Peterson. "But it's an ideal opportunity to look forward as well."

I agree that you want to prepare for your review to be the best it can be, but if you've waited until now to do these tasks, you're well behind the curve. What would I suggest? I'd recommend that you follow the five steps I highlighted in How to Demonstrate that You Deserve a Raise. These are not only good at getting you a raise, but also are winners in helping you perform well in your job and, finally, get great performance reviews.

Comments

[Larry]

I like to 'plant seeds' throughout the year. Most of us develope a pretty good relationship with our managers and every now and then when I do something good and they compliment me I will through out a little joke regarding me getting a raise or a promotion. I always say it light heartedly though but when review time comes I have everything ready to backup my requests. It is also a good idea to step aside with your manager and discuss possible career paths and let it be known what position to plan to strive for going forward.

you cannot expect it to just come to you, you have to constantly be a 'Salesman' and sale yourself.

Larry

[MFK (Open-Source Career)]

Advocating for promotions and raises for myself is possibly my biggest weakness, despite the fact that I'm a great career coach to others.

To help make it easier for myself, throughout the year always forward on great feedback and key wins to both my boss and his boss. I summarize the most important accomplishments on my self review as the basis for a great score -- scores are linked to raises at my company.

One big surprise last year: leadership thought I was ready to promote but didn't think I thought I was ready -- because I had been too modest and didn't make it clear that I wanted and was eager for a promotion. Big lesson learned! Since promotion is the fastest way to increase compensation, I am working now to more carefully manage my brand & leadership perceptions of me!