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Subscribe TodayTips For Acing Your First Performance Review
You know you have what it takes to land your job, but do you have what it takes to keep it? Typically, employers conduct performance reviews when new hires complete 90 days on the job. After that, reviews are conducted annually, or in some companies quarterly. Each review is an opportunity to elevate your standing -- and compensation -- within the company.
"The performance review is a conversation in which the manager gives the employee feedback on documented goals and career progress, and it provides an opportunity for the employee to sell the manager on his value and contributions to the company," says Alexandra Levit, author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College."
Sherri Thomas, president of Career Coaching 360, says the 90-day review, in particular, is a chance for your employer to make sure that you're ramping up as expected. "This is also a great time for you to let your employer know, 'I could use a little more training in this area,' " she says. "You also could request a mentor or ask if there's any recommended reading you should do or classes you should take to help you in your new job."
In addition to receiving feedback, most performance reviews require you to conduct a self-assessment. Your preparation should start weeks in advance, Levit says. Brainstorm examples that illustrate outstanding performance, then practice communicating them so they're on the tip of your tongue.
Thomas says it's important to quantify your accomplishments: "Talk in numbers, percentages, or dollars," she says. "You'll have to do a little bit of homework to get these numbers, but this will qualify you as a valuable member of the team. When you are results-focused, that's when you stand out in front of your peers."
Once you've completed your self-assessment, make a list of the things you would like to cover in the review, independent of your manager's agenda. Levit says your objectives might include:
- soliciting feedback on your progress,
- identifying new goals and growth opportunities, and
- hammering out a long-term promotion plan.
"This last item is particularly important," Levit says. "While you can't reasonably expect to be promoted after every review, you should at least leave with an understanding of where your current responsibilities are leading."
Thomas says that by the end of each review, you should have clear goals for the next review period. "There shouldn't be any big surprises if you're always aligned on expectations," she says. "You get in trouble when assumptions are made on either side."
Here are more strategies to ace your performance review:
Mentally prepare to speak about what you haven't done well. "If you can foresee what might be addressed, it's a good idea to document what you're already doing to be more successful in that area," Thomas says. "It shows you take full ownership and you see the need to improve and the reason for getting better."
Don't get emotional. Everybody has challenges and makes mistakes, and your boss knows this. Listen to feedback -- both negative and positive -- with an open mind. Show a willingness to learn from your missteps. "Also, if you receive some negative feedback and are at a loss for words, it's OK to simply say, 'I thank you for your feedback. I'd like some time to digest this,' " says Thomas.
Adds Levit: "Just because your boss offers constructive criticism doesn't mean you won't get a promotion or raise, so keep your defensiveness to a minimum."
Avoid being skipped. A week before your anticipated review date, check in with your manager, remind her that your review is coming up, and book an appointment. Ask for a self-assessment form (if applicable) at this time, and then turn in your completed document a couple of days before the scheduled review.
"Even though a casual chitchat session might be more comfortable and fun than a serious conversation about your career aspirations, insist on getting through your objectives for the meeting," Levit says. "Your performance review is your best, if not your only, opportunity to get a clear understanding of how you are perceived and what you need to do to ensure your future success."
