A performance review is one of the most important metrics your employer uses to determine your value to your company. Doing your best on these reviews is incredibly important to your career. If you follow these 6 ways to raise the bar on your next performance review you can help your career grow while protecting your long term job security and employability.
1. Find out what the review process entails.
Different companies have different performance review policies. In order to do your very best at your performance review it is imperative that you have a firm understanding of how the review process works. This includes learning about the metrics that your employer is measuring your performance with. Having familiarity with the review process will allow you to be less nervous during the interview as well as have quick responses for potential problem areas.
2. Collect information about your performance and bring it to the review.
During your performance review your employers will probably bring up any performance deficiencies they feel that you exhibit. It is best if you go into the meeting knowing what these areas may be. Research your performance and find out what problems you may have.
3. Present solutions to your work related issues at the performance review.
Once you have identified your problem areas create solutions to your work issues. Bring these solutions into your performance review and let your boss know that you have identified the problem and are taking steps, or beginning to take steps to rectify the situation. Showing that you are prepared to acknowledge your shortcomings and overcome them is a great way to prepare for your upcoming performance review.
4. Try to gather objective information about your performance.
While bosses conduct performance reviews, they are not the only person judging your work performance. Your co-workers are a fantastic source for information about your performance at work. Ask people you work closely with about your job performance and make sure they are giving you objective assessments. Use this information in your upcoming review to highlight any strengths or fix-it areas you have that your superiors may have overlooked.
5. Update your education or skills.
A great way to improve your performance review scores is to make yourself a more skilled employee. You can do this by pursuing education related to your field of work. This can take the form of university or college courses, or some sort of vocational training. Showing growth in these areas helps your employer to see you as an asset.
6. Consistently demonstrate value.
Be the employee who goes the extra mile. When your superiors are judging your performance they will have on key question in mind – is this person valuable for the company? If you are valuable, and you demonstrate that, typically your superiors will see that and review you accordingly.
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