how to prepare for your annual performance review.

The annual performance review — three words that can make even the most confident employee break into a cold sweat. But what if we told you these sessions could be your ticket to career growth and workplace satisfaction? Whether you're a seasoned pro or among the new employees at your company, knowing how to navigate your annual performance review is crucial for making the most of this opportunity.

7 tips for preparing for your annual performance review

1. reflect on your journey

Before stepping into that meeting room, take a moment for some honest self-reflection:

• Evaluate your past performance, highlighting both triumphs and challenges
• Review your goal progress against last year's objectives
• Identify areas where you've supported organizational goals

Be honest with yourself about your ups and downs. Remember, even new team members have valuable insights to share. Good managers appreciate a balanced self-assessment that demonstrates growth and learning.

2. set the stage for success

To make your annual performance review genuinely effective:

1. Come prepared with notes and discussion points
2. Bring specific examples of your accomplishments and challenges
3. Be open to feedback from colleagues and supervisors

Don't shy away from addressing less-than-stellar projects. Instead, showcase how you've learned and grown from these experiences. This approach demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.

Also, don’t hesitate to bring your notes to ensure you hit all the key points you wanted to. Winging a performance review is a surefire way to forget something important.

3. chart your course

Your annual performance review is the perfect time for goal setting. Consider:

• Short-term objectives to boost immediate performance
• Long-term aspirations that align with your career trajectory
• Skills or tools you need to enhance your effectiveness

Remember, realistic employee goals that balance personal growth with organizational goals are essential. This is also an excellent opportunity to discuss professional development opportunities that could benefit you and your company.

4. evaluate your skills and salary

Use your annual performance review to benchmark your position in the market.

Have you learned new skills in the past year that have increased your value to your employer? Maybe you’ve taken on new responsibilities, and it’s time to reconsider your current job title. Or has the average salary for people in your profession climbed recently?

It’s important to regularly evaluate where you stand to ensure you’re happy with your current position on top of your overall performance. Research what people in your field and location earn to compare if everything is aligned.

If not, bring your research to your annual performance review and discuss the path forward with your manager. It’s hard to argue with detailed salary data from multiple trustworthy sources.

Our salary comparison tool is a great place to start.

5. embrace the two-way street

While it might feel like you're in the hot seat, remember that annual performance reviews are a two-way dialogue. Use this time to:

• Seek clarification on expectations
• Discuss any workplace challenges
• Explore opportunities for increased responsibility

Though it might feel like your career is in peril when you and your manager are analyzing the nitty-gritty details of your performance, your performance review is actually an excellent opportunity to bring up topics that are important to you.

Maybe you want to take on more responsibility to gear up for a promotion. Perhaps you’d like to start working from home more often. Or maybe there’s an upcoming project you’re interested in and would love to participate in.

If your performance review is good, you have some added leverage. When your manager is incentivized to keep you onboard, they may be more open to making changes.

6. keep an open mind

It’s easy to get caught up in the dread of putting yourself and your work under the microscope. However, try to enter your performance review with an open mind; it will be easier to accept feedback constructively and not take it personally.

Often, performance reviews are structured to divide a career into black-and-white successes and failures. (This is one reason some HR experts dislike this format for evaluating employees.)

Your manager might be required to fill out a section on your strengths and areas for improvement, even if they think you’re doing a great job overall.

Try to remember that any constructive feedback you receive is a tool to help you grow and improve.

7. maintain momentum

Don't let the insights from your annual performance review gather dust. Use them as a springboard for ongoing growth:

• Schedule regular check-ins with your manager
• Seek regular feedback on your performance
• Continuously track your progress against your set goals

By treating your annual performance review as part of an ongoing conversation rather than a yearly ordeal, you'll be better positioned for long-term success.