Performance reviews: the dreaded yet anticipated annual or biannual meeting with your superiors to discuss your progress, goals, and possible raise.  Not only is it your boss’s chance to review you, but it is your opportunity to review your boss, your position and your experience at your job.  Don’t let this pass by as just another assignment or meeting — Prepare for it as you would a client meeting.

In the week before it is important to prepare a write-up (whether or not you give it to your reviewer is up to you) that details your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes.  This is your chance to get everything out of your mind and onto paper that you might want to bring up in the meeting.  If you do plan on giving it to your boss, be sure to write everything with a positive attitude even if you are actually complaining.  Don’t be afraid to list your weaknesses, as it is probably not going to get you fired.  Also, don’t feel arrogant if you have more strengths than weaknesses because this just means that you are doing a great job.

Another thing to think about and/or write about is your goals for the coming year.  If you had set goals previously, you’ll also want to revisit those and assess to what level you achieved them.  The new goals should be realistic for your ability and position and should be just at or above your reach.  Setting too many or outrageous goals doesn’t make you look any better; in fact it will make you look worse at your next review!  So, set measurable standards and ways of keeping track.  Chances are this is all up to you and your boss won’t keep steady tabs, so stay on top of things so you can present them at your next review.

During the performance review, stay cool, calm and collected.  It will most likely flow like any other conversation you’ve had with your superiors where both parties offer comments and suggestions.  It is important to work together to assess old goals and build new ones so that you are both on the same page for the year ahead.  If a raise is in the picture, it will likely be brought up at the end, and feel free to use your strengths and set goals for leverage in negotiating.  The first offer thrown on the table is probably not the best they can give, so be firm and negotiate.  When both sides are satisfied and reach an agreement, thank your reviewer for the opportunity- not all companies do this so you are lucky to be part of one that does.

If performance reviews are not regularly done at your company, you can still request one.  Ask your boss or manager for an hour of his/her time to discuss your performance and goals for the coming year.  If you feel a raise is warranted, this is the perfect time to bring that up too.  However, if you don’t normally have performance reviews, just asking for one will probably alert your boss you are looking for a raise.  Either way, don’t be nervous- you won’t get it until you ask.

If you have any questions about preparing for a performance review, feel free to post below and we’ll do our best to help you out!