Your first appraisal or performance review is something to look forward to. It helps you get managerial support so you’re career confident!
So you’ve landed a job and started to settle in. Perhaps you think you’re doing quite well, or perhaps there are aspects of the work you’re struggling with… or both! Whether you’ve been in your role for a few weeks or a few months, you might feel nervous when you hear the words “performance review” for the first time.
But regular appraisals are a normal part of working life. They can also help you feel more supported in your role – and more career confident – if you know how to use them. Read on to learn all about workplace appraisals and how you can prepare for yours.
What is an appraisal or performance review?
An appraisal or performance review is a regular meeting between an employee and their manager(s) to discuss their performance, work goals and objectives, and any concerns.
A good appraisal will cover:
- Your achievements during the appraisal period
- Your goals for the next few months
- Any areas of concern your manager has about your performance
- Any concerns or questions you have about your work
- The overall standard of your performance
Most workplaces have some kind of appraisal system in place, with performance reviews typically carried out on a six-monthly or yearly basis.
Some appraisals are very informal and simply involve sitting down for a chat with your manager. Other companies have formal appraisal systems with paperwork to complete and a specific system for recording the things you discussed.
Your manager should explain how appraisals work at your job in plenty of time before your first review.
What is an Appraisal For?
Many employees find workplace appraisals scary and would rather not do them at all. But they actually serve several important purposes.
It may surprise you to know that part of your appraisal will usually focus on the good things you have achieved. The first question in an appraisal is often something like “what are your biggest achievements so far?” This gives you time to reflect on the areas in which you excel and the things your manager and colleagues appreciate about you. You might be surprised at the things people have noticed or at how well you’re doing.
Talking about areas for improvement will also form a part of your appraisal. This allows you to reflect critically on your own work and receive more detailed feedback from your manager. Ultimately, receiving feedback and taking it on board will make you a stronger employee and strengthen your skills. Remember that every mistake is also a learning opportunity.
An appraisal also gives you an opportunity to raise any concerns you might have. For example, do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by your workload or feel as though you don’t have enough to do? Are you struggling to get your head around a particular piece of technology that you need to use in your job? Your appraisal is the time to raise these issues and ask for the support you need.
Finally, an appraisal is a chance for you and your manager to reflect on your career journey and where you might like to go next. This can include big-picture discussions (where you’d like to be in five or ten years) as well as smaller steps such as a particular training programme you might like to take.
How to Prepare for Your Appraisal
Though they can seem daunting, a performance review or appraisal is actually an opportunity. And the best way to make the most of it is to ensure you are adequately prepared.
Ask your manager how the appraisal process works so that you can prepare. If you are asked to complete any forms or paperwork ahead of your appraisal, do so in plenty of time. Think through all the questions and answer as thoroughly as you can. Rushing this part of the process can be a big mistake and will leave you less prepared for your appraisal.
If you have friendly relationships with coworkers on your team, you can also ask them for their insights into the appraisal process. This will give you a stronger sense of what to expect and may put your mind at ease if you’re nervous.
Finally, make plenty of notes before your appraisal. This can help jog your memory during the conversation and make sure you don’t forget anything important.
Try to answer questions like:
- What has been my biggest achievement in this job so far?
- What do I enjoy most and least about my work?
- What mistakes have I made and what did I learn from them?
- What are my biggest strengths and weaknesses so far?
- How might my coworkers describe me?
- Do I have any concerns about any aspect of my job or need any extra support?
- What goals do I have for the next 6-12 months?
- What are my medium-term and long-term career goals right now?
It’s worth noting that, in a well-run workplace, you should not be too surprised by anything in your appraisal. If you have made mistakes or your manager has serious concerns about your work, it is their responsibility to raise these issues with you at the time. If this has happened, you might discuss the issues and your progress during your appraisal, but in most cases you won’t suddenly learn that a problem exists during your review.
Tips to Make Your Appraisal Work for You
Preparation is the biggest key to making your appraisal work for you. If you are adequately prepared, you can relax and make the most of it as an opportunity to learn and improve. There are also a few other things you can do to help your appraisal go smoothly.
Bring your notes with you to your appraisal, but don’t just read your answers from the page. Much like a job interview, an appraisal works best when it is a conversation. Listen closely to what your manager says and don’t be afraid to ask any clarifying questions. Use open body language and speak in a positive, can-do way.
Try to be as objective as you can in your self-assessments. Don’t give an unrealistically high review of your own performance, but don’t be unnecessarily self-deprecating either. We all have strengths and weaknesses and the ability to reflect on them accurately is vital.
We don’t recommend asking for something major like a pay rise or a promotion in your first appraisal, as you will not usually have been in the job long enough to warrant these things. However, future appraisals can be a good time to raise these requests when you are ready to do so.
Finally, don’t stress. Good luck with your appraisal!
