How to ace your appraisal

Whether we like it or not, performance reviews are a common a part of working life. So here’s your guide to keeping calm and dealing with them effectively.

Prepare yourself

Prior to your review, take stock of your work. Where did you excel? Are there specific achievements? Are you fulfilling the expectations of the job role?

You may also want to consider particular challenges you may have faced or areas causing concern.

Make a written note of all these. It’s easy to go blank when faced with questions, but an appraisal is not the ideal time to be lost for words.

Stay positive

Remember performance reviews are as much for your benefit as they are for the company. They are designed to identify your strengths, areas for development and future career prospects.

Appraisals should be constructive so, even if you’re faced with some negativity, keep this in mind.

Being defensive or losing your cool will not help. Remember the amateur dramatics of Neymar in every Word Cup match? Think of that as a ‘what-not-to-do’.

It’s not personal

Appraisals are comprehensive, covering the good, the bad and the ugly – but only in terms of your work performance.

While everyone loves praise and no-one likes to hear about their shortcomings, remember, it’s not personal.

Recognise instead this is a golden opportunity for you to gain invaluable feedback and develop in your role.

Plan for the future

Okay, so you’ve taken written notes, listened intently and agreed enthusiastically. Now you actually have to use all of this information to forge a solid future plan for your career.

Your boss and HR Manager will be instrumental in this but your input is essential too.

If you’re looking to put in a stellar performance check out the latest job vacancies on jobs24.com.

Posted on September 12, 2018