How to Prepare for a Performance Review (and Make It Work for You)

How to Prepare for a Performance Review (and Make It Work for You)

A performance review, or even a regular check‑in, is more than just a formality. With thoughtful preparation, it becomes an opportunity to highlight your achievements, gain clarity, and plan your future growth.

1. Reflect and Self-Assess

• Review your role and goals. Look back at what you were expected to deliver and how you’ve progressed, ongoing or set at your last review.

• Honest evaluation: Identify both strengths and areas for improvement. Writing a self‑review is often encouraged.

2. Gather Evidence and Achievements

• Use concrete examples: Include metrics, positive feedback, project outcomes—anything that shows impact.

• Keep documentation handy: Emails, notes, client praise, completed tasks—all reinforce your claims.

3. Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Show engagement and initiative by asking questions such as:

• “What does success look like in this role going forward?”

• “Where should I focus to grow most effectively?”

4. Be Ready for Both Praise and Constructive Feedback

• Anticipate feedback: Think about areas where you may need support—and be open to constructive criticism.

• Balance response: Acknowledge positives and ask for specifics on performance areas you can wrap improve.

5. Craft Clear Goals

• Set SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound—this gives direction and clarity. 

6. Cultivate the Right Mindset

• View it as a dialogue, not an interrogation. These reviews are chances to align expectations, celebrate wins, and plan next steps.

7. Go In Prepared

Bring along:

• A concise summary of accomplishments

• Self‑assessment notes

• Future goals and questions to discuss

8. Follow Up and Build Momentum

After the review, send a short email summarising key points, agreed goals, and deadlines. That ensures alignment and reinforces your commitment.

You might also find our guide on initiating conversations about performance concerns helpful. Read that article here

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