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At the end of each year, many employers choose to conduct their annual performance reviews. This is to help establish fair compensation increases and to set new performance goals for the coming year. Yet, for a vast majority of employees, the performance review process is negative and creates a great deal of worry.

Why do employees fear performance reviews?  

  • Employees may worry that they will lose their jobs or not get a raise in pay if they are not working up to company performance standards.
  • Staffers may anticipate that added responsibilities or requirements that will put more strain on already burdensome assignments.
  • Employees may not understand the entire performance review process and find it to be critical rather than helpful to them.

For these reasons and several others, the end of year performance review is something that causes employees to avoid thinking about them. However, this is a mistake. Instead of looking at performance reviews as a necessary evil of being employed, it’s more beneficial to look at a review as time to shine and go after the raise that you deserve. It’s always better to prepare for a performance review rather than just dread it.

Get prepared for your 2013 annual performance review!

Here are some ways you can prepare for your 2013 annual performance review, and come out ahead.

#1 – Make a list of all the new tasks and projects you worked on over the course of the last 12-months.  

Chances are, you have accomplished a lot over the last year. You’ve probably been asked to take on new tasks as a result of new projects that have landed on your desk. This is a good thing, in terms of your career. Make a note of these new tasks and projects to leverage during your performance review.

#2 – Write down at least 3-5 new things you learned and new skills you developed as a result of your hard work.

For each new project or task you’ve taken on, you’ve likely gathered a whole new set of knowledge that makes you a more valuable employee. Write down the things you’ve learned or the new skills you’ve developed as a result of your efforts. Again, these make you more worthy of a raise in pay.

#3 – Take out your last year’s performance review and compare where you were this time last year to where you are now.

If you’ve been on the job for more than a year, you probably experienced a review last year around this same time. Find or ask for a copy of your performance review (from the HR department or your manager) and take the time to read through it. Look for goals you set out to achieve, and any areas that still need work.

#4 – Make a note of the value you brought to your employer, the goals you met, and the goals you have for the coming year.

Using your last year’s performance review as a report card to what you accomplished this year, make a note of the areas you excelled in. Also consider the areas you want to focus on this year as part of your ongoing career development. You can use this information to ask for training support and to help you rate yourself during your performance review.

#5 – Mentally prepare yourself for your annual review by being positive and proactive.

When you are asked to participate in your performance review, do so with a positive mindset. Look forward to the feedback you will receive as it can help you grow as a professional. Be ready to demonstrate how you went over and beyond your normal job duties. Leverage your learning and achievements in your performance review to validate a generous raise in salary or a new job title.

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