5 Tips To Best Prepare For A Performance Review

5 Tips To Best Prepare For A Performance Review 5 Tips To Best Prepare For A Performance Review At Work Performance reviews are very common in the workplace and occur anywhere from every three months to a year depending on your job. Performance reviews are a great way for employers to assess your work as a whole and track your progress. Theyre also a great time for you to see what your strengths and weaknesses have been and use  the meeting to secure a pay raise. Some employers offer raises during a performance review, but in other cases, you have to ask for or negotiate a raise. This is why it’s important to make sure you’re fully prepared for your performance review and know what to expect. If your work anniversary is coming up soon, here are some ways to prepare for a  performance review. Gather up your materials If you have notes, weekly highlights, awards and recognition, customer feedback, etc., youll want to gather these materials, sort through them, and determine whats most important or significant. Your employer should have a good idea of all the accomplishments you’ve had on the job, but some things might have slipped past them. This is the perfect time to highlight all that you’ve done in order to prove your value. Something as simple as clocking in each day on time and meeting regular deadlines can help prove your case. It’s important to not just list out your accomplishments but to actually provide solid proof. So organizing all your information into a portfolio is a good option. Do a self-evaluation You can always do an honest evaluation on yourself before you even speak to your employer. Bust out your initial job description and go through each requirement. This will help you determine whether you’ve met or exceeded all the requirements for the position. If your role has changed or you received a promotion, assess how well you’ve adjusted, if you’ve met monthly goals, etc. Look back at previous performance reviews with your employer, if you have any. This could help you prepare for your upcoming review as well. Think  about questions you may have You want to be actively engaged in the conversation when you have your performance review. Sometimes that involves asking questions and sharing goals or ideas you might have for the future. If you’d like to move up in the company or be considered for a promotion, be sure to share your enthusiasm for the new role. If something has been on your mind lately or has been bothering you, be sure to voice your opinions during this time. Offer suggestions to fix the issue, this shows you arent just complaining but want to discuss the problem. Having open lines of communication with your employer is a great way to make your job more pleasant for you and management. Jot down any pressing questions you might have so when they ask, you don’t feel like you’ve been put on the spot. You can also follow up on any conditions that youre employer said would be met once you started working. For example, if you got hired and were told you’d receive a full benefits package after six  months of employment and that time has passed, bring that up to make sure the process has started. Research  salary rates for your position A performance review is the perfect time to either ask for a pay raise or to negotiate one. If you have an annual review at the end of every year, businesses are often putting together a new budget and may be more willing to grant you a pay raise. Earning more money can help you meet your financial goals quickerwhether it’s paying off debt, building up your emergency fund, saving up to buy a house, or planning a vacation with your family. Be sure to research current salaries for your position on sites like PayScale or Glassdoor. Be mindful that the average salary for your position can vary depending on where you live. For example, someone working in Iowa may or may not earn as much as someone working in a similar position in New York City because the cost of living is higher. If anything, ask for a pay increase that you feel happy and comfortable with. Don’t skimp on the number because you might receive a little push back or need to negotiate your new payment rates. If your employer wants to negotiate, you’ll be prepared with all the data and information you need to demonstrate the value and results you’ve generated for the company to back up your request. Commit to being open-minded Don’t forget to prepare yourself by committing to having an open mind. You may feel like you need to be defensive since performance reviews can be kind of tense or awkward. Instead, be open minded and open to hearing everything your employer has to say, good or bad. You might not hear all good news. If some of your weaknesses are highlighted or youre given constructive criticism, accept it and use it to improve your work ethic for the following year. Being open minded to change, as well as both positive and constructive feedback, can allow the performance review to run smoothly. Summary Most employers don’t hold performance reviews often, so it’s important to make the most of yours. Leverage the opportunity to secure a pay raise. You can do this by taking the necessary steps to prepare. Find out when your next performance review is and start preparing at least a week in advance. Read more The Secret To A Bigger Raise? The Awkward Pause Changing Jobs? How To Budget For A Smooth Transition