What is an appraisal?
In its most basic form, an appraisal is a performance review (usually for work). It might be tied to a promotion or a pay rise and in many scenarios is the only opportunity for you to brag about what it is that you do and for your boss to realise what it is you actually do.
Appraisals (whether they are annual or otherwise) are an important way of monitoring your progress and are usually your official and possibly only record. So no matter how nervous you are or how much you hate appraisals make sure you prepare, put your best foot forward and make them count!
Preparation
- Note the deadline for completing your appraisal and schedule a meeting with your supervisor in advance.
- Make sure these dates are in your diary.
- Prepare by reviewing your notes from your previous appraisal (if it is your first – review the sample form or an example from a colleague who is willing to share).
- Complete the appraisal form in advance of your meeting. Proofread and review.
- Know what you want to get out of your appraisal.
Put your best foot forward at the Meeting
- Dress the part.
- Show that you have prepared (in your answers).
- Consider both your objectives and your company’s objectives – equally.
- Listen.
- Note your learning points and consider them seriously.
Make it Count!
- Keep track of what is being said – plan what you want to get out of your appraisal meeting and make sure you got it. If not, follow up after the meeting.
- Understand how it can help with your overall Career Development Objectives – and use this to your advantage.
- Follow up any outcomes/actions points as soon as you can.
- Use it to work on your professional relationship with your boss.
- Get your appraisal form signed off and submitted.
Discuss in the comments: How important is your career development to you? In your experience – do appraisals make a difference or are they simply a ticking the box exercise?
I like this list. Looking forward to the rest of the posts. :3
I'm so glad that I'm no longer a full time teacher. I hated appraisals mainly because the person conducting them had not read your list and used the session as either a time to have a big moan at me or to pile on more work.
Rosalind Adam is Writing in the Rain
This is a quite informative list and one which I think everyone should read.
But, even though it probably goes without saying….it's probably not a good idea to wear your nose ring to an appraisal…? Ditto on that white wife-beater you bought at Walmart…?
Appraisals are an important part of any professional growth, and these tips were excellent. Thanks for sharing.
I like your stress on being prepared. I always dreaded the employees who thought the only reason to come to an appraisal was to see how much of a raise they were getting.
Nice to meet you from A to Z.
http://TheM3Blog.com
Like Red, I tend to stress on being prepared … and being appraised (what am I, a house?) 🙂
As a doctor we have a real tick the box system. No-one cares if the lectures I sit through are relevant at all! Serve me right for being in alternative medicine…
My AtoZ includes a useful remedy each day…
http://www.madelineannstringer.blogspot.com
Great post and list. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
That's great information! I have one coming up in July, so that will be helpful.
In the past, my reviews have been a joke. In fact one time, my supervisor slapped it down in front of me and told me to read it and sign it, that was it!
But I have a new supervisor this time, so we'll see.