Ace That Performance Review

If you dread that performance review at work – there are some things you can do to improve your score.

Sharon Armstrong, author of “The Essential Performance Review Handbook,” has this advice:

• Get a copy of your employer’s performance appraisal form BEFORE the appraisal. Check the company website or the human resources department.

• Keep a positive feedback file. If a client, boss or coworker praises you – write down the compliment along with the date and keep it in a file with any other positive notes or emails.

• Self-evaluate. Put yourself in your boss’s shoes and fill out an evaluation on yourself.

It’s important to have a reaction plan during your review. If you’re being unfairly criticized – stay calm. There’s a good chance you’ll have the option of filing a written rebuttal – and that will look a lot better than getting defensive or argumentative – especially if you’ve been blindsided and aren’t prepared.