How to Ace Your Next Self-appraisal

If you work for an origination that uses a holistic or 360 degree performance management system then assuredly you’ve been required to write up your own self-appraisal.   No one loses the appraisal process.  But particularly in a system that lacks precise metrics for measuring performance self-appraisals offer extremely important input.  They are used to remind bosses of accomplishments, put successes (and set backs) into context, and set goals for the coming year. 

Doing a self-appraisal can be tricky.  How many people do you know who can be truly objective about their own performance?    And, how can you find the right balance between self-promotion and self-criticism? 

Follow these tips to ensure you ace your next self-appraisal:

Know how your boss will use it.  Is the review going to be used as an integral part of the review process, or it is just an HR formality?  Will your manager use it to determine promotions and bonuses?  Who else will see it?  (Your boss’ boss, HR rep?)  The answers to these questions will inform you on what and how you write.  Some bosses cut and paste written self-appraisals into official reviews.  If your manager does that then make it easy for him to do this.  Deliver your write up on time, carefully proofed, and conforming to requirements.  

Emphasize your accomplishments.  Without being arrogant clearly lay out your accomplishments.  Be clear and talk about them in context of overall business unit goals. 

Acknowledge mistakes, but carefully.  Be careful when presenting any shortcomings.  Do not give your boss rope to hang you with!  It’s recommended that you talk about them not so much as short comings, but areas needing work.  If you must detail, then list key learning points and changes you made as a result of each.

Keep the spotlight on you.  Remember this appraisal is about you, not your teammates.   As tempting as it might be to give feedback on others leave that to another meeting with your manager.  Instead talk about your under-used skills and how to leverage to better overall output.

Ask for what you need. If your smart about self-appraisal lobby for development opportunities.  Be specific.  Explain those aspects of the job you love and how you can become more involved in those things.  But remember to ensure that your requests reflect what your business unit needs as well.

Finally, your manager can tell if you rushed your self-appraisal, so don’t. Take the time to do it justice (Schedule time on your calendar.)  After all, your self-appraisal is about you... take it seriously and your boss will to!