Get Ahead of Year-End Performance Reviews: A Practical Guide to Reflecting and Preparing for Success

Performance reviews often sneak up during the holiday season or early January, so start preparing now to avoid last-minute stress.

In an ideal world, you'd have tracked your achievements throughout the year, regularly checked in with your manager, and stayed on top of your goals. But reality often looks different: goals shift, fires pop up and tracking slips through the cracks. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—there's still time to get ready!

Here are a few ways to set yourself up for success for your annual review:

1. Review Your Accomplishments:

   • What did you do that was part of your role?

   • What went beyond your scope? Do you contribute to any special projects?

Tip: Check your calendar to jog your memory.

2. Reflect on the Results:

   • Did you meet expectations?

   • What impact did you have on the company, team, or projects?

Tip: Check team, department, and company objectives to underline how your results align with the goals. Can you pinpoint measurable outcomes?

3. Add Context:

   • Why are you proud of these achievements?

   • What challenges did you face, and how did you grow?

Tip: If you are unsure, ask a coworker or a stakeholder to share what they noticed. 

4. Acknowledge Areas for Improvement:

   • Where did you face challenges?

   • How can you improve, and what steps will you take?

Tip: Asking for feedback is a great way to get this information, but it requires courage and vulnerability. Start by asking someone with whom you feel safe and have a good relationship, and then you can gently expand from there. 

5. Think About the Future:

   • Where do you want your career to be in six months to two years?

   • Unsure? Consider talking to a career coach or identifying a new skill to learn.

Tip: If the “what’s next” question is too big, consider narrowing it to “What is one skill or area I’d like to learn more about in the next year.”

6. Tell Your Story:

• Don’t assume your manager remembers everything you’ve done. Use your self-reflection to guide the conversation and fill in any gaps.

  
  

Bonus Tip: If the feedback you receive doesn’t match your experience, request 2-3 days to reflect. Then, come back with a well-thought-out response.

For more tips, sign up for our free webinar "Get Ahead of Your Year-End Performance Review" on Thursday, November 7th, at 11:30am PST.

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