In most cases, performance review meetings are held annually, but some companies hold more frequent, informal check-ins, often quarterly. As an engineer, you know your performance review is coming up soon. You’re likely wondering what you can do to ensure your review is as successful as possible. In this blog post, we’ll go over some tips to help you prepare for your review. We’ll also talk about what to expect during the review process. Read on to learn more!
Understand the purpose of your performance review
It is natural to be nervous about your review. As an employee, you should understand this is a two-way conversation. Don’t get defensive. Be open to feedback and offer suggestions for how you can improve.
Focus on specific contributions
Think about the things you’ve done that impacted your employer. Maybe it’s not just what they say in their reviews—but how much time was spent working with this project or solving these issues. It can help if you keep a log of your achievements throughout the year that you can draw from to demonstrate your notable contributions.
Leverage co-worker feedback
Your coworkers are the best resource for understanding your contributions. They can give you a sense of what impact and where they see room to improve, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
What was expected of you?
Reviewing your goals at the end of every year is an excellent way to reflect on how well you’re doing. If there are specific items that need clarification or updating, now would be a good time for them. If you’re a new employee, you should have some notion about your responsibilities and expectations going into this meeting, so make sure this is clear upfront.
Show how you have tried to improve yourself
Some companies offer access to training programs and other ways to learn new skills. You should mention any training you have undertaken and explain how it helped you improve your performance. Your new skills may qualify you for new opportunities. You could use the review to discuss taking on new responsibilities. You could also initiate a conversation about your career goals and how you and your manager can work together to achieve them. This might be an initial conversation about an internal role change or promotion, or it could be a check-in about your progress toward achieving those goals, depending on what career stage you are in.
Gather up your notes to produce a self-evaluation
One of the final steps in the performance review process is writing a self-assessment. Even if your evaluation will only be discussed in an in-person meeting with your manager, it helps to have your thoughts organized and edited down to the most essential points. Be honest about what you think you could improve upon, and don’t be afraid to ask your manager for guidance on how to best present your notes. By taking the time to prepare a self-assessment, you can ensure that your performance review is a productive and positive experience.
Whatever your performance rating, don’t play defense
When you meet with your manager, be professional and humble, and don’t approach the meeting feeling like you need to defend yourself or make excuses. You should be listening and taking in feedback that might seem negative at times. Don’t try to make excuses, because this will make you look unprofessional and will not endear you to your manager. Instead, listen to the feedback that your manager gives you, even if it is negative. Explain that you understand their perspective and that you are willing to work on improving in the areas that they mention. If possible, give specific examples of how you would set out to improve in these areas. By approaching the meeting in this way, you will come across as coachable and motivated to improve, which are qualities that managers value highly in employees.
Think about areas of improvement for your following review
Goal setting is an important part of any performance review, as it can help to ensure that you and your supervisor are on the same page regarding your work going forward. When discussing goals, be specific and realistic in what you hope to achieve. Having well-defined goals will make it easier to measure your progress and determine whether you are meeting expectations. Additionally, be sure to discuss any resources or support that you may need to reach your goals. By taking the time to set meaningful goals, you can ensure that your performance review is a productive conversation about your professional development.
Track your progress regularly to prepare for your subsequent performance evaluation
Requesting more frequent check-ins with your manager may help you to understand their expectations better and give you the confidence you need to excel in your role. Employers should aim to support their employees so they can make solid contributions – use the feedback you receive in these sessions to inform your actions and strive to achieve great results. Frequent check-ins can also help to identify potential areas of improvement, allowing you to work on these proactively. Ultimately, this will benefit both you and your employer, leading to a more productive and positive working relationship.
The Final Word
A performance review is an important opportunity to discuss your successes and areas for growth with your boss. Preparation is key, so ensure you come into the meeting with evidence of how you’ve helped the company achieve its goals and your career development. Remember to stay positive and focus on your contributions – after all, a good review can help set you up for success in the year ahead!
