Performance evaluations are useful tools to help managers and employees understand how they are doing and where they may be able to improve. If you haven’t already, you’ll likely be asked to complete a self-evaluation prior to a performance review. For many professionals, that can be a daunting task. However, preparing a self-evaluation doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips to consider when working on your next self-evaluation.
Be Honest
It’s tempting to inflate your role on a project or your accomplishments. In the long run, however, sticking to the facts will serve you best. Your manager knows where you succeeded and what areas you may still need to work on. Exaggerating how successful you were or how large a part you played on various projects may cause your manager to lose trust in you. Conversely, being totally honest about where you can improve will show your manager that you are invested in your role and that you have the self-awareness necessary to succeed.
Commit to Ways to Improve Your Performance
A good manager who sees a mistake or issue arise will ask, “How can you prevent that from happening in the future?” Keep that question in mind as you complete your self-evaluation. Use it to help frame how you can move forward or strengthen potential areas of weakness. For example, if you note in your review that you are not comfortable speaking up in large meetings, you could follow up by pledging to become fully prepared in advance, and so more likely to participate during the meeting. Committing to improving your performance shows your manager that you are engaged and motivated — two traits that all managers look for.
Be Professional
Whether you’re best friends with your manager or rarely speak to them, you should remain professional throughout your self-evaluation. Use appropriate language, do not disparage other employees or the company, and take the time to write a thorough and honest assessment. Being professional won’t hurt you, but behaving unprofessionally in your evaluation very well could.
Ask About Career Development
You may want to note in your self-evaluation that you are interested in career development opportunities. Perhaps there are specific trainings or certifications that you would like to pursue. A self-evaluation can be a good place to note these things as it creates a record of your requests. You may not get time to discuss career development with your manager, so including it in your self-evaluation can be a great way to ensure that you don’t miss out on opportunities.
We get it. Writing a self-evaluation isn’t at the top of your fun list. But, if done well, it will help you create a record of your recent accomplishments, highlight areas of potential improvement, and open development and career growth opportunities that you may not have had otherwise. Take the time to write a thoughtful, honest, and complete self-evaluation to ensure your manager knows that you take pride in your work and that you are a valuable member of the team.
ON TOPIC
An annual or semiannual self-evaluation is an important piece of a performance review. It is meant to provide perspective for both the employee and the manager. We asked some veteran managers what they take way from their direct reports’ self-evaluations. Here’s what they had to say.
“I appreciate some introspection. I’m not interested in only what they’ve accomplished. I want them to also highlight areas where they’ve grown and could further improve.” – Francis, risk management
“When someone is honest and self-aware with regard to their performance, it can be helpful to all parties. A realistic plan can be made for the next period, and the employee is likely to find success having an open and realistic dialogue with their manager.” – Maura, health care
“Not everyone accomplishes all the goals that were set out. I want them to acknowledge that and provide thoughts on how they’re going to continue to progress and meet those goals.” – Paul, data analytics
“It’s important that people remember that it’s an assessment, not a list of accomplishments. Too much bragging falls on deaf ears for me.” – Colleen, consulting
“Reading someone’s self-evaluation can sometimes help the manager consider things they might not have realized the employee struggled with, or even things they might have overlooked as accomplishments for that individual.” – Christopher, software development
“If it’s all sunshine and roses and I know they haven’t delivered on some objectives, it certainly raises a flag. Of course, this shouldn’t happen if the manager is properly communicating throughout the year. Regardless, such a situation warrants more discussion, clear directives and action plan, and more regular check-ins to be sure everyone is on the same page moving forward.” – Emily, mechanical engineering
