Performance reviews look different than they used to since the pandemic. Many companies are unsure how to measure performance while working remotely and may not have made a total shift in how they respond to new systems and protocols. And while a performance or year-end review isn’t always an accurate picture of your overall value, it is an opportunity to renegotiate some aspects of your job. It’s a candidate/employee market these days, so, you have the upper hand.
How can you prepare for and show your worth at your next performance review? We help mid-career professionals like you every day prepare to put their best foot forward in their performance interviews. We want to share our top tips with you because we truly care about your career success and are here to support you.
Update your accomplishments document. It’s important to make sure that all of your progress, successes, client kudos and anything else that relates to accomplishments at work is well-documented. This is even more important since the pandemic. Since many professionals are working remotely or in a hybrid position, managers aren’t able to physically see them accomplishing their tasks. Having a record of what you have accomplished working from your remote office will allow you to refresh your own memory and also handpick your top accomplishments to show to your manager during your performance review.
Identify what you want to negotiate. In the midst of the “Great Resignation,” many companies will be open to negotiating perks and other aspects of job descriptions in an effort to maintain their employees. Your performance review is a great time to negotiate these items with your manager. While salary is generally discussed, think about other things you might want to negotiate, such as flextime, a hybrid schedule, a different office (if you are going back to the office), or daycare options if you have small children. Think about your top two “wants” at your job to take to your manager, and make sure to present a reasonable implementation plan.
Be creative. Whether your performance review will be in person or a Zoom meeting, find a creative way to let your professional worth shine through. For example, you can create a PowerPoint, a one-page document highlighting your top successes during this year, or a small portfolio to present to your manager.
Be ready to address any red flags. If you know that your manager may ask you about certain tasks or projects that you had trouble with during the year, be proactive and bring it up first. Admit that you had trouble but also let your manager know what that taught you and how those lessons helped you throughout the year. For example, if you struggled to adapt to working at home and missed a few deadlines, you could say, “I want to let you know that I appreciate your patience with me, especially as I adapted to permanently working from home. I know that I struggled in the beginning and missed a few important deadlines. I have learned the importance of time management and adaptability and that has helped me with these most recent projects…”
Need more help preparing for your performance review? Schedule a free consult today!
