Tips for Acing Your Year-End Performance Review

Year-end performance reviews are a great opportunity to look back at the previous year, and set attainable goals for the next one. They may not be your favorite part of this season, but year-end performance reviews are a great way to help you reach your career goals.

Maximize the impact of your year-end performance review.

Shake your preconceived notions about performance reviews and wrap up 2011 on a positive note by asking yourself these three questions:

1. How’d I do this year? Take a pause to think about 2011. How was this year for you, professionally? Reflect upon about your accomplishments, plus any areas that could have been better in the past year. Think about your core strengths and areas for potential improvement. When you come to your review, you’ll be ready with comprehensive notes and reflection, which when compared with your boss’ notes, can provide a great foundation for discussion and setting of goals.
2. When did things go well? Have you saved any positive feedback this year? It’s never too late to start! When a client, customer, coworker or boss sends you positive feedback, keep it. Print out emails and save them in a folder or forward them to your home email for safekeeping (company policy permitting). Tangible results of your efforts this year can both boost your morale and provide a great argument for a raise or promotion when you present them to your boss!
3. What do I want to accomplish? What do you want to achieve in 2012? 2013? How about in five years? Think about what it is that you hope to accomplish in the short- and long-term, and prepare clear notes to share with your boss. Together, you can work on an action plan to help you achieve those goals, or set some new ones. Taking the time to clearly define your goals now can prove immeasurable toward your success in the future.

Looking for new opportunities to start 2012?
Here at Pinnacle, we help talented professionals across Winnipeg find challenging career opportunities with top employers. To take the next step in your career, search our available jobs in Winnipeg today!