Performance Review

How to complete Performance Review

The annual review is where your manager formally rates the past year, and a 'Meets Expectations' or better keeps your raise, role, and standing intact. Clearing it is less about heroics and more about showing you delivered what was agreed and saw your own gaps clearly.

1. Reread last year's goals before the meeting and gather concrete evidence you hit them.
2. Write a short self-assessment with specific wins, numbers, and projects rather than vague claims.
3. Name one or two real areas you improved or want to grow, so you don't look defensive.
4. Listen to criticism without arguing in the moment; ask clarifying questions instead.
5. Leave with written next-year goals you both agreed on, so the bar is clear going forward.

Tips

• Don't wait for review day to surface your work; a manager who already knows your wins rates you higher.
• Frame weaknesses with the steps you're taking, not as confessions.
• If a rating feels unfair, ask what specific evidence would have moved it up, calmly.

What counts as done

Your finalized review lands at 'Meets Expectations' or above with a signed-off rating on record.