What Should I Say in a Performance Review
Employee performance reviews provide helpful feedback about employees' success in the workplace. Performance reviews typically take place annually and may include a one-on-one meeting with a manager. These types conversations are a great way to start thinking critically about how to improve and grow as an individual. In this article, we discuss why performance reviews are important and provide 15 examples of what to say in a performance review.
Why performance reviews are important
Performance reviews can be a great opportunity to get feedback from employers about your skills and abilities. Regular performance reviews are important because they can help you learn how to improve your skills and become more productive. Employers can also benefit from performance reviews by gaining insight into individual experiences and concerns.
Related: 10 Tips for Doing Your Best in Performance Reviews
What to say in a performance review
Performance reviews often include individual performance evaluations, input on productivity and an opportunity to set goals for the future. It's important to prepare for performance reviews as they only happen once or twice a year and are your chance to find out how you can improve.
Here are 15 examples of what to say in a performance review:
Talk about your achievements
Performance reviews give you the opportunity to talk about your recent achievements and highlight your strengths. Talking about your achievements can show employers that you're committed to the company and are excited to learn how to improve.
Example: "Last month, I managed a team of graphic designers and created content for a particularly challenging client. We were able to produce work that our client loved and are now permanently creating content for their organization. I developed my leadership skills as manager and improved communication by focusing on customer service and meeting client needs."
Discuss ways to improve
To show initiative, consider discussing ways you think you can improve in the future. This can show employers that you're self-aware and open to having a conversation about constructive feedback.
Example: "I'm looking forward to improving my time management and organizational skills in the future. I think I could benefit from creating detailed timelines for projects before I start them. I'm also interested in improving my organizational skills by archiving data and other documents for future reference."
Read more: How to Set Developmental Goals for Work
Mention skills you've developed
If you've recently gotten better at a specific skill, talk about how you've progressed. Consider talking about how you've grown as an employee and what knowledge you've gained since the last performance review.
Example: "This time last year I was a graphic design intern, and now I'm managing teams of designers often. I've worked hard on improving my leadership and communication skills this past year and am much more comfortable with customer service work."
Ask about company development
To show interest in and commitment to your employer, ask about how the company has developed over the past year. You could ask questions about productivity levels, company growth and expansion or goals for the future.
Example: "How have our productivity levels looked this past year? Should we be prepared for any changes in staff or location? What are our sales goals this upcoming year?"
Provide feedback on tools and equipment
Performance reviews are also a great opportunity to provide feedback on specific tools and equipment you've worked with recently. Employers often appreciate feedback like this because it helps them know where to allocate funds and resources.
Example: "I'm really enjoying the new software update on our company computers. The internet connectivity has improved and we have access to a ton of new design programs which makes our jobs a lot easier."
Ask questions about future expectations
You can also ask questions about future expectations during your performance review. Consider discussing both personal and company-wide expectations to prepare for the upcoming year.
Example: "What are our sales goals this year? Should I expect any structural or organizational changes in the near future?"
Related: 20 Performance Review Questions to Ask Your Manager
Explain your experience in the workplace
Talk about your experience in the workplace and mention any questions or concerns you may have about day-to-day tasks. Employers often appreciate insight into individual employee experiences so they can adjust their expectations and goals to better fit their needs.
Example: "I love coming into work every day because I'm friendly with my coworkers and we share similar passions and hobbies. It's inspiring to work in a collaborative environment where everyone has a voice."
Find out how you can help
To show initiative, ask your employer how you can help in the future, either in ways that utilize your current skills or allow you to develop new ones. This can let employers know you're ready for more responsibility and are curious about future opportunities.
Example: "Is there anything that I can do to make clients happier? How can I help with organization and planning in the office? Is there anything in particular I can do to help reach our sales goals this year?"
Highlight your strengths
Highlight your strengths to show employers you're engaged and passionate about the work you do as well as effective at your job. Performance reviews give you the opportunity to show off your skills and share your accomplishments.
Example: "I love working with graphic designers because I'm passionate about the content they create. This job gives me the chance to explore my creativity and collaborate with others, which is incredibly valuable to me as a designer and a future leader."
Suggest new practices
Employers often appreciate suggestions that come directly from experience on the job. Talk about what you'd like to see change this year so employers can make adjustments as needed.
Example: "I think it would be beneficial to plan weekly check-ins with managers so everyone stays productive and aware of expectations. Incorporating something like this might help us reach our goals more efficiently."
Get clarification
To show you're engaged and focused during a performance review, consider asking questions to clarify any uncertainties you might have.
Example: "Can you explain in more detail how to improve my communication skills?"
Express interest in being promoted
If you're interested in being promoted or taking on more responsibility, let employers know during your performance review. Employers may reference past performance reviews to gauge your level of commitment and to remember specific strengths and/or skills.
Example: "If there are any leadership opportunities available, I would love to be considered for the job. I am confident in my skills and abilities and am ready to take on more responsibility when needed."
Read more: How to Ask for a Promotion
Request a follow-up meeting
Showing interest in a follow-up meeting can show employers you're diligent and determined to improve. Because performance reviews only happen once or twice a year, asking for a follow-up meeting can help you stay up-to-date and engaged in your work.
Example: "If there's an opportunity to meet again in the near future, I'd be interested in scheduling a follow-up meeting to discuss my progress. I benefit from hearing feedback and would love a chance to check-in with you again soon."
Consider asking for a raise
Performance reviews can be an appropriate place to ask for a raise as you discuss your skills and abilities. Consider politely asking for a raise if the opportunity arises.
Example: "Because I've been an employee here for almost five years, I'm beginning to wonder about potential pay increases in the future. Is there a timeline for giving out raises? What qualities and skills do higher-paid employees have? I feel confident in my abilities and would love the opportunity to be considered for a pay raise this upcoming year."
Share relevant observations
Performance reviews provide employers with the opportunity to understand what it's like to work for their company on a day-to-day basis. Consider sharing relevant observations about company culture, productivity or organization.
Example: "The recent renovations on our office space have been extremely helpful for us graphic designers. I've noticed that productivity levels have increased since the renovations. I think it's easier for us to focus when we're comfortable with our surroundings."
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Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-to-say-in-a-performance-review