How To Ace Your Performance Review

Dec 03, 2020

Each year do you dread hearing the words “Performance Review”…?

I know I did.

I hated having to “convince” my manager that I had done a great job that year…and that I deserved a bonus…

…and I hated even more that when it came time to talk about increasing my salary, I either didn’t say anything, or I didn’t get what I deserved for the extra work I was doing…

Super frustrating.

It’s funny, this conversation comes around each year (and for some, twice a year), but it creeps up on you so quickly that before you know it, it’s tomorrow and you’re sitting at your desk cramming for it like an exam…desperately trying to remember all the great things you’ve done during the year…

…trying to “sell” how amazing you are and why you deserve that bonus…or that pay rise…

Sound familiar?

Your Performance Review is such a great time to talk about you and your achievements and how you’ve really made a difference to your company…

…but so many people don’t take the time to thoroughly prepare…

…and they walk out really disappointed.

I don’t want disappointment for you. So this week, I’m going to share with you my best strategies that I’ve learned over the years (and that have worked incredibly well for me) so you can really ace your next performance review.

I’m also going to share with you how to get a free consult so I can help you ace your Performance Review or pay rise conversation…so keep reading!

My #1 Strategy To Ace Your Performance Review

Stop thinking about you – and start thinking from your manager / company’s perspective…

Let me explain…

When I hold performance reviews, what’s really common is that most employees come from a place of they “deserve” a great rating…they “expect” a bonus…and they “anticipate” a salary increase, but…

…they are only thinking of themselves and how hard they’ve worked…but it’s not hard work that actually makes a difference #cruelfact

…your company is actually looking for where you have added value.

I’ve bolded “added value” because it’s the most underrated aspect of any of the reviews I hold, but it’s the most important.

At the end of the day, if you can’t articulate where you’ve “added value” in your role, then you’re really not going in prepared, and you are probably missing out on some extra goodies come bonus or pay rise time.

Adding value, in the simplest terms is how have you tangibly helped the company achieve its goals. Most of the time, it’s financial goals. Because even though you may not be in a ‘finance” type role, you’re still responsible for contributing to the bottom line.

So, when you’re preparing for your review, ask yourself (and answer) these questions and ensure you talk about them when they ask you “how have you gone this year”…

…and see the difference it makes.

What value have you added? And how can you measure it?
Have you not only met, but exceeded your KPI’s? And how?
How have you gone above and beyond in your current role?
What feedback were you given at your last review and have you implemented it?
Do you have any new experience or qualifications since your last review?

Acing your Performance Review can help you get promoted and earn a bonus or salary increase (ka-ching!), so learning how to be amazing at your next review is supercritical for career success.

Now, it’s not always easy to answer these questions…especially if you’re someone who isn’t great “talking yourself up”, but I’m an expert at it, and I’d like to help you!

Email me and the team at [email protected] and we'll send you a free preparation resource.

How To Ace Your Performance Review

The ultimate newsletter for ambitious women

Have it all: career, life, money and self-belief

Join The FREE Challenge