Preparing for Performance Reviews: How to Showcase Your Achievements

Performance reviews are important opportunities to discuss your progress and accomplishments at work. Preparing well can help you feel more confident and get the recognition you deserve. Here are some helpful tips for preparing for your performance review and effectively showcasing your achievements.
 

Make a List of Your Accomplishments

Write down all the things you’ve achieved since your last performance review. Think about the big projects you completed, the goals you reached, and any new skills you learned. Don’t forget to include any extra responsibilities you took on, or any times you helped your team.

For example:

• Have you led a project that was completed on schedule and under budget? Highlight this accomplishment.
• Have you taken a course to improve your skills in a specific area?

Mention the new skills you acquired and how they have benefited your work. Being thorough and specific with your list shows that you are aware of your contributions and can articulate them clearly.
 

Gather Your Evidence

Start by collecting evidence of your achievements. This can include emails from satisfied customers, notes from your boss praising your work, or records of your completed projects. Having concrete examples will make it easier to demonstrate your successes.

For example:

• If you worked on a project that improved a particular process's efficiency, bring documentation showing the time saved or the increase in productivity.
• If you received positive client feedback, compile these testimonials to present during your review.

This evidence supports your claims and provides a clear picture of your contributions.
 

Use Numbers and Facts

Whenever possible, use numbers and facts to show your achievements. For example, instead of saying, “I helped increase sales,” say, “I helped increase sales by 20%.” Using specific numbers makes your accomplishments more impressive and easier to understand.
 

Highlight Your Strengths

Think about what you’re really good at and how those strengths have helped you succeed at work. Maybe you’re great at solving problems, working with customers, or managing your time. Be ready to talk about these strengths and give examples of how you’ve used them to achieve your goals.

For example:

• For those who excel at problem-solving, describe a situation where your ability to think creatively and critically led to a successful outcome.
• For individuals with strong customer service skills, share a story about how you handled a difficult customer situation and turned it into a positive experience.

Highlighting your strengths with specific examples helps paint a clear picture of your capabilities and contributions.
 

Be Ready to Set New Goals

Performance reviews are also a time to set new goals for the future. Think about what you want to achieve in the next year, and be ready to discuss these goals with your boss. Setting clear, achievable goals shows that you’re committed to your job and want to keep improving.

For example:

• You might aim to complete a professional certification, take on a leadership role in a new project, or develop a new skill to benefit your team.

Be specific about how you plan to achieve these goals and how they align with the company’s objectives. This demonstrates your proactive approach and dedication to continuous improvement.
 

Stay Positive and Professional

During your performance review, stay positive and professional. Listen carefully to any feedback your boss gives you, and be open to suggestions for improvement. Remember that performance reviews are a chance to learn and grow, so try to take any constructive criticism seriously.
 

Ready to Stand Out at Your Review? Step into Your Performance Review with Confidence!

As you prepare for your performance review, remember that preparation is key. Gather evidence of your accomplishments, detail your achievements, and use specific numbers to highlight your successes. Show how your strengths have contributed to your goals and set clear future objectives to demonstrate your commitment to growth. Approach the review positively and professionally, and view feedback as a chance for improvement. With these strategies, you’ll stand out, effectively showcase your contributions, and set yourself up for continued success.

For more than 50 years, Landrum Workforce Solutions has been connecting job seekers with rewarding positions at great companies. Our dedicated team and experienced recruiters can assist you throughout your job search. Explore our job openings and submit your application anytime at jobs.landrumhr.com.