Almost all organizations – regardless of their size, have their annual/ bi-annual employee review processes. While the nature of these processes might vary, the ends they seek to achieve remain the same; which is, an analysis of your performance and contribution to the organization. However, that isn’t the only reason for a review / appraisal meeting. We often forget that it is also the space for you to be vocal about what’s working, and more importantly, what’s not working for you. It is a great chance for a dialogue to address any issues related to your work, that you or your employer may be facing and seek effective resolution strategies for them. And of course, a good opportunity to be acknowledged about the great job you’re doing!

So, what should your preparation checklist look like?

1. Take stock of your tasks

   Making a list of all the projects and tasks you have been involved in, and accomplished will put you in a better place for the conversation. A few days prior to the meeting, go over all the tasks that you have accomplished and make notes of what skills they have added on for you, and also how they have helped you add value to the organizational goals. One way of organizing this would be to go over all your past emails so you remember what your deliverables have been. For the future, try journaling your work! What is this and how does it work? Read here.

2. Prepare your talking points

   Be coherent in your head about everything you want to bring up in the meeting. Bear in mind that your supervisor will have limited time and you have to make the most of the time you have been allotted. For this, you need to have a good idea about everything you’re going to discuss in the meeting. Prior to the meeting, spend some time thinking about the issues you would like to raise. Jot them down on a notebook and keep the notebook handy for reference.

3. Exercise your foresight

   While you cannot wholly predict how the meeting will go, you can still be at a fairly good advantage of being prepared by using your foresight. Think back on the past few months of your work life and try to assimilate what your experience has been like. Have there been any situations of conflict, or instances where your performance has slacked? Think back very objectively. This way, you can predict to a great extent what could be some of the concerns your supervisor could request you to address. This will help you in preparing for facing any eventuality during the meeting.

4. Your pitch for a raise

   A review meeting is a great opportunity for you to show your supervisor the work you’ve been doing, and compare your pay against it. While a raise is almost expected, you can use your preparation as leverage to negotiate for a bigger raise than they have in mind to offer to you. Knowing how much you’re worth, how much your job is worth, and with a bit of research, you can make a good case for yourself. If not a raise you can also negotiate for additional bonuses/ work perks. Read about the five strategies you can employ while asking for a raise.

5. Ace up your confidence

   Nothing spells success like confidence. And being confident is possible only when you are well prepared. A few hours spent preparing for this will make you confident and ready to take on the meeting. Regardless of what’s coming up, remember to have a good breakfast, listen to some good music, meditate, switch on your zen mode, and walk into the meeting with a smile. Half your work is done!

A review meeting / appraisal meeting is a great opportunity to assimilate your learnings so far, and plan your future in the organization. It is also an opportunity to figure out what’s working and what’s not so you can fix things, or decide if it’s time for you to move on.

What have your appraisal experiences been like? If you would like to share, we’re more than happy to share our space with you! Write back to us!