How to prepare for a performance review: tips to help you stand out

Preparing for a performance review can often be daunting process, but if you give yourself plenty of time and prepare they can be extremely beneficial and one of the most valuable tools for your career development. 

Performance reviews offer an opportunity to showcase your achievements, align your goals and receive constructive feedback to help you grow in your role. 

Whether you're preparing for your first review, or looking to get more from the process, these performance review tips will help you approach it with confidence and clarity. Going in with a clear set of objectives and a good understanding of your own personal achievements will help as a starter, and if you follow the tips below, you can ensure you get the most out of your own performance review.

Why preparing for a performance review matters

Performance reviews aren't just about evaluating your work - they're about planning for your future as well. By taking the time to prepare: 

• You can clearly demonstrate your contributions.
• You gain insight into how your work aligns with business goals.
• You show your manager that you're serious about career progression. 

With the right preparation, performance reviews can become powerful tools for personal development and job satisfaction. 

1. Ask yourself key questions:

Prior to every performance review, you should ask yourself a few simple questions and reflect on the following: 

• Did I hit my targets?
  • If so, how did I ensure that I hit them
  • If not, why not?
• What did I do well? 
• What challenges did I face, and how did I manage them? 
• What could I have done differently? 

Being honest  about your performance allows for a more meaningful discussion and helps identify areas for improvement. 

2. Prepare your talking points:

Ensure that you prepare properly for your review – complete the information that you need to ahead of the meeting, review your objectives, and have an agenda so that you are clear on the things that you would like to get from the meeting. Make a note of:

• Projects of tasks you're proud of. 
• KPIs or targets you've met (or exceeded). 
• Where you may need more support. 
• Your goals for the next review period. 

Having notes prepared will help you to stay focused and make the most of the conversation. 

3. Refer to previous reviews:

Look back at your previous review/s, look at the targets that were set and think about what steps you have taken to reach those targets. It is important that in each meeting you prove you are doing everything in your power to hit targets.

Ask yourself: 

• Have you met previous targets?

• What progress have you made?

• What challenges persisted?

This shows that you're engaged and proactive about self-improvement. 

4. Be honest and self-aware:

It is important that you are honest with yourself, that you discuss any areas for improvements and that you ask for support when you need it, so that you are developing yourself and also working towards turning potential weaknesses into strengths.

Self-awareness and a willingness to own it and grow are qualities that managers value. 

5. Set clear, achievable goals:

Make sure you know your own personal goals, long and short-term, to show your commitment and desire to grow with the business. Having knowledge of where you want to be and by when, it will help your manager set you goals to work towards to help you achieve what you want.

Think about: 

• What you want to achieve in the next 6-12 months. 
• Where you see yourself in the company. 
• Skills you'd like to develop. 

This helps your manager tailor future goals and identify opportunities for progression. 

6. Keep an open mind and stay professional:

Remember that this is a conversation and not a personal attack. If your manager disagrees with anything, focus on coming up with a solution and taking the comments on board. Stay calm and listen: 

• Avoid becoming defensive or placing blame. 
• Don't make excuses - take responsibility, where needed. 
• If you disagree with something, ask for clarification or examples.

7. Be open to feedback:

Make sure that you are open to feedback and that you take it on board positively, ensure that you are being open about the professional development that you have in mind and use effective non-verbal communication. 

You could think about: 

• Taking notes during the meeting. 
• Using positive body language (eye contact, posture, open gestures). 
• Ask for clarification or examples if something isn't clear. 
• Thank your manager for their input. 

8. Follow up and take action: 

Following your review, make sure that you are referring to it on a regular basis so that you are working towards your goals and ensuring that you hit the targets that have been set for you, so that you are performing to the best of your abilities.

Your commitment to following through shows professionalism and drive. 

Final thoughts 

At Sellick Partnership, performance reviews are seen as a key part of our team members’ career development. They provide structure, motivation, and a chance to celebrate the wins — big and small.

If you're serious about growing in your role, make the most of your review. Take ownership, ask questions, and use the process to guide your development.

For further career development advice, check out our insights page or contact us!