Self Evaluation

 Every performance review is an opportunity to forge ahead in your career. A review with a section for self-evaluation and employee-directed goals gives you the opportunity to design your future. If you’re only getting a review annually, this could be your best chance to push for career advancement all year! Each goal should make sense within the context of your career path. (If your job description and your career aspirations don’t match, it’s time for a more profound conversation with your manager.) Set well-defined goals that are realistic but would be considered major accomplishments if you meet or exceed them. Your goals shouldn’t look anything like your job description; they can present openings to make this job your own. If you’re having trouble coming up with goals that are attainable and relevant, there’s an acronym managers and employees have been using for almost 40 years: S.M.A.R.T. S - Specific M - Measurable A - Achievable R - Realistic T - Time-based Goals that follow this acronym translate as directives for your manager, letting you set an agenda that more vague goals can’t. Your goals are another opportunity to request the tools you need for career advancement. If you would be helped by mentorship, education, certification, or any other development programs, tying one or more of them to a goal in self-evaluation is a great way to get that help.