How to nail your next performance review.

A performance review isn't just a formality—it's an opportunity to further the growth of your career. But it's up to you to make sure it's a positive experience. Whether you received a good or bad review last year, you can take steps to improve the process in 2013.

What three goals do you want me to meet and exceed in 2013?
When you sit down with your boss, recap his expectations into buckets of specific projects, objectives, or milestones that you can tangibly measure and work toward. That gives your manager the chance to help you focus on what he needs most. Don't forget to write these down so that when your review arrives, you can
provide specific examples of your achievements, mapped back to their expectations for you.

What will make the difference between average and great performance for my objectives?
This question allows your boss to explain what great performance means to her and how it relates to your work. If it's a hard question for her to answer, offer a follow-up question like, "What would make it easy for you to give me the top rating available in each of these objectives?"

How can I improve the way I work?
You may want to give specific examples to get the conversation going, so point out where you think you might want to get better, like teamwork or communication. What you're looking for here are ideas for how to improve your soft skills. If your boss doesn't offer any feedback, try asking, "How would like to see me be more like (name someone who is your company's rising star or high performer)?"
Hopefully, with these three tips, you will be on to great performance review this year.

Posted in: Career Advice