Your yearly appraisal interview is probably fast approaching. If the thought makes you anxious, you're not alone. However, with the right preparation, these meetings can be stress-free and highly beneficial. They provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your performance, progress, potential salary increases, and career opportunities with your manager.
Here are six top tips from Swiss recruitment specialist Robert Walters to help you make the most of your performance appraisal and demonstrate your value to your manager and the organization.
Being well-prepared will boost your confidence. Gather concrete examples of your work and achievements. Treat this interview as seriously as you would an exam or job interview. Thorough preparation ensures you can showcase your contributions effectively.
Reflect on your career goals for the coming months and years and consider how your employer can support you. Identify training courses, professional qualifications, or new experiences that can enhance your skills. Focusing on these aspects can benefit your career both in the short and long term.
Use this opportunity to voice any ideas or suggestions for improving your role, the team, or company processes.
Express your interest in taking on additional responsibilities to show your commitment and ambition. Addressing problems and frustrations that have arisen over the past months can also be crucial.
Remember, this is a business discussion. Avoid emotional reactions to feedback and focus on the value you've added to the company. Use this chance to convince your employer of your contributions and your potential for the rest of the year. Aim to make the interview a positive experience and take responsibility for your career development.
If you believe your achievements merit a salary rise, now is the time to ask. Robert Walters' latest salary survey indicates that 73% of surveyed employees in Switzerland hope for a salary increase in 2025. Present concrete reasons for why you deserve a raise, focusing on your accomplishments rather than comparisons with others.
Understand that your employer may not be able to fulfill all your requests. Think about what compromises you're willing to accept. Seek a win-win outcome, such as agreeing to higher performance targets in exchange for specific training opportunities or an enhanced benefits package.
By following these tips, you can turn your annual performance appraisal meeting into a constructive and rewarding experience.
Discover more valuable career advice and unlock new opportunities with our tips. Looking for a new job? Explore our job vacancies and take the next step in your professional journey.
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