How to Complete a Self-Appraisal that Works For, Not Against, You

Many organizations depend on self-appraisals to help assess the effectiveness of their employees. The trick is to make the self-appraisal work for and not against you.

Here are three tips from performance management training experts on how you should present yourself in the often intimidating task of self-appraisal.

1. First, ask the purpose of the exercise. Will this be shared with others? Will it be used to assess your value to the team or to the organization? Will end up as part of your performance review?
2. Focus on three things: what you have accomplished for the organization, how you hope to improve, and what your long-term career goals are.
3. Keep it short and to the point. Rambling on can either make you appear disorganized or with an overly important sense of your worth.

Before you end the discussion, ask for specific development opportunities. You may not get the nod but it will at least make your commitment to the organization and to your continuous improvement clear.