Evaluation at work, any pointers?

[monkey00]

Finally after a year at my job, I'm getting my review after requesting it, it'll be early next week. I'll be evaluated by my VP and the president.

 

Does anyone have any pointers? How should I go about asking for my raise? I suppose the boss is the one that decides how much raise I should get?

[OpenBook]

Yes. Go in prepared! Make a list of all your accomplishments over the past year. Everything you did, no matter how little, put it in a list. If possible, also include calculations of how much money you saved the company with each accomplishment. Highlight the value of your accomplishments to the company.

 

The whole point, the underlying message you communicate to them should be loud and clear: everything you're doing is for the benefit of the company, and you have a personal stake in making sure it's successful. You've done everything you can do to this end, and you deserve to be rewarded for it.

[Trialbyfire]

Besides being prepared for it, particularly if there's any negative input, play it by ear. Some companies definitively separate raises/compensation from reviews. The review happens first, then if you hit your targets, you receive compensation in the form of bonuses or raises.

[anne1707]

Also think of what has not gone so well this year. Could you have done something better? What did you learn from things not going as planned/hoped?

 

But concentrate on how you have added to the success of the company. What did you do that was beyond what would normally be expected in your role? Any additional responsibilities/projects you took on?

[monkey00]

Also think of what has not gone so well this year. Could you have done something better? What did you learn from things not going as planned/hoped?

 

There were a couple of things early last year that didn't go so well. I know they could use that against me to deny me a raise as I've heard about that from other co-workers. But as for the below..

 

But concentrate on how you have added to the success of the company. What did you do that was beyond what would normally be expected in your role? Any additional responsibilities/projects you took on?

 

There were and are many new responsibilities that I took on that are out of my role and the job I signed up for. And it has been happening slowly over the course of a year and is still growing on. In light of that I think it outshines the not so good things from a project at the beginning of the year where I was still learning.

 

OpenBook, that list idea is helpful. A good way to recall everything good I've done over the past year, could even bring it with me on the review.

[anne1707]

I think if mistakes were made early in the year when you had just started then it should carry less weight compared to more recent performance. I think you should just be prepared to discuss those issues if raised. An employer appreciates someone who recognises where they can improve (especially if they have since shown that promised improvement).

[OpenBook]

There were and are many new responsibilities that I took on that are out of my role and the job I signed up for. And it has been happening slowly over the course of a year and is still growing on. In light of that I think it outshines the not so good things from a project at the beginning of the year where I was still learning.

 

Exactly. And in case the subject comes up during the review, think of ways you can turn it into a positive. Everybody makes mistakes - no exceptions!! It's what you DO about the mistakes that matters. What did you do to correct them? Did you do the task better the next time around? Tell 'em. Good luck! I think you're on the right track.

[allina]

Usually the raise amount you will be receiving,if any, is already determined before you're called in for your review. Also, the review process isn't as much about you telling your boss what you accomplished, it's more your boss evaluating YOU in different areas. Your boss will probably have a written review in hand where with your evaluations written up in areas like productivity, reliability, communication etc. If there are any issues with your performance they will be brought up and you will be asked how you plan on improving them. Of course this can vary by company and position but it isn't likely that the format of a review will be you listing what you did and asking for an x amount raise.

[Neutrino]

Hi Monkey00, first of all - good luck.

 

Just be yourself during the assessment, try to present your interests not as yours - but as mutual interests working in the favor of both you and the company.

 

As for a raise - here is my advice : ask for about double what you really want and then add some other points to the negotiation (even if you are not really interested in them), when the team opposite you responds surprised at your request (don't use the word demand), start negotiating, make sure the convo is in your control. Compromise over some small items and some of your raise (this is your buffer margin). Don't forget also secondary conditions are worth money and normally you would not even get taxed on them... At the end you are likely to get what you want and still make it seem like you made a huge compromise.... because o you love this job so much.....