Tesar-Reynes

Preparation is key they say. After my midpoint internship review last week, I thought of a few tips that may help you better prepare for your annual review. Following are recommendations to maximize your yearly review, particularly flavored for agency work.

1. Know your client work like the back of your hand. Your boss will want to know which clients you have been working on. Be sure you can recite them back, not missing a beat. Have something insightful to say about all of them. It lets your boss know, you think strategically and understand each client’s unique needs.
2. Think in terms of pros and cons. You respond to every client differently. Instead of thinking in terms of “I like this client” or “I don’t like this one,” try looking at it like, “Here’s what I like about this client; here’s what could be better.” That way, you’re considering your work from all sides of the equation, and not coming off as too Joey Blue-Skies or Negative Nancy.
3. Be honest about your career path. You may ask yourself if you should lay all your cards on the table. If you’re planning a career change in the next year or relocation, it’s hard to decide how much you should tell your employer. Judge your situation as best you see fit. Hopefully, you already have an open and honest relationship with your supervisor – where they serve as a resource to you, not an obstacle to your career path.
4. Ask for clear, measurable objectives. We’re all chipping in extra to make it through this recession. A key measurable will be instrumental in letting you know, “Yes, you’re doing your job, and here’s where you’re contributing.” It’s critical to know the role you play in helping your firm through these tough times.
5. Ask what you can do better. Unless you’re part of the unfortunate few with a boss from hell, your supervisor will likely tilt your review towards the positive. Providing constructive criticism ranks among the most difficult tasks for managers. At some point in your review, always ask what you can do better. It lets your employer know you’re humble and that you know you can do better. They can take the kid gloves off and be real with you.
6. Park your emotions outside the door. Make your review an out of body experience. Take notes and follow up if you have questions. If you’re unclear of what was said, consider saying “I thought you said X, was I hearing you correctly?” Be sure to thank them afterwards, no matter what.