Take five...

1. take time over your self-assessment form

This is your chance to put across how you think you’re doing, so it’s worth taking time over it. Mark Grove, regional manager of BRC Recruitment, warns that the main problem with self-assessment forms is that “they often sit in people’s drawers until the night before. Then people rush them out”. Take the time to do it as well as possible.

2. hand in the form early

You may not want to look too keen, but the benefits of handing in this all-important preparatory document far outweigh any embarrassment. If the appraiser has more chance to think about your suggestions, the discussion becomes more focused and productive. “Appraisals should be a two-way discussion,” says Jill Crawley, human resources manager at recruitment consultancy Synergy Group. “Self-assessment forms do give the appraiser a chance to think about things.”

3. Make notes

Trying to remember everything you want to say in an appraisal is nearly impossible and, if you go in empty-handed, you’re sure to forget important points. Making a list of the things you want to get across to your manager before the meeting will mean nothing gets left out.

4. Sell yourself

Ditch your reservations and be prepared to show off your good points. Simon Gates, human resources manager of Mosaic Homes, believes that people are often too blasé about their appraisal. “Some people don’t give it the importance it needs, even where it is linked to payment,” he says. If you think you have done something well, then say so, but …

5. don’t ignore your failures

Although you may want to hide your weaknesses, you should always be prepared for unwanted questions.

“Second-guess what will be said, but prepare for the unexpected as well,” says Gates. He warns that refusing to think about failures will only compound the problem if you are asked about them. Be prepared to learn from your mistakes and remember that appraisals are the best time to ask for training and suggest ways to improve your work.