Write the best annual performance review
Besides crushing it at work, your ticket to a raise or promotion is a killer annual performance review. If there’s one thing I do well, it’s sell myself. We’re sharing six tips to help you write the best review ever.
The best annual performance review showcases the best of you
Aside from a brief stint working for a boss who could’ve given Miranda Priestly a run for her Prada loafers, I had a pretty stellar career as a W-2 employee. And I owe much of that success to two standout skills of mine.
The first? I interview like a champ. Sometimes, I’d hear myself mid-interview and think, “Who is this person, and can I hire them for my life?” Unsurprisingly, I often got the job.
The second? Writing jaw-droppingly excellent annual performance reviews. I was so good at it that teammates started handing me their reviews to edit. I became Michael Carrington ghostwriting for Stephanie Zinone and the T-Birds in Grease 2—don’t get the reference? No worries; no one else saw it either.
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of expertly spinning, er, selling myself for more money.
1. Leverage last year’s review and this year’s goals
Yearly performance reviews are like a Fitbit for your career—they measure progress, and good measurements need at least two data points. Dig out last year’s review to show just how far you’ve come for any project or responsibility that’s been chugging along for more than a year. Think of it as your *before-and-after montage*, with you as the star.
Be sure to address every item in this year’s annual goals. If your goals pulled a Beyoncé and switched things up mid-year, break it down: share how far you got with the original goals *and* the new ones. Remember, if there was a goal makeover halfway through, your boss is likely laser-focused on the shiny new ones. But don’t let your early-year wins vanish into the abyss—call them out. At the very least, mention the switcheroo and remind your boss that your progress on *both* sets of goals deserves a spot on the highlight reel when determining your performance results. After all, you’ve been crushing it all year—why not make sure it’s crystal clear?
2. Get specific. Get detailed.
Especially if you report to a senior manager or higher, specificity and detail are your best friends—but brevity is your lifesaver. Your boss doesn’t have time to sift through War & Peace: The Employee Edition. Keep it tight and to the point to save them the frustration (and the urge to skim and skip).
That said, don’t try to camouflage fluff as substance. Senior managers have a finely tuned BS detector, and they’ll spot exaggerated claims or over-the-top self-praise faster than you can say “synergy.” Skip the flowery prose and colorful commentary—this isn’t your Pulitzer moment.
Channel your inner Dragnet and stick to “just the facts, ma’am.” Clear, concise, and no-nonsense is how you win the day.
3. Focus on value and impact.
You’re an expense to your company—even you, superstar. Whether your company is a scrappy startup or a corporate giant, you’re taking up space and costing money. And that’s fine… *as long as you bring enough value to justify the expense.* Your company wants to see a clear return on their investment (ROI) in you.
So, your annual performance review isn’t just about tooting your own horn—it’s about proving your worth with quantifiable examples. Show how you’re delivering value to your team, your boss, your department, and the business.
Here’s the magic formula to make that happen: *“I did A, which resulted in B,”* where A is your action(s) and B is the quantifiable benefit(s). Every time you use this formula, you paint a picture of your impact.
Once you’ve filled your review with these winning statements, tweak them to avoid sounding like a broken record. Variety in phrasing keeps your review engaging while still delivering the goods.
For example:
- “I closed the firm’s biggest client this year, adding $10 million in assets under management.”
- “I revamped our accounts receivable process, cutting processing time by 15% and reducing costs by 5%.”
See? Clear, concise, and ROI-tastic. Keep that up; you’re not just an expense—you’re the MVP.
4. Be real
I’ve already stressed the importance of keeping your annual performance review light on the BS. A little sprinkle of embellishment is fine—as long as you’ve got the data to back it up. But lay it on too thick, and your boss will see through it faster than you can say, “No bonus, no promotion, no bueno.”
Being honest doesn’t mean turning your review into a confession booth. It’s about striking the right balance: highlight your wins while acknowledging challenges. After all, you’re human, not a workplace superhero (unless that’s in your job description). A touch of authenticity goes a long way in building trust and showing your boss that you’re self-aware and committed to growth.
That said, *never* outright admit to a mistake, error, or wrongdoing in your review—this isn’t Law & Order, and you don’t need to incriminate yourself. Instead, slip on your attorney’s cap and reframe any hiccups as “challenges” or “areas for growth.” Swap “I messed up” for “I encountered a challenge here” or “I see an opportunity to improve there.” Phrases like “This was a struggle” or “That requires more attention from me (and maybe even you, boss)” keep the tone constructive.
Think of it as providing a healthy dose of reality—enough to show you’re self-aware, but not so much that your boss starts questioning their hiring decisions. Share just enough to be authentic, but don’t lay all your cards on the table. A little mystery never hurt anyone—especially regarding your next raise.
5. Be proper
Your annual performance review isn’t just a casual email, a sticky note, or a “Where are you?” text in a packed bar. This is your pièce de résistance, your magnum opus of workplace bragging rights—detailing exactly why you’re the office MVP and deserve more than just complimentary coffee pods. Think of it as the professional equivalent of winning “Best in Show.”
So, for the love of all things grammatically correct, get your act together regarding grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Yes, commas matter. Yes, apostrophes count. And yes, we’re looking at you, “their/there/they’re” crew. Here’s your ultimate toolkit for nailing this:
- Spellcheck: Use it, but don’t blindly trust it. Spellcheck won’t stop “manger” from sneaking in when you meant “manager.”
- Dictionary.com: For when you’re unsure if you’re using a word correctly. Newsflash: “irregardless” is still not an accurate word.
- Thesaurus.com: To help you avoid saying “great” or “awesome” on repeat. Spice it up!
- Grammarly: Your writing coach. Even the free version is a lifesaver, but if you spring for the premium, it’ll help eliminate redundancy and make you sound like Shakespeare with a business degree.
- ChatGPT: The ultimate brainstorming buddy. Are you stuck finding the perfect words? Need help crafting the ideal “humble brag” line? I’m here to make your review sparkle, adding humor, polish, and structure—turning your words into the literary equivalent of a standing ovation.
With these tools in your arsenal, your annual performance review will not just inform—it will *impress*. Now go forth and write something that screams, “I’m worth every penny, and then some!”
6. Prepare year-round for your best performance review ever
Can you procrastinate like you did with college term papers and still crank out a passable annual performance review? Sure. But are you aiming for “meh” money—or do you want *more* money? Heck, let’s go big—how about *a lot* more money? Don’t settle for a C or even a B if that’s the goal. This is your chance to aim for the A+, gold-star, “Employee of the Year” review. Here’s how.
Start Early: Set Up Your Success System
Create a dedicated system when you fire up your office computer in the new year. Make a folder in your email and a matching file folder on your computer titled for the year (e.g., “2024”). Drop it in that email folder whenever someone sends you a glowing comment, a positive review, or a shoutout. Anytime you crush a project or contribute to something epic, save the supporting documentation in your file folder.
Why? Because come November or December, your January victories will feel like ancient history—and you’ll need receipts to back up your brilliance.
Curate, Don’t Overwhelm
Don’t just throw in everything when writing your review—this isn’t your autobiography. Select the absolute best highlights:
- Quotes that shine: Include praise from influential people and top clients to pack a punch. Bonus points if it’s glowing feedback from your boss’s boss.
- Significant milestones: Focus on your most important projects, biggest deals closed, or moments where you truly moved the needle.
- Above-and-beyond efforts: If you’ve juggled a dozen extra projects because the team was short-staffed, list them all to emphasize the scope of your contributions.
Pro Tip: At a high level, summarize the number of positive comments or successful projects you racked up—then be ready to share the specifics if asked.
Play It Smart
Once your stellar review lands you that raise or promotion, don’t let your extra cash evaporate. Use it to level up your financial future:
- Increase your retirement contributions
- Pay off debt faster
- Invest in assets that build wealth
And boom—you’ve not only secured a killer annual review, but you’ve also set yourself up for long-term success. Aim for that A+, and watch your career (and wallet) shine brighter than ever!
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