Completing a self-evaluation as part of the performance review process is something most employees dread. No matter how many times you’ve done it before, it rarely gets easier. Bragging about your achievements can feel awkward, and admitting weaknesses feels even more uncomfortable.
However, when approached correctly, self-evaluation can be a rewarding and empowering experience. The benefits for employees include:
- Enhancing your manager’s perception of your overall performance
- Identifying personal development opportunities
- Strengthening your case for career advancement or promotion
- Increasing your chances of earning a bonus or raise
And there are clear advantages for the organization, such as:
- Uncovering what motivates employees to perform at their best
- Providing feedback to managers on teamwork and morale
- Identifying skills gaps or training needs within the workforce
- Boosting employee engagement and accountability
This article is essential reading if you’re staring at blank boxes on your self-evaluation form. We’ll walk you through a step-by-step approach for success, and include some example self-evaluation phrases to help get you started.
6 Tips For Writing an Effective Self-Evaluation
1. Give Yourself Plenty Of Time
It goes without saying, start early. Rushing to complete your self-evaluation 10 minutes before the meeting won’t deliver great results.
Reflecting on an entire year of accomplishments or challenges takes time. Collect data, revisit project records, and even check in with coworkers to gather examples. Block out time to write, review, and polish your evaluation thoroughly.
2. Be Specific and Data-Driven
Vague statements don’t hold much weight. Instead, include measurable achievements and concrete data to demonstrate your value. For example, replace “I’m the best salesperson” with “I consistently exceeded my monthly sales targets by an average of 10%.”
This level of specificity builds credibility and showcases your impact on business outcomes.
3. Showcase Your Achievements With Confidence
Don’t be shy, this is your chance to highlight your contributions. Your self-evaluation should reflect your value to the company in a professional, confident tone.
Frame your achievements in terms of how they align with company goals. For instance: “I implemented a new onboarding system that reduced new hire training time by 20%, directly supporting our HR efficiency goals.” This kind of context shows leadership and initiative.
4. Be Honest and Self-Aware
Strong self-evaluations are not just about wins, they include thoughtful reflection. Ask yourself:
- What could I have done better?
- Which skills or areas require improvement?
- How can I increase my contribution next year?
Constructive self-criticism demonstrates maturity and a growth mindset. Managers value employees who show self-awareness and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Use development-focused language. For instance, instead of saying “I failed to meet a deadline,” try “I’ve recognized the need to improve my time management and have begun using project tracking tools.”
5. Keep It Positive and Professional
Your self-evaluation is not the place for grievances or negative remarks about colleagues. Focus on your own experiences and areas for growth.
Keep your tone 90% positive. If mentioning a challenge, present it as an opportunity for development. Professionalism and diplomacy are key.
6. Share Your Career Goals and Development Plan
A performance review isn’t just about the past, it’s about the future too. Use the opportunity to discuss career goals and propose a development path.
Do you want to become a team lead? Take on more responsibility? Learn new skills or gain certification? Prepare suggestions in advance, such as enrolling in a course, attending a workshop, or joining an organization like Toastmasters. Even better, offer to share your new knowledge with the team afterward to boost team performance as well.
Self-evaluation Examples & Templates for Performance Reviews
Perhaps you are a manager on the hunt for a self-evaluation template. Or maybe you are an employee without a company form to work from. Below is a sample self-evaluation format covering all the essential performance review sections. Feel free to adapt or expand this template to suit your role or organization.
1. Achievements Since Last Assessment
This section highlights your most significant accomplishments. While it might be tempting to list every task, focusing on key wins will have the most impact. Be specific, include measurable data or KPIs, and connect your successes to broader company goals.
2. Areas of Improvement Since Last Assessment
Use this space to show how you have responded to feedback or challenges raised in the previous review. Outline what you’ve improved, and follow it with new areas where you aim to grow. This approach shows your commitment to continuous development.
3. Goals: Review & Proposal
Reflect on your progress toward previously set performance goals and targets. Also, take this opportunity to propose new objectives for the upcoming period. Include a mix of job-specific goals and personal development ambitions, such as improving digital marketing skills or enhancing your presentation confidence.
4. Personal Development Plan
This is your chance to shape your professional development. Your manager may have ideas, but putting forward your own learning goals starts the conversation. Whether it’s mentorship opportunities, certifications, or joining groups like Toastmasters, proactively expressing interest in growth will leave a strong impression.
Some companies also include extra sections, like core values alignment or productivity metrics. Tailor the template to reflect your organization’s culture.
Performance Review Self-evaluation Examples (By Skill Area)
Still struggling to find the right words for your self-evaluation? These professionally written examples will inspire your responses. Use them as a starting point, but tailor each phrase to your unique performance and contributions.
Performance
- Over the past 12 months, I have led or contributed to [x number] of key projects, including [insert highlights], meeting both deadlines and objectives.
- I have exceeded my performance target of [insert goal] by [insert percentage or number].
- I successfully reduced [costs, customer turnover, etc.] by [specific metric], improving operational efficiency.
- I continuously identify and pursue performance improvements, such as [insert example].
Reliability
- I consistently arrive on time for work and meetings and am always well-prepared.
- My work is completed with a high level of accuracy, and I regularly meet or exceed project deadlines.
- I proactively ask for clarification when instructions are unclear to ensure quality outcomes.
Communication
- I communicate effectively with colleagues across departments, as evidenced by [insert specific example].
- I am comfortable giving constructive feedback and receptive to receiving it in return.
- I ensure that team members and stakeholders are kept informed with regular updates.
Creativity and Innovation
- I regularly brainstorm with colleagues to develop creative solutions to workplace challenges [insert example].
- My idea to [insert project] led to [cost savings, productivity improvements, etc.].
- I consistently seek ways to enhance project workflows and efficiency [insert specific example].
- I’m proactive in solving problems and actively collaborate to find optimal solutions.
Teamwork
- I always show respect for the opinions and contributions of my teammates.
- I actively promote cross-departmental collaboration to foster a unified working environment.
- I take initiative to keep projects on track and ensure milestones are met on time [insert example].
Customer Service
- I continuously strive to enhance customer satisfaction, such as [insert achievement or solution].
- My efforts helped increase our customer satisfaction score by [insert metric] in the latest survey.
- I often go the extra mile to ensure a positive customer experience, including [insert example].
Personal Development
- I stay current with industry trends by attending conferences, listening to podcasts, and reading professional journals.
- In the past year, I completed [insert course or workshop] to boost my technical and soft skills.
- I share my learning with the team through lunch-and-learn sessions and internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Performance Improvement
Use development-focused language when discussing weaknesses. Frame them as growth areas rather than failures. Here are a few tactful examples:
- I sometimes prefer tried-and-true methods and am working on being more open to innovative approaches.
- I am confident in small groups, but I’m actively developing my public speaking skills for larger audiences.
- I tend to resolve issues independently but recognize the value of seeking support from others when needed.
- I generally maintain a positive tone but am learning how to navigate difficult conversations when necessary.
Key Takeaways From Your Self-Evaluation
Thoughtful preparation and honest self-reflection are essential to writing a successful self-evaluation. Our six expert tips will help you thoroughly prepare and build confidence in showcasing your strengths. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure of where to start, the self-evaluation examples provided above are a great source of inspiration and structure.
Completing a self-evaluation shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Instead, think of it as your opportunity to highlight your achievements and demonstrate your value to the organization. A well-written self-assessment could even pave the way for a promotion or performance-based bonus.
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FAQ Section
Why is writing a self-evaluation important?
A self-evaluation allows employees to reflect on their performance, recognize achievements, and identify areas for growth. It also provides managers with insights into the employee’s perspective, facilitating more meaningful performance discussions.
What should I include in my self-evaluation?
Include specific accomplishments, challenges faced, lessons learned, and goals achieved. Be honest about areas needing improvement and suggest actionable steps for development.
How can I make my self-evaluation stand out?
Use concrete examples to support your statements, align your contributions with company goals, and demonstrate a proactive attitude towards personal and professional growth.
