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How to Write an Effective Self-Appraisal?

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October 27, 2022

Summary

What’s Inside

One of the most overlooked skills that you may need at your workplace is the art of writing a self-appraisal or a self-evaluation. If you don’t know how to write a self-appraisal yet, it may be about time to pick up this skill now, so you can be prepared when the time comes to assess your own performance at work.

But if you are not sure what a self-appraisal is and why it is necessary, you’re not alone. In this blog, we'll cover how to write a self-appraisal and what are some examples of the same.

Let’s begin, as always, with the basics.

What is a self-appraisal?

A self-appraisal, also known as a self-evaluation, is a regular periodical review that you may need to perform at work to assess your accomplishments and achievements in your role, as well as any weaknesses or pitfalls. It is a look back and analysis of your job performance, allowing you to take stock of your career at specific points during the year.

Why is a self-appraisal assessment necessary?

A self-appraisal assessment comes with many advantages — for the employer and the employee. Check out why you may be required to perform a work self-appraisal. 

To open up the lines of communication

Performance assessment establishes two-way communication between you and your manager. It opens up the lines of interaction and helps your manager better understand your achievements and requirements.

To resolve any disagreements or issues

A self-appraisal may also help tackle and resolve any existing disagreements or misunderstandings at work. It allows you to explain your outlook on your role and helps your manager see things from your perspective.

To identify the source of your motivation

Writing a self-appraisal also allows you to identify what motivates you at work. This way, you can work towards keeping your source of inspiration going. If you lack motivation, a self-appraisal also helps you identify that, so you can change things around.

To foster a healthy employer-employee relationship

Self-appraisals also help strengthen and develop the relationship between an employer and an employee. It ensures that both parties understand one another, and it gives employees an opportunity to connect better with the organisation.

To facilitate your career growth 

Periodic self-appraisal also gives you great insights into where you stand concerning your career and where you need to go. This way, you can assess your career trajectory and do what needs to be done to achieve your professional goals.

How to write a self-appraisal at work?

Now that you know what a self-evaluation is and why it is essential, let’s get into the details of how to write a self-appraisal sample. Here’s what you need to do if you are required to assess your performance at work.

Use hard data and facts

It is important to use solid facts and metrics in your self-appraisal. This makes it easier to evaluate your performance. Using abstract data makes your appraisal less reliable, and employers would rather have an evaluation that clearly measures your performance.

Highlight your accomplishments 

Your self-appraisal is about your own evaluation of your work, after all. So, it is advisable to highlight and prioritise your achievements over the period for which you are making the assessment. This way, you can emphasise why you are valuable to the organisation. 

Set clear goals for the coming months

A big part of performing a self-review is having a clear goal for the near future. This will give you a clear idea of where you want to go from here. So, set measurable targets for the coming months until the next self-appraisal is due. This will help you contribute to the company’s growth more efficiently.

Leave room for areas where you can grow

Another important part of learning how to write a self-appraisal is identifying the areas where you can improve at work. After all, evaluating yourself means recognising your strengths and your weaknesses.

Make a request for inputs 

Lastly, to establish two-way communication with your manager, you must request precise inputs in your self-appraisal. Ask for any support that you may require to make your role easier.

Conclusion

Well then, this sums up the fundamental things you need to know about how to write a self-appraisal. You can use the tips outlined above to create your effective self-evaluation at work. If you need more assistance with this, you can always reach out to the seniors or colleagues at your workplace for some guidance. Alternatively, the human resource or people team or the managers at your organisation can also guide you on how to write a self-appraisal. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. ‎What is self-evaluation?

Self-evaluation, also known in some organisations as an employee self-assessment or self-appraisal, is a document created by the employee. The document contains the details of what the employee thinks about their abilities, skills and goals at work. It is the employee’s assessment of their role and what they bring to it. In other words, it is a review by an employee of their performance at work.

2. ‎Why do we need to write a self-appraisal?

Self-appraisals are a routine requirement in most jobs. They help employees gain perspective of their role and their skills, as well as their performance and goals for the future.  Self-evaluations also allow employees to identify areas they need to improve, so they focus on upskilling or re-skilling themselves in these aspects. On the whole, a self-appraisal enables employees to understand what they do and how they can do it better.

3. How do you write a short self appraisal?

To write a short self appraisal, you may want to follow this process:

  1. Performance: Assess your accomplishments, strengths, and areas for improvement during the appraisal period.
  2. Specific achievements: Highlight notable projects, tasks, or goals you successfully completed or milestones you achieved.
  3. Contributions: Describe how your work positively impacted the team, department, or organization.
  4. Challenges: Acknowledge any challenges or obstacles you faced and how you overcame/learned from them.
  5. Areas for improvement: Mention areas where you believe you can enhance your skills or performance.
  6. Concise and specific: Keep your self-appraisal brief and to the point, focusing on the most relevant points.
  7. Language: Use positive and confident language to showcase your achievements and demonstrate your commitment to growth.
  8. Feedback: Seek feedback from your manager or peers to gain additional insights and demonstrate your openness to improvement.

Disclaimer

Fi Money is not a bank; it offers banking services through licensed partners and investment services through epiFi Wealth Pvt. Ltd. and its partners. This post is for information only and is not professional financial advice.
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