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Appraisals and performance reviews aren't always something we look forward to. Still, they can be a useful opportunity to reflect on how things are going, recognise your achievements and consider what you want to do next.
Preparing for an appraisal doesn't have to be complicated. Taking some time to reflect on your progress, identify areas for improvement and think about your future goals can help you make the most of the conversation.
During my roles within Martin Tolhurst, I've learnt the importance of taking an active interest in my own career development.
Here are a few things I've found helpful when preparing for appraisals and reviews.
It's easy to get caught up in your daily workload and not really consider how much you've achieved over the past year.
Before an appraisal, I think it's worth taking some time to look back at what you've learnt, any additional responsibilities you've taken on and areas where you've become more confident.
It can help to make a few notes about specific achievements or challenges you've overcome, so you have examples to discuss during your appraisal.
If you've had previous appraisals or reviews, refer back to them to see how you've progressed against your earlier goals.
Looking back at the different roles I've held helps me recognise how much my knowledge and confidence have developed, even when that progress hasn't always been obvious at the time.
An appraisal shouldn't just be about discussing what you've done well. It's equally important to recognise areas where you could improve or benefit from further support.
In conveyancing, you'll always face new situations and have more to learn. Acknowledging your areas for improvement can help you develop in your role and across your career.
I've found that being open about what I want to improve is much more useful for my career development.
It can also help to think about what support, training, or guidance might make a difference so you can discuss it during your appraisal.
One of the most valuable parts of an appraisal is having the opportunity to discuss your future goals.
Your goals don't necessarily need to involve gaining qualifications or progressing into a different role. They might involve building your confidence, developing a particular skill, or taking on more responsibility.
Whatever your ambitions, an appraisal is a good opportunity to discuss them and identify what support might be available.
Having one or two goals in mind beforehand can help you make the conversation more productive.
Remember that an appraisal isn't just about receiving feedback from your manager.
It's also your opportunity to ask questions, share your thoughts and discuss anything that could help you in your role.
You might want to ask what skills you could develop further, whether there are opportunities to take on new responsibilities or what you could focus on before your next review.
I think the most useful reviews are those where you can have an open conversation about what's going well, what could be improved and what you'd like to work towards.
Taking a few minutes to prepare beforehand can make a real difference and help ensure you get something worthwhile out of the meeting.
If there's one thing I've learnt from my time at Martin Tolhurst, it's that career development doesn't happen all at once.
When I joined the firm in 2018, I wouldn't necessarily have expected to be doing the role I am today. Each position I've held has given me different experience and helped me work towards the next stage of my career.
My advice is to approach your appraisal with an open mind, take time to recognise what you've achieved, and be honest about what you want to do next.
After all, it's your opportunity to shape your own development.
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