How do you present your skills in a performance review?

1 Know your audience

Before you start preparing for your performance review, you need to understand who you are talking to and what they are looking for. Your manager may have a different perspective and criteria than you on how to evaluate your skills and performance. Therefore, you should research your manager's style, preferences, and expectations, as well as the company's values, mission, and objectives. This will help you tailor your presentation to your audience and address their concerns and interests.

2 Gather evidence

The next step is to collect and organize evidence that demonstrates your skills and achievements. You can use various sources of information, such as your job description, performance objectives, feedback, testimonials, awards, metrics, projects, and training. You should also include examples of how you have applied your skills to solve problems, improve processes, create value, or support others. You should quantify your results whenever possible and use specific and relevant details to back up your claims.

3 Highlight your strengths

Once you have gathered your evidence, you need to identify and highlight your strengths. You should focus on the skills that are most relevant and important for your role, your team, and your company. You should also emphasize the skills that differentiate you from others and show your unique value proposition. You can use a simple framework, such as the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), to structure your stories and showcase your skills in action.

4 Address your weaknesses

While it is important to highlight your strengths, you should also be honest and realistic about your weaknesses. You should acknowledge the areas where you need to improve and show that you are willing to learn and grow. You should also share the steps that you have taken or plan to take to address your weaknesses and overcome your challenges. You should frame your weaknesses as opportunities for development and show how they can help you achieve your goals and expectations.

5 Align your skills with your goals

Another key aspect of presenting your skills in a performance review is to align them with your goals and expectations. You should show how your skills contribute to the company's vision and mission, as well as to your team's and manager's objectives. You should also communicate your own career aspirations and how your skills can help you reach them. You should discuss with your manager how you can leverage your skills to take on more responsibilities, challenges, or opportunities in the future.

6 Ask for feedback

The final tip is to ask for feedback from your manager on your skills and performance. You should listen actively and respectfully to their comments and suggestions, and thank them for their input. You should also ask questions to clarify any points or concerns, and to seek guidance or support. You should use the feedback as a learning opportunity and a way to improve your skills and performance. You should also follow up with your manager on the feedback and the action plan that you have agreed on.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?