You're aiming for a salary increase. How can you ace your software engineering performance review?

1 Show Impact

To ace your performance review, highlight the impact of your work. Quantify your achievements by discussing how your code optimizations led to faster application performance or how your contributions to a project helped meet deadlines and stay within budget. Your ability to connect your technical work to business outcomes is powerful; it shows that you understand the bigger picture and that your role directly contributes to the company's success.

2 Enhance Skills

In preparation for your review, take stock of the new skills you've acquired and how they've been applied to your projects. Whether it's mastering a new programming language or adopting a software development methodology like Agile or Scrum, showing that you're continuously learning and applying new knowledge is crucial. It demonstrates adaptability and a commitment to staying current in a rapidly evolving field, which can be a strong argument for a salary increase.

3 Collaborate Well

Your ability to collaborate effectively with others is a key component of your performance review. Discuss instances where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams, helped mentor junior developers, or contributed to a positive team dynamic. Emphasizing soft skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork can set you apart as a well-rounded engineer who adds value beyond technical expertise.

4 Own Mistakes

A willingness to acknowledge and learn from mistakes is a sign of professional maturity. During your review, don't shy away from discussing challenges or setbacks. Instead, frame them as learning opportunities and explain the steps you've taken to prevent similar issues in the future. This approach not only shows accountability but also that you're proactive in improving processes and outcomes.

5 Plan Ahead

Discuss your future goals and how they align with the company's direction. Propose a clear plan for how you intend to contribute to upcoming projects or initiatives. Show enthusiasm for taking on more responsibility, and make it clear that you're invested in the company's long-term success. A forward-looking perspective can demonstrate that you're deserving of a salary increase as an integral part of the company's growth.

6 Ask Feedback

Finally, actively seek out feedback during your review. Asking for specific examples of what you've done well and areas for improvement shows that you're eager to grow professionally. It also gives you a chance to address any concerns in real-time and provides valuable insights into how your performance is perceived, which can be instrumental in negotiating your salary increase.