What are the best ways to document your performance for a Computer Science performance evaluation?

1 Set SMART goals

One of the first steps to document your performance is to set SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART goals help you define what you want to achieve, how you will measure your progress, whether it is realistic and attainable, how it aligns with the team and the organization's objectives, and when you expect to complete it. By setting SMART goals, you can track your performance throughout the year and demonstrate your results and impact in your performance evaluation.

2 Keep a work log

Another useful practice to document your performance is to keep a work log. A work log is a record of your daily or weekly tasks, projects, challenges, achievements, feedback, and learning. You can use a spreadsheet, a notebook, a calendar, or any other tool that works for you. The purpose of a work log is to help you remember what you did, how you did it, what problems you solved, what feedback you received, and what you learned. A work log can also help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and plan your professional development accordingly.

3 Collect evidence

A third practice to document your performance is to collect evidence of your work. Evidence can include code snippets, screenshots, reports, presentations, testimonials, awards, certifications, or any other tangible proof of your work quality and quantity. You can store your evidence in a folder, a portfolio, a website, or any other platform that allows you to organize and showcase your work. Evidence can help you illustrate your achievements, skills, and value in your performance evaluation, as well as highlight your potential for future growth and improvement.

4 Seek feedback

A fourth practice to document your performance is to seek feedback from your manager, your peers, your clients, or any other relevant stakeholders. Feedback can help you understand how others perceive your work, what you are doing well, what you need to improve, and what you can learn from others. You can seek feedback formally or informally, verbally or in writing, regularly or occasionally, depending on the situation and the relationship. Feedback can help you validate your performance, address any gaps or issues, and enhance your communication and collaboration skills.

5 Write a self-assessment

A fifth practice to document your performance is to write a self-assessment. A self-assessment is a summary of your performance based on your goals, your work log, your evidence, and your feedback. You can use a template or a format provided by your organization, or create your own. The purpose of a self-assessment is to reflect on your achievements, challenges, learnings, and aspirations, and to communicate them to your manager and your peers in a clear and concise way. A self-assessment can help you prepare for your performance evaluation, highlight your accomplishments and contributions, and express your career goals and expectations.

6 Update your resume

A sixth and final practice to document your performance is to update your resume. A resume is a document that summarizes your education, experience, skills, and achievements in a relevant and attractive way. You can use a standard or a customized resume format, depending on your target audience and purpose. The purpose of updating your resume is to keep it current and accurate, and to showcase your value and potential to your current or future employer. Updating your resume can help you document your performance, boost your confidence and motivation, and explore new opportunities and challenges.

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?