Appraisal Preparation Form

When someone prepares for an annual performance appraisal, they will usually be given a form to complete by their line manager, or whoever is to carry out the appraisal. The preparation form is to help both the employee (appraisee) and the line manager (appraiser) in getting most of the appraisal process. The appraisee would typically complete a preparation form and exchange it with a similar one completed by their appraiser about a week before the agreed date of the appraisal. This then give stime for each party to reflect on the opinions and comments of the other to help provide the foundation for a constructive and effective appraisal.

A preparation form will typically vary between employers, but many of the following questions, or similarities to them, will be included.

1. Do you fully understand the purpose of your job role? (Look through your job description as this will identify the key areas of your work).
2. How do you think you have performed against the different aspects of your job role?
3. If you have had a previous performance appraisal what objectives and outcomes were agreed at it and have these been achieved, or not? (If something hadn't been achieved then give an indication of why. Often this will be due to changing circumstances or priorities within an organisation which made something unachievable, rather than the actions / inactions of an appraisee).
4. Are there any significant differences between what you do and your job description? (This might be an opportunity to discuss a new role, further development, or a refocus on what you should be doing).
5. Which areas of your job role do you especially like and consider as being your strengths?
6. Which areas, if any, of your job role would you like to improve on and require extra guidance and support?
7. Are you interested in other activities within the organisation?
8. Do you have any specific training and development needs?

Within your answers to the questions, you might identify and comment on some key attributes (if they are relevant to your role and experience), such as:
• Time keeping and punctuality.
• Any issues you have with team working and members of your team.
• Your communication skills, both written, verbal and other (such as use of imagery, sign language, etc.)
• Practical skills.
• Current knowledge.
• Aspirations for progression.
• Safety in the workplace, in particular how effective are the safe systems of work which are in place.
• Your motivation and interest levels.
• Standard of your work.
• The amount of work being carried out, as this can affect performance if excessive.

See also ‘Performance Appraisal' and ‘Personal Performance'.