I am really struggling to write my self evaluation.

6 Comments

1. AnonymousNovember 16,2022 at 9:41AM UTC

   Use your email to refresh your memory. Go back to January to capture deliverables abd conversations then distill that down to a list

2. Debbie GonyeaNovember 16,2022 at 1:42PM UTC

   Review your calendar, along with emails as someone else suggested. Those sometimes will help with recalling accomplishments. Also, think of a way to track them as they happen so you're not in the same boat next year.

3. Gisele CloutierNovember 16,2022 at 3:42PM UTC

   Throughout my career I've always kept a "POTB file." That's "Pat on the Back". Any time I get a positive email or other kind of kudos I stick a copy in there. Makes writing your resume easier too because a resume shouldn't be a list of responsibilities, it should be a list of accomplishments - things you did well.

4. Dalia LourençoNovember 17,2022 at 12:25PM UTC

   Number 1 - Start keeping track! Use an "Evidence Journal" or "Brag Book" where you store every achievement, big or small.

   Number 2 - Since you're drawing a blank, go through your emails from the beginning of the year to refresh your memory and jot down everything that's been done. Don't overanalyze, i.e. "was it really me who did this or was the success thanks to the team?" If you had any part in it, it counts.

   Number 3 - Overall it sounds like you're falling into the trap of working hard but not setting yourself up for recognition for your efforts. Start creating a plan with your boss to ask for your next raise and celebrate every one of those achievements as you progress because if you don't articulate them no one else will remember your efforts either. If you're going to be a high performer might as well get yourself those raises you deserve with a promotion plan!

5. Kathryn MontbriandNovember 17,2022 at 9:11PM UTC

   One add to the great advice from other commenters. When I have to do a self-evaluation I use it as a tool to really reflect. Yes, you want to capture the things that you achieved (and give those to your boss).

   But this can also be a time to answer some other questions: What was challenging or unexpected this year. What did you learn? What are you most proud of? Where do you want to focus your growth and development next year?

   These questions will help you have rich and meaningful development discussions with your manager throughout the year. And may spark some additional content for your accomplishment file for the PM cycle!

6. KatNovember 18,2022 at 5:49PM UTC

   I've had this same problem. What I do is "boring", but it's still essential work. That's what you have to remember - what you do matters and is important! Write down every project that you do during the year while you're doing it. Last year I was doing my annual review and had forgotten some of the projects I'd done ("boring" things like compiling databases of licensing regulations by state, file archiving, etc.) and duties I'd taken on (compiling reports, assisting on large, time-sensitive projects) because I considered it "just doing my job". Even if it is, write it down and be proud of what you've done! If you have emails from people saying "thanks for your help on this project" or any other compliments, put them in a file to add to your review. If people consistently compliment you on your performance, start your review by saying something like "I am consistently recognized as a high performer by my peers/colleagues/managers". Include performance metrics if you have them and say things like "I continue to provide top quality assistance/customer service/support that benefits the company in this way..." and specify how what you do is good for the company. Keeping things running smoothly, like most admin support do, may not be glamourous, but it's essential. Be proud of yourself and what you do! Other people have noticed, so start internalizing those compliments/kudos and realize how important you are and that what you do matters and gets noticed. All those little things add up!