The Annual Review: How to Talk to Your Boss
13 January 2012
Read by 2632 persons
An interview (annual review), as the name suggests, is once a year. So don't miss this chance to say what you have to say. But prepare yourself to be heard.
The annual review, that moment where your hard work of the year will be evaluated according to criteria on paper provided by the Human Resources department. You will finally be able to address the major points, namely salary, prospects, past and future responsibilities, possible training, etc.
1 - Write down all the important points you want to discuss. No need to do it the day before. That wouldn't be very useful since it's about a year's work.
2. - Remember that it's an exchange. It's not good to go on and on – and even less to complain! – but you're not there to listen without reacting either. Talk adult to adult, respectfully, calmly, and limit your conversation to work. No complaints, no criticisms, no attacks. If you encounter a difficulty, propose a solution at the same time as you point out the malfunction. Let the other person speak without justifying yourself, without getting indignant. Think about mentioning concrete and positive moments of your actions.
3 - If your boss offers you a position, a salary, different responsibilities, don't forget that you are not at all obliged to give your answer immediately. Take time to think. It's never very positive to make decisions in an emergency. If your boss refuses one of your requests, dare to ask for the reasons for this refusal. Courteously, of course. If your boss is satisfied with your work, think about negotiating other benefits, diplomatically.
4 - If your position does not fully satisfy you, explain how your talents could be used elsewhere. Draw attention to what you can do, your successful missions, etc.
5 - To negotiate your raise, ask yourself what your work brings to the company, what your margin of progress is, what additional responsibilities you could take on in order to claim a better salary.
Our advice
There's no need to experience this interview like a baccalaureate oral exam. Eliminate stress. Just focus on staying positive and aware of the contours of your job/position.
Article written by The ReKrute.com team
Posted online on January 13, 2012.
The annual review, that moment where your hard work of the year will be evaluated according to criteria on paper provided by the Human Resources department. You will finally be able to address the major points, namely salary, prospects, past and future responsibilities, possible training, etc.
1 - Write down all the important points you want to discuss. No need to do it the day before. That wouldn't be very useful since it's about a year's work.
2. - Remember that it's an exchange. It's not good to go on and on – and even less to complain! – but you're not there to listen without reacting either. Talk adult to adult, respectfully, calmly, and limit your conversation to work. No complaints, no criticisms, no attacks. If you encounter a difficulty, propose a solution at the same time as you point out the malfunction. Let the other person speak without justifying yourself, without getting indignant. Think about mentioning concrete and positive moments of your actions.
3 - If your boss offers you a position, a salary, different responsibilities, don't forget that you are not at all obliged to give your answer immediately. Take time to think. It's never very positive to make decisions in an emergency. If your boss refuses one of your requests, dare to ask for the reasons for this refusal. Courteously, of course. If your boss is satisfied with your work, think about negotiating other benefits, diplomatically.
4 - If your position does not fully satisfy you, explain how your talents could be used elsewhere. Draw attention to what you can do, your successful missions, etc.
5 - To negotiate your raise, ask yourself what your work brings to the company, what your margin of progress is, what additional responsibilities you could take on in order to claim a better salary.
Our advice
There's no need to experience this interview like a baccalaureate oral exam. Eliminate stress. Just focus on staying positive and aware of the contours of your job/position.
Article written by The ReKrute.com team
Posted online on January 13, 2012.
