3 month review... What to prepare?
Discussion
AlecG said:
Got my 3 month review next Wednesday, what do I need to prepare?
Strengths/Weaknesses I guess, but I am not sure what else, first "proper job" with reviews etc since uni you see!
How can you prepare if you do not know what the review entails? Before doing anything I would speak to the person conducting the review and ask them to forward you details of what is to be discussed/key areas so that you have a think about your last 3 months employment. A review should also highlight your development areas moving forward. Strengths/Weaknesses I guess, but I am not sure what else, first "proper job" with reviews etc since uni you see!
A review is a two way process. If the above does not happen then it is not a review, it will be you listening to your bosses opinions on you, and then you dealing with the discussion points reactively.
Listen to what your reviewer has to say and make a few notes.
Do not argue with any points they bring up during the interview, if you want to make a point yourself do so outside of the meeting once you have taken a chance to think on your own - follow up meetings are the norm and allow you to absorb what has been said before replying.
If you get picked up on internet, phone and/or email use apologise and remember they will continue to monitor your use going forward - most firms do this or have the ability to do so if they feel it is required.
Have some questions of your own to ask - what do they believe your strengths and weaknesses are so far, has anyone else been approached to contribute to your review, what development/training does the firm have planned/available for you in the next 6-12 months, can you spend some time with any teams who rely on your work to get a better picture of what your contribution to the overall process is etc.
As this is your first review of this type accept any critisism offered and tow the company line.
Do not argue with any points they bring up during the interview, if you want to make a point yourself do so outside of the meeting once you have taken a chance to think on your own - follow up meetings are the norm and allow you to absorb what has been said before replying.
If you get picked up on internet, phone and/or email use apologise and remember they will continue to monitor your use going forward - most firms do this or have the ability to do so if they feel it is required.
Have some questions of your own to ask - what do they believe your strengths and weaknesses are so far, has anyone else been approached to contribute to your review, what development/training does the firm have planned/available for you in the next 6-12 months, can you spend some time with any teams who rely on your work to get a better picture of what your contribution to the overall process is etc.
As this is your first review of this type accept any critisism offered and tow the company line.
helps to have an idea of what you want to do, if it needs further training, this needs to be broached
company I worked for wanted me to do a specific sort of job that they had quoted the client that everyone has a specific qualification, asked what would happen if client wanted to see my qualification and everyone who needs to gets put on the not cheap course.
first time round, everyone passed, except the director's son who failed massively
company I worked for wanted me to do a specific sort of job that they had quoted the client that everyone has a specific qualification, asked what would happen if client wanted to see my qualification and everyone who needs to gets put on the not cheap course.
first time round, everyone passed, except the director's son who failed massively

Grey Ghost said:
Listen to what your reviewer has to say and make a few notes.
Do not argue with any points they bring up during the interview, if you want to make a point yourself do so outside of the meeting once you have taken a chance to think on your own - follow up meetings are the norm and allow you to absorb what has been said before replying.
If you get picked up on internet, phone and/or email use apologise and remember they will continue to monitor your use going forward - most firms do this or have the ability to do so if they feel it is required.
Have some questions of your own to ask - what do they believe your strengths and weaknesses are so far, has anyone else been approached to contribute to your review, what development/training does the firm have planned/available for you in the next 6-12 months, can you spend some time with any teams who rely on your work to get a better picture of what your contribution to the overall process is etc.
As this is your first review of this type accept any critisism offered and tow the company line.
Great answer, i would just add to that, showing your own worth is important, highlight any involvement you have had in sucessful projects/improvements, not all managers and directors are actually aware of or remember what their people do.Do not argue with any points they bring up during the interview, if you want to make a point yourself do so outside of the meeting once you have taken a chance to think on your own - follow up meetings are the norm and allow you to absorb what has been said before replying.
If you get picked up on internet, phone and/or email use apologise and remember they will continue to monitor your use going forward - most firms do this or have the ability to do so if they feel it is required.
Have some questions of your own to ask - what do they believe your strengths and weaknesses are so far, has anyone else been approached to contribute to your review, what development/training does the firm have planned/available for you in the next 6-12 months, can you spend some time with any teams who rely on your work to get a better picture of what your contribution to the overall process is etc.
As this is your first review of this type accept any critisism offered and tow the company line.
Blow your own trumpet, it's very rare to find anyone else who will hold you up a shining example if it doesn't make themselves look good.
This is a rain check on wether or not you actually want to stick with this employer.
Think about what you had to do (targets, demonstrating skills) and how well you did it.
Think about what they agreed to do (training and pay rises for meeting targets) and how well they did it.
Listen to what they say about the above and make a carefull note of how they react to your critisms of their side of the agreement. You don't need to phrase it as an attack but just make certain they know that you HAVE noted their side of the agreement. Just nicely go through the training, pay rises, etc that they promised you and comment on how much of this they did and what you think about it.
If you agree that a comment is unfair or inaccurate is it changed or is it just left on for more senior managers or HR to read?
If the end result looks like a fair deal then stick with it. Otherwise it's a totally one sided waste of time and your reviewer has clearly demonstrated that they are unworthy of your efforts. There is also an issue of personal integrity that you might wish to consider.
Think about what you had to do (targets, demonstrating skills) and how well you did it.
Think about what they agreed to do (training and pay rises for meeting targets) and how well they did it.
Listen to what they say about the above and make a carefull note of how they react to your critisms of their side of the agreement. You don't need to phrase it as an attack but just make certain they know that you HAVE noted their side of the agreement. Just nicely go through the training, pay rises, etc that they promised you and comment on how much of this they did and what you think about it.
If you agree that a comment is unfair or inaccurate is it changed or is it just left on for more senior managers or HR to read?
If the end result looks like a fair deal then stick with it. Otherwise it's a totally one sided waste of time and your reviewer has clearly demonstrated that they are unworthy of your efforts. There is also an issue of personal integrity that you might wish to consider.
Take in some examples of work you have accomplished - or maybe difficult jobs you brought to a good end?
Could be anything as simple as a printout of a spreadsheet you have created or some figures underlining your input into the department/company.
It also shows that you have been preparing and have tought about your achievements.
HTH
Could be anything as simple as a printout of a spreadsheet you have created or some figures underlining your input into the department/company.
It also shows that you have been preparing and have tought about your achievements.
HTH
Frankly being picked up for web usage is really bad - more so as youve only been there 2 mins.
Anyway - if I were you detail your main activities/regular acitivites and assess yourself how they have gone - i.e. messed up once or twice/no issues etc & then the ad hoc activities.
They will ask you how do you think the last x period has gone so by doing this analysis yourself in advance you will have some ammo.
If your not making the mark that should have been pointed out beforehand however not all bosses are the same some will just let it go.
Anyway - if I were you detail your main activities/regular acitivites and assess yourself how they have gone - i.e. messed up once or twice/no issues etc & then the ad hoc activities.
They will ask you how do you think the last x period has gone so by doing this analysis yourself in advance you will have some ammo.
If your not making the mark that should have been pointed out beforehand however not all bosses are the same some will just let it go.
oldbanger said:
172ff said:
Blag it. Unless its a review to actually remain employed by them.
It probably is, I'm guessing he's on a 3 or 6 months probationary period.Gassing Station | The Pie & Piston Archive | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff






