Work moves fast these days, and performance reviews are a regular part of how we grow in our jobs. But there’s one part that often gets overlooked—the self evaluation performance review you write yourself. Honestly, this can be just as important as what your manager says. It’s your chance to step back, think about what you’ve done well, and be real about where you can improve.
A good self evaluation isn’t just a list of things you’ve done. It’s about showing you know your strengths, that you’re willing to learn, and that you want to keep getting better. It’s your chance to take control of your own growth and let others know what you bring to the table. When you nail your self review, you’re not just filling out a form—you’re shaping your career.
In this guide, I’m going to walk you through what a self evaluation performance review really is, why it’s important, and how to write one that stands out. Plus, I’ll share 7 solid tips to help you get it right and make the most of this chance to shine.
Key Takeaways:
- What Is a Self Evaluation Performance Review?
- Why Is a Self Evaluation Important?
- Preparing for Your Self Evaluation Review
- How to Write an Effective Self Evaluation Performance Review
- Proven Tips to Excel in Your Self Evaluation Performance Review
- Examples of Self Evaluation Performance Review Statements
- What to Do After Submitting Your Self Evaluation
What Is a Self Evaluation Performance Review?
A self evaluation performance review is really just your own way to look back and think about how you’ve been doing at work over a certain time. It’s different from what your manager says because it’s all about your side of things—what you feel you’ve done well, what’s been tough, and where you want to improve going forward.
Most companies ask you to do this once or twice a year as part of the usual review routine. Sometimes you write a few paragraphs about your work, sometimes you answer questions or give yourself ratings, or it could be a bit of both depending on the company. No matter the format, the idea is to give a real picture of your performance from your point of view.
The cool thing about a self evaluation performance review is that it lets you take charge of your own story. Your manager can only share what they see and hear, but you know all the little details—things that don’t always show up on their radar. It’s your chance to be honest with yourself and others about how you’re doing and where you want to grow next.
Why Is a Self Evaluation Important?
Let’s be honest—writing a self evaluation performance review isn’t most people’s idea of fun. But when you really lean into it, it becomes a powerful way to reflect, speak up for yourself, and guide your growth at work.
- One of the best things about doing a self-review? You get to look at what you’ve actually accomplished and where you’ve stumbled a bit. It’s not about being hard on yourself—it’s just about being real so you can keep getting better.
- It also gives you a rare moment to pause and think. So often, we’re just moving from one task to the next. Taking a step back helps you see the big picture—and whether you’re still heading where you want to go.
- Plus, it makes those talks with your manager a lot easier. When you’ve already put your thoughts together, you’re walking into that meeting with clarity, not confusion. That way, it’s a real conversation—not just someone reading off a form.
- And here’s the thing: your self evaluation performance review can absolutely influence your future. Promotions, raises, new responsibilities—they often start with what you’ve written about yourself.
Preparing for Your Self Evaluation Review
While writing your self evaluation performance review will take time, completing the preparation will make it feel easier and less overwhelming!
- Get your proof points. Look back through your emails and note any feedback you have received on your work. Using specific examples will give credence to your responses.
- Revisit your goals and responsibilities. Remind yourself of the things you were working towards achieving in the review period. If your review lines up with these goals and responsibilities, it makes it look like you know what you’re doing!
- Be truthful, but don’t be too hard on yourself. We all have good and bad days! It is ok to mention the areas in your work where not everything went perfectly, the key is to focus on what you’ve learned from it and how you’re maturing.
- Be positive, but don’t act like everything is perfect. Don’t dwell on your mistakes, rather share what you learned from it and how you will be continuing to develop moving forward!
With all of the preparation completed, you’ll feel more authentic, clear, and even productive when you take the time to write a self evaluation performance review!
How to Write an Effective Self Evaluation Performance Review
Here’s the thing with self evaluation. Sure it feels weird or awkward, but essentially it is just telling the story of what your work day looks like. You don’t need to overthink it.
- Just say what you did. For example, “I was able to speed up responses to customers” or “I was able to finish large project ahead of schedule.” Don’t put, “I did a good job.”
- Numbers are great. If you helped improve sales or are a problem-solving superhero, include it. Goes a long way in helping people visualize what you did.
- It is okay to mention things that didn’t go perfectly. Just say how you dealt with it or what you learned. That’s important.
- Talk about what you want to do next. For example, new skills to learn, or new projects to try.
- Be honest, and try not to make excuses, and don’t brag too much, keep it respectful and real.
That’s it. You are being given the opportunity to discuss your work story, just be clear and honest.
7 Proven Tips to Excel in Your Self Evaluation Performance Review
If you want your self evaluation performance review to really pop – consider using these 7 tips that have been valuable to many professionals as they work through their reviews:
1. Be Honest but Self Confident
It is critically important that you are honest about the areas you struggled to make progress on or where you need improvement, but don’t forget to include your strengths. Make sure to show confidence in what you achieved despite your honest self evaluation!
2. Use Action Verbs and Straight Forward Language
By using strong action verbs (like “led changes”, “created X,” or “improved Y”) , you make your review lively and convincing. Keep words and language simple — avoid jargon that tends to confuse readers.
3. Anchor your self evaluation with business objectives.
Make certain to tie your work into the bigger picture of what your group and company objectives are. Explain how what you contributed through your work was helpful or supportive to those objectives — showing you are aware of what the big initiatives are for your group and organization.
4. Show your growth mindset.
Most managers like seeing their employees are willing to learn. Indicate any new skill you learned, training that you undertook, or certifications that you received in the period you are reviewing.
5. Request Feedback and Assistance
Let your manager know you welcome feedback and want to get help wherever necessary. This shows you are committed and want to become even better.
6. Stay on Track and True
Don’t write too much. Stay on track and be clear. A track focused performance review is easier to read and will leave a better impression.
7. Recheck and Revise Before Sending
Take a moment to review your performance review for spelling or grammar errors and sound like you — concise and professional. A self evaluation that is polished looks awesome.
If you follow these tips you will write a self evaluation performance review that accurately describes your value and devotion, while improving your professional personal brand!
Examples of Self Evaluation Performance Review Statements
Sometimes, finding the proper wording is difficult. You can adapt upon examples like these:
- Positive phrase: “I successfully completed the Q2 marketing campaign that generated a 20% increase in lead generation – exceeding targets by 5%.”
- Constructive feedback: “While I consistently meet deadlines, in the future I would like to develop my time management process for high-pressure situations and use project management tools more effectively.”
- Goal: “For next year, I want to build my skills in data analysis by completing an online certification course.”
Using these examples results in a review that is specific, actionable, and professional.
What to Do After Submitting Your Self Evaluation
Your application process does not end once you complete the review. Prepare for the next steps:
- Prepare for a response: You should be ready to discuss your review with your manager. Think on what key points you will elaborate on.
- Repurpose your feedback for continuous improvement: Use manager feedback as an opportunity for growth, never as a condemnation.
- Update your professional development plan: Create goals or add training based on your observations from the review.
Remember that your self evaluation performance review is a way to continue developing in your career.
Conclusion
Getting the hang of your self evaluation performance review is super important if you want to move ahead at work. It’s not just ticking boxes. When you prepare well, stay honest, and follow some simple tips, your review can really show what you bring to the team. It’s your chance to share your wins and also what you want to work on.
Think of it as telling your own work story. Be confident, but keep it real. Doing this can open up new chances for growth, raises, or learning. So instead of seeing it as a chore, try to see it as your chance to shape your career.