How to Prepare for a Performance Review

Pharmacists may consider an annual performance appraisal both obligatory and inconsequential. Nevertheless, they should take the process very seriously.

An appraisal is the means by which job performance is both documented and measured. As a result, it can affect promotions and dismissals, compensation, and career advancement.

Although most pharmacists will not have their annual review until December or the New Year, now is the time to begin thinking about how you can prepare for this meeting with your supervisor.

Become familiar with the appraisal process.

If you are a new hire, ask your manager to explain the process to you. Find out whether you will receive a copy of your supervisor's written appraisal before your meeting. This can help you formulate thoughtful responses both ahead of time on paper and during the actual review.

Discuss whether your evaluation is connected to your compensation, and have a clear understanding about the rating scale and criteria that will be evaluated. Being blindsided about what occurs can be a drawback for a successful first-time review.

Dig out last year's appraisal.

Before penning your appraisal, your manager will most likely be reviewing your most recent evaluation as a starting point for this year's version. Pharmacists being evaluated should do the same.

Make a list of areas where you fell short and could do better, as well as where you stood out. Determine whether you met the outlined goals over the past 12 months.

If there have been no significant changes in these areas, then be prepared to discuss them come December.

Set the stage.

If you are looking for additional compensation, an in-house position change, or need to discuss some issue standing between yourself and your boss, then have a conversation several months before your review. This will help clear the air, clarify where you would like to go, and improve your upcoming review experience.

Prepare a self-evaluation.

Although a self-evaluation may not be a part of your pharmacy’s annual review process, take a moment to reflect about the past year anyway.

Review your job description and main areas of responsibility. Jot down positive (and negative) examples of how performance factors such as job knowledge, quality and quantity work, initiative, problem solving, punctuality, and interpersonal skills were incorporated in your day-to-day functions.

A self-evaluation can be a great opportunity to raise your supervisor's awareness of both your accomplishments and challenges.

Establish goals.

Think about how you want to move forward in shaping your professional development next year. A dialog with your supervisor about developing new skills, taking on new responsibilities, or complementing current knowledge through workshops and conferences can make you an active participant in your performance appraisal and provide clarity for your future career objectives.