You’ve just received a performance evaluation. How can you use it to improve your career prospects?

1 Review your evaluation

The first step to using your performance evaluation to improve your career prospects is to review your evaluation carefully and objectively. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment or prevent you from learning from the feedback. Look for the positive aspects of your evaluation, such as the achievements you've made, the skills you've demonstrated, and the recognition you've received. Also, pay attention to the constructive aspects of your evaluation, such as the areas where you need to improve, the challenges you've faced, and the suggestions you've received. Try to understand the perspective of your evaluator and the criteria they used to assess your performance.

3 Discuss your goals

The third step to using your performance evaluation to improve your career prospects is to discuss your goals with your manager or supervisor. This is a chance to show your initiative, enthusiasm, and commitment to your work and your career. It's also a chance to get their support, guidance, and feedback on your goals and how to achieve them. Schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor and prepare an agenda that covers your goals, the reasons behind them, the benefits they will bring to you and the organization, and the resources and support you need. Be prepared to listen to their input, answer their questions, and negotiate any issues.

4 Implement your goals

The fourth step to using your performance evaluation to improve your career prospects is to implement your goals and track your progress. This is where you put your plan into action and demonstrate your skills, abilities, and potential. To implement your goals, you need to follow the actions you've outlined, monitor your results, and adjust your approach as needed. You also need to document your achievements, challenges, and learnings along the way. This will help you to evaluate your performance, celebrate your successes, and identify areas for further improvement.

5 Communicate your results

The fifth step to using your performance evaluation to improve your career prospects is to communicate your results and showcase your value. This is where you share your accomplishments, learnings, and feedback with your manager or supervisor, your colleagues, and other relevant stakeholders. This will help you to build your reputation, credibility, and visibility in your organization and your industry. To communicate your results, you need to use different channels and formats, such as reports, presentations, emails, meetings, and social media. You also need to tailor your message to your audience, highlight your impact, and acknowledge your contributions.

6 Seek new opportunities

The sixth and final step to using your performance evaluation to improve your career prospects is to seek new opportunities to grow and advance your career. This is where you leverage your skills, achievements, and network to explore and pursue new challenges, projects, roles, or organizations that match your goals and interests. To seek new opportunities, you need to be proactive, curious, and flexible. You also need to network with people who can help you, research potential options, and apply for suitable positions. You also need to be ready to demonstrate your value, skills, and fit for the opportunity.