Performance evaluations can feel nerve-wracking, especially if you’re new to the workforce or re-entering it after a period of time. However, they’re also a powerful opportunity to showcase your accomplishments, receive guidance for growth, and strengthen your career trajectory. For justice-impacted talent, evaluations are an opportunity to build trust, demonstrate your value, and show employers how committed you are to succeeding in your role.

At Talent Nova, we’re here to equip you with the tools to navigate performance evaluations confidently, receive feedback with an open mind, and use it to grow. Let’s break down how to prepare, handle feedback, and put it into action.

1. Preparing for a Performance Evaluation

The key to a successful evaluation is preparation. Taking time to reflect on your performance and organize your thoughts ensures you walk into the meeting ready to shine.

How to Prepare:

• Review Your Job Description: Familiarize yourself with the responsibilities and expectations outlined for your role. Identify areas where you’ve met or exceeded these expectations.
• List Your Accomplishments: Reflect on what you’ve achieved since your last evaluation or since you started the role. Include specific examples, like:
  • Completing a project ahead of schedule.
  • Solving a workplace problem or contributing to team success.
  • Learning a new skill that benefits your role.
• Identify Areas for Improvement: Be honest with yourself about areas where you’ve struggled. Acknowledging these shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow.
• Prepare Questions: Think about what you want to learn from your supervisor during the evaluation. For example:
  • “Are there additional skills I should develop to succeed in this role?”
  • “How can I better align my work with team goals?”

2. Receiving Feedback

Feedback is at the heart of any performance evaluation. While it’s easy to welcome positive feedback, handling constructive or unclear feedback can feel more challenging. Here’s how to approach it:

Positive Feedback

• Acknowledge It: Show gratitude for the recognition by saying something like, “Thank you for noticing—I really enjoyed working on that project.”
• Build on It: Use positive feedback to identify your strengths and think about how to apply them to future tasks or goals.

Constructive Feedback

• Stay Open-Minded: It’s natural to feel defensive, but remember that constructive feedback is meant to help you grow. Take a deep breath and listen actively.
• Ask for Specifics: If feedback feels vague, ask clarifying questions like:
  • “Can you provide an example of when this issue occurred?”
  • “What steps can I take to improve in this area?”
• Focus on Solutions: Shift the conversation toward actionable steps by saying, “I appreciate your feedback. What would success look like moving forward?”

Unclear Feedback

Sometimes feedback may feel too broad or unclear. Here’s how to handle it:

• Ask for Clarity: Politely ask your manager to elaborate. For example:
  • “Could you clarify what you mean by improving my communication?”
  • “Are there specific instances or examples you could share?”
• Summarize What You’ve Heard: Repeat the feedback in your own words to ensure you understand.
  • “So, if I understand correctly, you’d like me to provide more detailed updates on my progress during team meetings?”

3. Tracking Your Own Performance

Keeping track of your work throughout the year helps you prepare for evaluations and provides concrete examples to share with your supervisor.

How to Track Your Progress:

• Use a Journal or App: Keep a record of your usual tasks, accomplishments, and challenges.
• Document Wins: Create a folder (physical or digital) to store emails, project summaries, or recognition from colleagues that highlight your contributions.
• Set Personal Goals: Break your job responsibilities into smaller goals and track your progress toward them.

Benefits of Tracking:

• You’ll feel more confident going into evaluations with specific examples of your performance.
• It helps you identify patterns or areas for improvement before they become bigger issues.

4. Putting Feedback Into Action

Feedback is only valuable if you use it to grow. After your evaluation, create a plan to implement the insights you’ve gained.

Steps to Take:

1. Set Goals Based on Feedback:
   • If your manager suggests improving time management, set a goal to use a project management tool like Trello or Asana.
   • If feedback highlights a need for more collaboration, make a point to participate actively in team discussions.
2. Create a Timeline:
   Break your goals into actionable steps with deadlines. For example, “By the end of next month, I will complete an online course on conflict resolution.”
3. Check In Regularly:
   Schedule follow-ups with your manager to discuss your progress. This shows initiative and keeps you accountable.
4. Celebrate Your Growth:
   Recognize and reward yourself for improvements, whether it’s mastering a new skill or receiving positive feedback during your next evaluation.

Why Evaluations Are Opportunities, Not Obstacles

Performance evaluations aren’t just about measuring your success—they’re about helping you grow. For justice-impacted job seekers, these meetings are an opportunity to show your dedication, learn from constructive feedback, and build trust with your employer.

By preparing thoughtfully, receiving feedback with an open mind, and putting it into action, you’re not just improving your performance—you’re demonstrating your potential for long-term success.

Talent Nova’s Commitment to Your Success

At Talent Nova, we know that evaluations can feel intimidating, but we believe in your ability to use them as a tool for growth. Whether you need help preparing, handling feedback, or setting goals, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Ready to take charge of your professional growth?

Join Talent Nova today for resources, tools, and a supportive community that equips justice-impacted job seekers for success in the modern workforce. Your journey starts here!