3 month review... What to prepare?
3 month review... What to prepare?
Author
Discussion

AlecG

Original Poster:

1,361 posts

244 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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!

Correct Change

32,880 posts

247 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
Be prepared to listen, take any critcism in your stride and take your time to formulate responses.

Reevesy

137 posts

217 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
I would normally talk about what you want to achieve in the next 6 months to a year and ask if the company can help you achieve this.

Though if you do mess about on the internet or email a lot (like me) be prepared to be bent over the desk eek

B.J.W

5,875 posts

245 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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.

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.

Sixpackpert

5,325 posts

244 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
Be sure to moisturise.

Grey Ghost

4,611 posts

250 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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.

Scraggles

7,619 posts

254 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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 smile

pat_y

1,029 posts

231 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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.
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.

cymtriks

4,561 posts

275 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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.

Dolf

487 posts

243 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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

172ff

3,776 posts

225 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
Blag it. Unless its a review to actually remain employed by them.


Alfa_75_Steve

7,489 posts

230 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
In the current climate, one of these:


Olf

11,978 posts

248 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
If you've been doing well they'll be keen to let you know that they like your attitude but they'll also seek away to show you that as yet you know f-all. Take it on the chin, smile and acknowledge.

oldbanger

4,328 posts

268 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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.

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

228 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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.

djohnson

3,683 posts

253 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
You should go in and roar like a tiger.

Alfa_75_Steve

7,489 posts

230 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
djohnson said:
You should go in and roar like a tiger.

Welshbeef

49,633 posts

228 months

Friday 31st October 2008
quotequote all
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.
Every job these days you start on a 3/6 month probationary period. However if you'd not been performing you'd have been pulled up before now highlighting the issues for you to resolve - and possibly put on an "action" formal letter from HR which is the starting process to get you out of a company with minimal payouts/issues for them.