As one of the leading employment firms in Rancho Cordova, Pacific Staffing knows that when it comes to performance reviews, managers hate doing them and employees dread going to them.

But really, if you’re doing a good job, you likely don’t have much to fear. And yet, misunderstandings abound about performance reviews for a variety of reasons.

So what’s the real fact behind the fiction? Here’s a look:

Fiction: Nothing of value ever comes out of a performance review.

Fact: Performance reviews do actually contribute to improved employee performance. They provide employers with an opportunity to offer constructive feedback in areas where an employee needs to improve. Likewise, they give employees the chance to voice concerns they may be having or ask questions vital to their careers. The end result is that both parties are able to align their vision for the future and work toward meeting mutually agreed upon goals.

Fiction: Employers don’t consider an employee’s input in the process.

Fact: It’s true that not every employer on the planet takes employee input into consideration; however, the vast majority do. In fact, your input holds more weight than you might think in your performance review. So don’t let an opportunity to promote your accomplishments and track record pass you by. By not preparing for your review, you’re sending a message that you don’t care or value the process.

Fiction: Performance reviews only happen once a year.

Fact: Many employers conduct performance reviews every three or six months. But performance reviews actually happen a lot more than even that. Whether in a meeting, on a business trip, or just swinging by your office, your boss probably discusses your performance a lot more than you may notice – perhaps just not in a formal setting.

Fiction: Employers conduct performance reviews to torture employees and pick apart every mistake they’ve ever made.

Fact: Unless you’ve got a terrible (and highly detail oriented) boss, yours is unlikely to point out every mistake you’ve ever made over the past year. He or she probably doesn’t even know about half of them.

That said, you might get some negative feedback. But keep in mind that, at the end of the day, the purpose of the review is to help you learn from past mistakes and improve your performance in the future.

So when it comes to your next performance review (whether formal or casual), don’t be anxious; just be prepared. You’ll get a lot more out of it as a result.

Are You a Talented Professional Looking for a New Opportunity?

If you are, let Pacific Staffing know. As one of the leading employment firms in Rancho Cordova, we can connect you with top employers – and top jobs – throughout Northern California! Contact us today or search jobs in Rancho Cordova now.