Use your yearly job review as an opportunity to shine

The annual job review is a fact of life, whether welcome or not. But you could get more out of it than you might expect.

A study from human resources consulting firm Hewitt Associates found that performance-related bonuses are expected to average more than 12% in 2008 -- a record high -- compared with 3.8% for base salary bumps.

And studies show that many firms are in a pitched battle to hold on to their best employees.

In its 2008 job forecast, CareerBuilder.com found that out of more than 3,000 employers it surveyed, 40% have open positions they cannot fill.

“That’s something you want to think about when you go into the performance review,” said Jennifer Grasz, a spokeswoman for the career website.

Here are some tips to make sure you stand out.

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Be prepared

Although your boss may have a general sense of your performance, he or she probably won’t be aware of everything you’ve done.

“The fact is the boss is really busy. He has lots of people to think about,” said Peggy Klaus, author of “Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It.” So before meeting for your review, reflect on your performance during the year. Skim old e-mails and your calendar to refresh your memory. If your company uses a standard review form, think of answers to it in advance.

Klaus recommends sending your boss a summary of your achievements in advance of the meeting.

“You’ll provide some context and be able to weave the highlights into an interesting conversation during the review,” Klaus said.

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Use facts

It may seem awkward to brag about yourself to your boss, but when you’re armed with facts the task is a little easier.

“Performance appraisal time is not the time to be humble,” said Dan Russell, vice president for Aon Consulting, which offers human resources guidance. “Having examples of your great work helps because the discussion becomes fact-based rather than a personality discussion.”

A few ways to do so: Use numbers showing that you beat earnings by X percent or spent Y dollars less than the budget. Share e-mails from clients or colleagues that offer positive feedback. Describe moments when you went above and beyond what your job normally requires.

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Ask for feedback

Make sure you understand how your company rates employee performance and ask for specific examples. What makes for good teamwork? Why was a co-worker’s idea appealing?

Your review offers an opportunity to discuss career goals with your manager. Make sure you understand what is expected of you. After the review, create a plan on how you will meet those goals -- and eventually advance your role in the company.

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Stay positive

Even if some of the feedback you receive is negative, don’t let it get you down.

“This is meant to be a candid discussion, so acknowledge that any criticism, in the long run, is going to be helpful to your career,” said William Arruda, coauthor of “Career Distinction: Stand Out by Building Your Brand.”

Try not to become defensive. Instead, take a few days to collect your thoughts and calm your emotions. Then meet with your boss again and discuss how you can make productive changes. The more you stay positive, the more you’ll impress your manager.

And going forward, make an effort to check in with your manager more than just once a year.

“Think of your career as a ramp versus a series of rungs,” Arruda said. “It needs to be managed all the time, not just at the end of the year.”