You know you are worth more. The company knows you are worth more.  That’s the underlying assumption behind annual reviews.  The only real issue is, “how much more” and the yearly review is when you should be prepared to overwhelm your employer with evidence of your worth.  It makes good economic sense to put as much effort as possible into the preparation for that day as possible.  Here are some suggestions to maximize your result:

 

- Make a “Personal Personnel File”

Starting today, create a place where you can routinely update your accomplishments.  For example, if you finish an assigned project ahead of time, make a note of it and place it in your file (better to keep it on your own PC or in a file at home).  Be sure to document any compliments you get from management or for that matter, anyone else.  There is nothing too small to make note of during the course of the year.  You can decide what is really important when you review what is inside the file right before your review. You will be surprised what you have forgotten in a year’s time and being able to cogently recount your achievements in detail really makes an impression.

 

- Start Writing

Seeing your name in print is an extraordinarily powerful moment.  It is also not lost on employers when they see an employee’s byline on an article.  What’s the best way to get published before review time next year?  Well, by now you should be a member of a professional association in your field.  Read their newsletters and see what types of articles you might be able to write.  Trade publications are usually anxious to receive submissions from their membership.  Contact the editor and see what their needs are for the upcoming year.  And be certain you send your published article to management as well as including it in your Personal Personnel file.

 

- Start Talking

Speaking engagements are terrific career-enhancers.  Become an expert in a unique part of your job.  Focus on an aspect that is of interest to you and your peers and “own it” by researching all facets of your selection.   Start your “speaking tour” by participating in trade group meetings and discussion groups and participate in the dialogue.  Attend events that concern your field of expertise and become visible to that community.  If appropriate, contact schools that offer courses in the arena you have chose to ‘specialize’ in and offer your services as a speaker to their students (contact your alma mater first!)  As with all of your other successes, be sure to keep a record of your speaking engagements.

 

- Get Going

The most difficult part of this effort will be taking the first step.  But to do nothing will shift the power-paradigm of the upcoming performance and salary review to your employer.  You must come to the meeting with a well documented success story that spans the last twelve months.  By effectively cataloging your achievements, you will find it easy to substantiate your worth to the company.  By becoming more visible in your field, you will invigorate yourself and possibly attract new opportunities that you hadn’t considered.  And what’s best about this project is that you will feel more secure and confident moving forward in your career.

 

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