The Benefits of Employee Self-Reviews

Self-reviews also help companies document what an employee has done over a given period. Documentation like this can be a useful benchmark for making improvements and setting goals. In addition, it can provide a chronology of a particular project. Self-reviews allow employers to document particular performance items in their permanent records.

Self-reviews give people the opportunity to show their employers that they take their jobs and their careers seriously. They also help minimize some of the inevitable stress that accompanies the evaluation process. Sometimes, facing your own demons, what you could have done differently — while uncomfortable to a certain extent — is more palatable than relying solely on your supervisor's estimation.

Be sure to also read Learning from Performance Reviews to help yourself establish a clear plan for improvement and professional development.