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Self Evaluation Essay Examples

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Published: Mar 25, 2024

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Thomas Griffin

Be a better leader

How to Write an Authentic and Thorough Self-Evaluation (+112 Examples)

A self-evaluation is a powerful tool that holds you accountable for your strengths, weaknesses, growth and development.

In many circumstances, a well-written self-evaluation is the best way to convey what you’re doing well and how you can improve.

But writing a great self-evaluation is easier said than done, isn’t it?

Some people struggle with being honest. They want to keep the mask of deceit on and make themselves look good for their manager, so they’re not entirely truthful about some or all of the areas where they need help.

On the other hand, some struggle with being too humble. They want to show their dedication to improvement, so they fill their self-evaluations with weaknesses to overcome rather than achievements to celebrate.

Or perhaps you know your strengths and weaknesses, but when it comes time to write everything down, your mind goes blank.

(If that’s you, I’m glad I’m not the only one!)

Thankfully, you’re in the right place. My goal is that you can take inspiration from the 112 examples in this article and learn how to write a self-evaluation that is honest, detailed and actionable.

Key Takeaways

• Self-evaluations must be truthful, detailed and practical in order to be effective.
• They aid you in setting realistic development goals and clarify the path you’ll take to achieve them.
• You will rarely find a person who is consistently going and growing that hasn’t taken time to reflect on the past and plan for the future (a.k.a done a self-evaluation).

Self-Evaluation Examples

In my experience, the best self-evaluations have depth, transparency and constructive self-reflection.

It’s neither about outlining all your accomplishments nor listing your pitfalls since your last review.

Instead, it’s an opportunity to delve into your contributions to the company and your areas for improvement. An honest evaluation reflects on the challenges you’ve faced, lessons you’ve learned and what you’re doing now and in the future to refine yourself as a human and employee. 

Since the best self-evaluations offer room for accomplishment and development, the evaluation examples below offer both types of responses. 

Communication Examples

Communication is essential in any workplace (and will likely be evaluated in your reviews).

When you think about communication, you likely think of how you converse with others. But don’t forget to review your nonverbal communication skills, written communication and other ways you may build working relationships with others.

Phrases of Accomplishment

• “My written communication is timely and well-written. My coworkers and clients know they can rely on me to respond to their messages promptly. If I find myself in a meeting or another situation where I cannot respond right away, I will make others aware of it through my status and email auto-reply.”
• “My communication created a collaborative environment during project X, leading to…”
• “I demonstrate strong, active listening skills during client meetings, resulting in a deeper understanding of my client’s perspectives and needs.”
• “I routinely conduct well-organized meetings and presentations to deliver essential information that resonates with my team and leads them to take action.”

Phrases of Improvement

• “I want my nonverbal communication to reflect that I am actively listening when I am in meetings. I am working on making more eye contact with speakers. I am also working on withholding my thoughts until the speaker has completed their presentation and is ready for questions and suggestions.”
• “In some instances, I may have assumed others understood my perspective without seeking confirmation, leading to communication gaps in projects. To prevent this, I will leave extra time in meetings for further questions and clarification.”
• “I have been told that my body language doesn’t always reflect that I am listening in meetings. I will work on my nonverbal communication skills to reflect that I am actively listening.” 
• “I often have a hard time adapting my communication style to different audiences. I plan to work on tailoring my communication to individuals and teams accordingly.”

Technical Skills Examples

Your technical skills are one of the top things that your self-evaluations should feature.

Remember to call out those skills by name and be specific about how you grew (or want to grow) your knowledge in them.

• “I’ve been completing training in my spare time, so now I have a greater understanding of the software we use, and I am eager to share my knowledge with others.”
• “My ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues regarding project X was a key factor in meeting tight deadlines and ensuring project success.”
• “I took the initiative to mentor team members in coding with X software. I fostered a culture of continuous learning within the team by sharing my expertise.”
• “I effectively collaborated with cross-functional teams, translating technical jargon into clear and accessible language for non-technical stakeholders, facilitating smoother communication.”
• “I am struggling to understand the new process for inputting data. I plan to reach out to a peer to teach and assist me.” 
• “I am committed to improving my coding efficiency by writing cleaner and more modular code, which will contribute to projects getting completed faster.”
• “My writing skills have improved, but I know that I can improve my grammar and proofreading. I plan to reach out to one of our editors for a one-on-one training session.”
• “I understand the importance of documentation in technical projects, and I am working to improve my clarity and comprehensiveness by implementing the feedback I received and augmenting my own work with helpful AI tools.”

Reliability Examples

You are what you repeatedly do.

The best employees are reliable and take ownership of their work. So, your managers and team members need to be able to rely on you to follow through with work that meets or exceeds expectations and is on time or ahead of schedule.

While writing your review, share examples of times when you were able to step up and be a dependable employee. Bonus points if you can call out those times where you went above and beyond on a project you weren’t originally assigned to!

• “I consistently met or exceeded deadlines, demonstrating a high level of dependability in completing tasks and projects.”
• “During periods of high workload, I effectively prioritized tasks and maintained a consistent level of productivity, preventing delays in project timelines.”
• “I was proactive in anticipating potential challenges and took preventative measures to ensure the smooth execution of projects, earning the trust of my team.”
• “My colleagues and supervisors could rely on me to follow through on commitments.”
• “Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with my workload, so I am rarely available for other projects and meetings. I am working on better managing my time to be more available.” 
• “I am actively improving my communication skills about potential delays to ensure that the team is informed and can adjust expectations accordingly.”
• “I recognize that consistency is key to reliability, and I’m focused on maintaining a steady level of performance even during busy periods.”
• “I am seeking feedback from colleagues to identify areas where I can enhance my reliability and am committed to continuously improving this aspect of my work.”

Flexibility Examples

Projects rarely start and finish according to the original plan, so I recommend honing your ability to be flexible. 

If you notice a “flexibility” section on a self-review, reflect on the times you were required to adapt to an extenuating circumstance and how you reacted to it.

• “During the holidays, we have periods of high workload. Thankfully, I was able to manage my time and resources to meet changing demands, maintaining a high level of productivity.”
• “I effectively collaborated with team members with different working styles, fostering a flexible and inclusive environment that allowed for diverse approaches to problem-solving.”
• “I demonstrated adaptability during project X by successfully adjusting the project scope and requirements to better suit the needs of the client. Through communication and schedule adjustments, I was able to ensure the team’s continued progress.”
• “In response to unexpected changes, I willingly took on new responsibilities that my teammates could not. By adjusting my priorities, I was able to  support the team’s goals.”

• “I am aware that I could benefit from being more open to alternative solutions and perspectives, and I am making a conscious effort to embrace different approaches to problem-solving.”
• “I understand the importance of being more proactive in anticipating changes, and I am working on developing a mindset that welcomes and prepares for unforeseen challenges.”
• “I recognize that my resistance to change may have affected team dynamics. I am taking steps to cultivate a more adaptable and collaborative mindset.”
• “I recognize that my preference for routine may hinder my ability to be flexible, and I am open to hearing feedback and ideas about how I can embrace a more adaptable work style similar to that of my team members.”

Development Examples

Whether it’s leadership, skill or career development, your manager wants to see you taking steps to grow and develop yourself into a better individual, employee and leader. 

Think about what you’ve done to develop yourself and share your experiences and outcomes in your evaluation.

Phrases of accomplishment

•  “I invest about one hour of my time developing my technical skills each week.”
• “I proactively sought opportunities for leadership development, successfully acquiring and applying new skills that enhanced my contributions to the team.”
• “I demonstrated a strong commitment to lifelong learning by attending relevant workshops, webinars and training sessions, continuously expanding my skill set.”
• “I took the initiative to network with colleagues who excel in specific areas, accelerating my learning curve and contributing to a knowledge-sharing culture.”

Phrases of improvement

• “I am working on improving my time management to allocate dedicated time for professional development amidst my regular workload.”
• “I acknowledge that I may have been hesitant to step outside my comfort zone, and I am actively seeking ways to embrace challenges that will facilitate skill growth.”
• “I understand the importance of setting specific goals for skill development, and I am developing a structured plan to track my progress and achievements in this area.”
• “I am seeking guidance from my mentors and colleagues to identify areas where I can focus my efforts for the most impactful career development.”

Collaboration Examples

Not a day goes by when you don’t have the opportunity to collaborate with others in the workplace.  

Chances are, your managers want to see you take advantage of the great minds around you and include others on projects where appropriate. 

Think about one or two times you effectively collaborated with one or more coworkers to go above and beyond expectations.

• “I enjoy taking on new projects that require working with my peers. When I work with my team, I know we will create a great finished product.”
• “I facilitated productive meetings and brainstorming sessions, creating an inclusive space where team members felt comfortable sharing their ideas.”
• “I willingly shared my expertise with colleagues, contributing to a culture of knowledge-sharing and mutual support.”
• “I fostered a collaborative environment by actively seeking input from team members and incorporating diverse perspectives into our projects.”
• “I have a hard time collaborating with my team members, and I sometimes feel that I can get my work done faster if I do it myself. However, I understand the importance of different perspectives, so I am learning to embrace teamwork. Even if it takes longer, I know the end product will be better for it.”
• “I recognize that there were instances where I could have been more proactive in looking for collaboration opportunities, and I am working on being more attentive to potential ways to partner with others.”
• “I am actively improving my communication skills to ensure that my ideas are conveyed clearly and comprehensively during collaborative discussions.”
• “I acknowledge that there were occasions where I may have unintentionally dominated discussions, and I am working on creating more space for my colleagues to contribute.”

Initiative Examples

While completing your core tasks come first, your leaders also want to see that you’re a self-starter.  

In fact, in my companies , resourcefulness (taking initiative) is one of the top traits I look for in both new hires and promotion potential.

Whether that looks like taking charge of a project, mentoring a fellow teammate or finding ways to improve processes, document examples of ways you took initiative and experienced the result of your resourcefulness.

• “I have consistently demonstrated a proactive approach to my work by identifying opportunities for process improvement and sharing my ideas with team leaders.”
• “I willingly volunteered for additional projects, showcasing my commitment to the success of the team and the organization.”
• “I actively contributed ideas during team discussions and meetings, showing a proactive mindset in problem-solving and decision-making.”
• “I demonstrated a proactive approach by identifying areas for improvement and implementing innovative solutions without waiting for direction.”
• “While I have taken the lead in individual projects, I recognize the need to enhance my ability to delegate tasks and empower team members.”
• “I am committed to improving my time management skills to better allocate time for proactive initiatives amidst my regular workload.”
• “I am seeking mentorship and guidance to identify areas where I can contribute more effectively and take the initiative in projects that align with my skills and interests.”
• “I am working on enhancing my confidence to take the initiative in situations where I might have hesitated in the past.”

Client Relations Examples

You’ll likely see this field on your self-evaluation if you’re in a client-facing position, since client relations are essential to business operations. 

When writing your responses, call out specific clients and projects that were successful due to your ability to maintain a great relationship. 

• “On the few occasions when my clients were unsatisfied with our work, I quickly rectified the situation by listening to their feedback, revising the deliverable and taking notes for future reference.” 
• “I demonstrated excellent communication skills, ensuring that clients were well-informed about project progress and any potential challenges.”
• “I actively sought client feedback and utilized it to make improvements, showing a commitment to providing exceptional service.”
• “I successfully managed client expectations by setting clear and realistic timelines, resulting in increased satisfaction and trust.”

• “While I have effectively managed existing client relationships, I acknowledge that I need to invest more time in expanding our client base.”
• “I recognize that there were instances where I could have been more proactive in anticipating and addressing client concerns. I am actively working on enhancing my foresight in this area by checking in with my clients more often and asking thought-provoking questions.”
• “I am seeking additional training in conflict resolution to better handle challenging situations and maintain positive client relationships even in difficult circumstances.”
• “I acknowledge the need to provide more detailed and comprehensive updates to clients, and I am implementing strategies to enhance the transparency and clarity of my communication.”

Timeliness of Work Examples

Demonstrating a commitment to timely completion of tasks shows high personal integrity and impeccable organizational skills. 

In your evaluation, highlight instances where you met deadlines, or list the challenges that prevented you from reaching them.

• “I consistently meet project deadlines by prioritizing important tasks and improving my time management.”
• “I actively communicated with team members to coordinate timelines and expectations, contributing to a well-organized workflow.”
• “I implemented efficient time management strategies, allowing me to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without sacrificing the quality of my work.”
• “I consistently delivered work ahead of schedule, allowing ample time for revisions and improvements, which positively impacted project outcomes.”
• “I occasionally struggle with time estimation, which can lead to overcommitting and missing deadlines. I am working to improve this by picking out certain tasks that I should place a time limit on. This way,  I can move through my day without dwelling on unimportant tasks.”
• “I am implementing strategies to better prioritize tasks, ensuring that I allocate sufficient time to critical projects to meet deadlines more consistently.”
• “I acknowledge the importance of setting realistic timelines, and I am working on creating more accurate estimates for task completion.”
• “I understand the need for proactive communication when facing challenges that may impact deadlines, and I am working to enhance my communication in such situations.”

Creativity Examples

I’ve seen creativity drive problem-solving and innovation in multiple workplaces. 

As you contemplate your creativity usage, emphasize instances where your unique thinking led to solutions that positively impacted the project or organization. 

If you feel you’re lacking creativity, provide some details of things you feel could be improved with some out-of-the-box thinking.

• “I actively contribute to a culture of creativity by encouraging out-of-the-box thinking in team discussions.”
• “I actively sought out opportunities to infuse creativity into my work, resulting in unique and impactful outcomes that surpassed expectations.”
• “I fostered a culture of creativity within the team by encouraging diverse perspectives and brainstorming sessions that led to breakthrough ideas.”
• “I contributed to a more visually appealing and engaging work environment by incorporating creative elements into presentations, reports and other deliverables.”
• “I am working on stepping out of my comfort zone to explore new approaches and techniques that can enhance the creative aspects of my work.”
• “I understand the value of collaboration in fostering creativity, and I am actively seeking more opportunities to exchange ideas with colleagues to spark innovation.”
• “I acknowledge that there were instances where I may have been too risk-averse in my approach, and I am working on embracing a more experimental mindset to fuel creativity.”
• “While I haven’t been the most creative in the past, I am trying to develop unique ideas for improving strenuous processes like data analysis. I feel confident that I can use my creative thinking skills to speed up this process.”

Problem-Solving Skills Examples

Your problem-solving skills are critical for navigating and achieving success in challenging situations. 

As you respond to these hard questions about problem-solving skills, ponder times when you proactively identified issues and found long-term solutions. 

• “I am skilled at thinking on my feet and adapting to unexpected challenges, like when a team member was out sick, and I reevaluated my team’s schedules so we could still meet our strict deadline.”
• “I successfully identified root causes of issues, allowing for targeted and sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes.”
• “I actively collaborated with team members to brainstorm and implement innovative solutions to complex problems.”
• “I demonstrated adaptability by quickly adjusting my problem-solving approach when faced with unexpected obstacles.”

• “I occasionally struggle with involving a broader range of perspectives when tackling problems. I tend to rely on my insights. Moving forward, I will bring concerns to my team so we can collaborate on finding a solution.”
• “I acknowledge that there were instances where I may have been too focused on immediate solutions, and I am working on incorporating more long-term thinking into my problem-solving approach.”
• “I am seeking additional training and resources to strengthen my problem-solving toolkit and address specific areas where I feel less confident.”
• “I recognize the need to enhance my problem-solving skills, particularly to identify and implement effective solutions under time constraints. Since I admire my teammate’s ability to make fast decisions, I set up a mentorship session to learn from them.”

Quality of Work Performance Review Examples

Your work quality reflects your expertise, skill, professionalism and overall success in your position (and is likely to be reviewed in a self-evaluation). 

When responding to quality of work questions, think about how you used attention to detail and commitment to excellence to achieve great results.

• “I actively sought and applied feedback to enhance the quality of my work, leading to continuous improvement in my deliverables.”
• “I paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and precision in all aspects of my assignments.”
• “I successfully met project goals while maintaining a high level of quality, showcasing my ability to balance efficiency with thoroughness.”
• “I actively sought out opportunities for professional development to stay updated on industry best practices, contributing to the overall improvement of the team’s output.”
• “I recognize that there were instances where I could have improved the quality of my work, and I am actively seeking feedback to identify specific areas for enhancement.”
• “I am refining my attention to detail to ensure that all aspects of my work meet the highest standards of accuracy and precision.”
• “I understand the importance of thorough research in maintaining high-quality work, and I am actively seeking to enhance my research skills in areas where improvement is needed.”
• “I am committed to setting aside dedicated time for thorough reviews and revisions to catch potential errors and improve the quality of my deliverables.”

Project Management Examples

Your project management skills prove that you can organize tasks and allocate your time and resources effectively to complete projects within deadlines. 

As you reflect on your project management skills, think about the times when you executed a project successfully through time management, coordination and effective communication 

• “I successfully led cross-functional teams in the completion of projects, ensuring we completed all tasks on time and within scope.”
• “I effectively utilized project management tools to plan, monitor and control project timelines, resulting in successful project deliveries.”
• “I actively communicated project progress to stakeholders, keeping them informed and addressing any concerns promptly.”
• “I demonstrated strong organizational skills, creating and maintaining detailed project plans that contributed to the team’s overall success.”
• “I am working on improving my communication with team members and stakeholders to provide more frequent and transparent updates on project progress.”
• “I understand the importance of risk management in project execution, and I am actively seeking ways to improve my ability to identify and mitigate potential risks.”
• “I acknowledge that there were instances where we didn’t meet project timelines, and I am implementing strategies to improve my time management and prioritize tasks more effectively.”
• “I am seeking feedback from team members to identify areas where I can improve collaboration and teamwork in project settings, and I am committed to making adjustments based on that feedback.”

Leadership Abilities Examples

Whether you’re seeking a leadership role or not, management will likely ask you how well you lead others. Leadership can include leading yourself and others as you inspire unique solutions, foster collaboration and take initiative.

Think about how you were able to use your leadership skills to support the achievements of your team and the organization.

• “I demonstrated strong decision-making skills, providing clear direction and guidance to the team last week in our brainstorming session.”
• “I actively facilitated effective communication within the team, ensuring that everyone felt heard and understood.”
• “I successfully delegated tasks based on team members’ strengths, leading to improved efficiency and overall project success.”
• “I led by example, embodying the values and work ethic I expected from my team, which positively influenced our collective performance.”

• “I recognize the need to enhance my delegation skills, and I am actively working on better understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each team member to assign tasks more effectively.”
• “I am working on providing more constructive feedback to team members that is both helpful and motivating.”
• “I understand the importance of fostering a more inclusive team culture, and I am actively seeking ways to ensure that all team members feel valued and heard.”
• “I acknowledge that there were instances where I could have communicated more effectively during challenging situations, and I am working on improving my crisis management and communication skills.”

The Purpose of Self-Evaluations

I believe that great self-assessments act as a powerful tool to help you discover who you are, who you’d like to become and how to get there. 

When self-evaluation is done right, you can: 

• Prepare your thoughts for performance reviews
• Determine your progress 
• Align yourself with the organization
• Set future goals
• Define essential areas of improvement
• Highlight your strengths 
• Identify abilities and skills that may be going unused
• Discover areas where you can help and train others 
• Demonstrate accountability

7 Tips for Writing an Honest Self-Evaluation

A great evaluation that will achieve the above outcomes is specific, detailed and most importantly – honest .

But if you’re new to writing evaluations, you may have no idea where to start.

Here are seven things to do while writing your self-evaluation:

• Reflect on past goals. Ask yourself, “Did I achieve any of my past goals?” If you did, call them out in your evaluation and the results of achieving your goals. If not, make a game plan for how you will accomplish your goals next time.
• Be specific. A vague self-evaluation benefits no one. Give examples. Use detail. If there’s a problem, share the very root of it. The more details you offer, the more you and your manager will learn from it.
• Use the S.T.A.R. (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method. With the S.T.A.R. method, you will provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of your experiences. A S.T.A.R. answer may look something like, “Last month, I was working on X project, and I had an extremely tight timeline. I immediately scheduled a team meeting to see if any members were willing to share the workload. I was fortunate enough to have two members take on some of the work. Through delegation and constant communication, we completed all of the work on time and exceeded the client’s expectations.”
• Provide examples of growth. When evaluating yourself, don’t forget to mention areas where you’re actively growing and improving. Even if that skill isn’t perfect,  the work you’re putting into it is always worth mentioning. You may say something like, “I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my project management skills. Since my last review, I’ve been able to successfully manage and schedule 12 projects and turn them in on or ahead of schedule.”
• Address feedback received. Chances are, you’ve been on the receiving end of feedback a few times, even between evaluation periods. Don’t be afraid to mention some of that feedback in your evaluation and what you did or are doing to improve. For example, you could add something like, “My coworker mentioned that she feels I don’t make myself available enough to address questions she has about project details. To remedy this, I am implementing an open door policy for three hours a day to make myself available for anyone to come to me with questions.”
• Remain objective and professional. You must provide an honest and constructive assessment throughout your evaluation. To remain objective, remember to use a neutral tone, refrain from being defensive, avoid using personal opinions and be transparent. Practicing professionalism and objectivity will demonstrate self-awareness and commitment to growth — two characteristics your employer looks for in these reviews.
• Set actionable future goals. Most self-evaluation forms will already have a section where you’ll write down future goals. And while a goal can be as simple as “I want to improve my collaboration skills,” it’s not necessarily effective if you don’t also write down your game plan.  Instead of the previous goal, you could write, “I want to improve my collaboration skills by being more open to my coworker’s ideas when I am looking for inspiration. For my next few projects, I will message our team chats with a brief project synopsis and see if anyone would like to lend ideas to or collaborate with me on the project.”

Key Benefits of Self-Evaluations

With so much already on your plate, you may wonder, ”Why should I complete a self-evaluation when my boss is already reviewing my performance?”   

You’d be surprised by how many times I’ve heard those words. 

To me, a self-evaluation is much more than a review of your performance. It’s a time for self-reflection to understand how far you’ve come and see where you’re going.

It’s a visual representation of who you are and who you want to be.

I can personally testify that the results of self-evaluations are tremendous when taken seriously. Here are the top four benefits I often see from those who conduct honest self-reviews.

1. Increases Self-Awareness

When you evaluate yourself, you might find that you can better recognize your work style, preferences, values and more. As you learn more about yourself as an employee, you can enhance your skills, improve workplace relationships and set yourself up for success.

2. Accomplishes Realistic Goal Setting

No one can set a realistic goal for you the way you can. While a manager or coworker can help you create a goal, you’re the only person who truly knows what you can accomplish (and your limits on accomplishing it). A truthful self-evaluation can help you clarify your priorities, instill a sense of direction and create a plan to help you achieve your goals. 

3. Opens a Line of Communication and Feedback

Self-evaluations should always be conducted before the manager review. Doing this allows for more open discussions during the review process and facilitates a mutual understanding of feedback on strengths, weaknesses, expectations, opportunities and more. 

4. Encourages Accountability and Ownership 

Individuals who regularly participate in self-evaluations show accountability for their actions and outcomes. Encouraging employees to reflect on their past actions, achievements, strengths and weaknesses can help them learn more about how their work impacts those around them.

Growth and Success at Awesome Motive

If you’re looking for a place to grow and work with incredible humans, Awesome Motive may be the place for you. At Awesome Motive, we encourage and support you in reaching your fullest potential. Through powerful leadership and goal-setting tools like self-evaluations and frequent reviews, we believe in setting up our employees for success — whatever that looks like to them. 

If you are committed to excellence and ready for a workplace that has a big vision and wants to see you win in it, check out our job openings at Awesome Motive today. 

To achieving success through growth and learning, Thomas

Hello! I'm Thomas, and I'm a tech entrepreneur, veteran business owner, seasoned investor and a leader of leaders. My software powers organizational success for more than 25 million websites across the globe, and my content is read by thousands each month.

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How to Write a Self Evaluation (With Examples)

First step, be honest about your hits and misses.

Self evaluations are performance assessments that bring you and your manager together to rate your performance over a given time span (quarterly, semi-annually, annually) either using a scale (one to 10 or one to five) or by answering open-ended questions. You complete the evaluation and so does your manager. During the performance review , the two of you compare notes to arrive at a final evaluation.

What Is a Self Evaluation?

Self evaluations are performance assessments that both employees and managers complete. They can be done quarterly, semi-annually or annually, and range from open-ended questions discussed to ratings given on a numeric scale.

Writing about yourself, especially if those words are going to be part of your permanent work record, can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, self evaluations give you a voice in your performance review , and they’re opportunities to outline your career goals and get help in reaching them.

Below, we’ll examine self evaluation benefits, tips and examples, plus how both employees and managers can complete them successfully.

More on Self Evaluations Self-Evaluations Make Stronger Leaders. Here’s How to Write One.

Benefits of Self Evaluations 

1. help employees and managers prepare for performance reviews.

Completing a self evaluation can help guide the eventual performance-review conversation in a structured, but meaningful, way. It also helps both parties get an idea of what needs to be discussed during a performance review, so neither feels caught off guard by the conversation.

2. Give Employees an Opportunity to Reflect on Their Progress

Since self evaluations are inherently reflective, they allow employees to identify and examine their strengths and weaknesses. This helps employees both know their worth to an organization and what they still have left to learn. 

“Self evaluations enable employees to see their work in its entirety,” Jill Bowman, director of people at fintech company Octane , said. “They ensure that employees reflect on their high points throughout the entire year and to assess their progress towards achieving predetermined objectives and goals.”

3. Help Managers Track Employee Accomplishments

Employee self assessments help managers more accurately remember each employee’s accomplishments. “As many managers often have numerous direct reports, it provides a useful summary of the achievements of each member,” Bowman said.

4. Improve Employee Satisfaction

Academic literature indicates that employees are more satisfied with evaluations that involve two-way communication and encourage a conversation between manager and employee, according to Thomas Begley, professor of management at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute . 

The thing is, employees have to trust that the process is fair, Begley added. If they believe it is, and they’re treated fairly and respectfully during the process, employees react positively to self evaluations.

5. Can Decrease Employee Turnover

Some companies see tangible results from self evaluations. For example, Smarty , an address-verification company, enjoys low staff turnover, said Rob Green, chief revenue officer. The self-evaluation method, coupled with a strong focus on a communication-based corporate culture, has resulted in a 97 percent retention rate, Green told Built In.

Related 6 Ways to Be More Confident in Performance Reviews

How to Write a Self Evaluation

The ability to write a self evaluation is a critical career skill.

“Self evaluations give you a platform to influence your manager and in many cases, reframe the nature of the relationship with your manager,” Richard Hawkes, CEO and founder of Growth River , a leadership and management consulting company, said. “And all results in business happen in the context of relationships.”

Below are some tips on how to complete a self evaluation.

1. Track Your Work and Accomplishments

Daily or weekly tracking of your work can help you keep track of your progress and also prevent last-minute “what on earth did I do the last six months?” panic at performance evaluation time, said Peter Griscom, CEO at Tradefluence . “Strip down the questions to two or three, and just ask yourself, ‘How well did I communicate today?’ ‘How well did I solve problems today?’ ‘What have I achieved today?’” Griscom said. “Get in the habit of writing those things out and keeping track and over time.”

2. Answer Honestly  

For his first self evaluation, Griscom remembers wondering how to best answer the questions. After he asked his manager for guidance, Griscom answered the questions as accurately as he could. “What came out of it was really valuable, because it gave me a chance to reflect on my own achievements and think about where I can improve,” he said. “It forced me to do the thinking instead of just accepting feedback.”

3. Highlight Your Achievements

If your boss has a handful of direct reports, chances are good they haven’t noticed each of your shining moments during a review period. This is your chance to spotlight yourself. Quotas exceeded, projects finished ahead of schedule, fruitful mentoring relationships, processes streamlined — whatever you’ve done, share it, and don’t be shy about it, said Alexandra Phillips , a leadership and management coach. Women, especially, tend not to share achievements and accomplishments as loudly or often as they should. “Make sure your manager has a good sense of where you’ve had those wins, large and small, because sometimes they can fly under the radar,” Phillips added.

4. Admit Weaknesses and How You Have Grown 

If you’ve made a whopper mistake since your past review, mention it — and be sure to discuss what you’ve learned from it. Chances are good your manager knows you made a mistake, and bringing it up gives you the opportunity to provide more context to the situation.

5. Acknowledge Areas of Improvement

Be prepared for your manager to point out a few areas for improvement. This is where career growth happens. “If you want something,” whether it’s a promotion or move to another department, “you need to know how to get there,” said Phillips.

Related What Are Short-Term Career Goals? (With 12 Examples)

Self Evaluation Examples and Templates Answers

Still not sure what to do when you put pen to paper? Here are six open-ended self evaluation sample questions from the Society for Human Resource Management, as well as example answers you can use to prepare for your own self evaluation.

1. Job Performance Examples

List your most significant accomplishments or contributions since last year. How do these achievements align with the goals/objectives outlined in your last review?

How to answer with positive results: In the past year, I successfully led our team in finishing [project A]. I was instrumental in finding solutions to several project challenges, among them [X, Y and Z]. When Tom left the company unexpectedly, I was able to cover his basic tasks until a replacement was hired, thus keeping our team on track to meet KPIs. 

I feel the above accomplishments demonstrate that I have taken more of a leadership role in our department, a move that we discussed during my last performance review.

How to answer with ways to improve: Although I didn’t meet all of my goals in the last year, I am working on improving this by changing my workflow and holding myself accountable. I am currently working to meet my goals by doing [X, Y and Z] and I plan to have [project A] completed by [steps here]. I believe that I will be able to correct my performance through these actionable steps.  

Describe areas you feel require improvement in terms of your professional capabilities. List the steps you plan to take and/or the resources you need to accomplish this.

I feel I could do better at moving projects off my desk and on to the next person without overthinking them or sweating details that are not mine to sweat; in this regard I could trust my teammates more. I plan to enlist your help with this and ask for a weekly 15-minute one-on-one meeting to do so.  

Identify two career goals for the coming year and indicate how you plan to accomplish them.

One is a promotion to senior project manager, which I plan to reach by continuing to show leadership skills on the team. Another is that I’d like to be seen as a real resource for the organization, and plan to volunteer for the committee to update the standards and practices handbook.  

2. Leadership Examples

Since the last appraisal period, have you successfully performed any new tasks or additional duties outside the scope of your regular responsibilities? If so, please specify.

How to answer with positive results: Yes. I have established mentoring relationships with one of the younger members of our team, as well as with a more seasoned person in another department. I have also successfully taken over the monthly all-hands meeting in our team, trimming meeting time to 30 minutes from an hour and establishing clear agendas and expectations for each meeting. Again, I feel these align with my goal to become more of a leader.

How to answer with ways to improve: Since the last review period, I focused my efforts on improving my communication with our team, meeting my goals consistently and fostering relationships with leaders in other departments. Over the next six months, I plan on breaking out of my comfort zone by accomplishing [X, Y and Z].  

What activities have you initiated, or actively participated in, to encourage camaraderie and teamwork within your group and/or office? What was the result?

How to answer with positive results: I launched the “No More Panicked Mondays” program to help on-site and remote colleagues make Mondays more productive. The initiative includes segmenting the day into 25-minute parts to answer emails, get caught up on direct messages, sketch out to-do lists and otherwise plan for the week ahead. NMPM also includes a 15-minute “Weekend Update” around lunch time, during which staff shares weekend activities. Attendance was slow at first but has picked up to nearly 90 percent participation. The result overall for the initiative is more of the team signs on to direct messages earlier in the day, on average 9:15 a.m. instead of the previous 10 a.m., and anecdotally, the team seems more enthusiastic about the week. I plan to conduct a survey later this month to get team input on how we can change up the initiative.

How to answer with ways to improve: Although I haven’t had the chance to lead any new initiatives since I got hired, I recently had an idea for [A] and wanted to run it by you. Do you think this would be beneficial to our team? I would love to take charge of a program like this.  

3. Professional Development Examples

Describe your professional development activities since last year, such as offsite seminars/classes (specify if self-directed or required by your supervisor), onsite training, peer training, management coaching or mentoring, on-the-job experience, exposure to challenging projects, other—please describe.

How to answer with positive results: I completed a class on SEO best practices and shared what I learned from the seminar during a lunch-and-learn with my teammates. I took on a pro-bono website development project for a local nonprofit, which gave me a new look at website challenges for different types of organizations. I also, as mentioned above, started two new mentoring relationships.

How to answer with ways to improve: This is something I have been thinking about but would like a little guidance with. I would love to hear what others have done in the past to help me find my footing. I am eager to learn more about [A] and [B] and would like to hear your thoughts on which courses or seminars you might recommend. 

Related How to Find the Right Mentor — and How to Be One

Types of Self Evaluations

Self evaluations can include rating scale questions, open-ended questions or a hybrid of both. Each approach has its own set of pros and cons to consider.

1. Rating Self Evaluation

Rating scale self evaluations give a list of statements where employees are asked to rate themselves on a scale of one to five or one to ten (generally the higher the number, the more favorable the rating). 

For example, in Smarty’s self evaluations, it uses a tool called 3A+. This one calls for employees and managers to sit down and complete the evaluation together, at the same time. Employees rate themselves from 3, 2 or 1 (three being the best) on their capability in their role; A, B or C on their helpfulness to others, and plus or minus on their “diligence and focus” in their role. Managers rate the employees using the same scale. A “perfect” score would be 3A+, while an underperforming employee would rate 2B-.

At the performance evaluation meeting, managers and employees compare their ratings, and employees ask for feedback on how they can improve.

But rating systems can have their challenges that are often rooted in bias . For example, women are more likely to rate themselves lower than men. People from individualistic cultures, which emphasize individuals over community, will rate themselves higher than people from collectivist cultures, which place a premium on the group rather than the individual.

2. Open-Ended Question Self Evaluation

Open-ended questions ask employees to list their accomplishments, setbacks and goals in writing. The goal of open-ended questions is to get employees thinking deeply about their work and where they need to improve. 

Open-ended questions allow employees a true voice in the process, whereas “self ratings” can sometimes be unfair , Fresia Jackson, lead research people scientist at Culture Amp , said. 

With open-ended questions, employees tend to be more forgiving with themselves, which can be both good and bad. Whatever result open ended questions bring about, they typically offer more fodder for discussion between employees and managers.

3. Hybrid Self Evaluation

Hybrid self evaluations combine both rating questions and open-ended questions, where employees assess their skills and accomplishments by using a number scale and by answering in writing. This type of self evaluation lets employees provide quantitative and qualitative answers for a more holistic reflection. 

Self-Evaluation Questions for Performance Reviews

If you’ve never done a self evaluation, or if you just need a refresher before your next performance review, looking over some examples of self evaluation questions — like the ones below — can be a helpful starting point.

Common Self-Evaluation Questions for Performance Reviews

• What are you most proud of?
• What would you do differently?
• How have you carried out the company’s mission statement?
• Where would you like to be a year from now?
• List your skills and positive attributes.
• List your accomplishments, especially those that impacted others or moved you toward goals.
• Think about your mistakes and what you’ve learned from them.
• What are your opportunities to grow through advancement and/or learning?
• How do the above tie to your professional goals?

Self-Evaluation Questions for Career Planning and Growth

• What are you interested in working on?
• What are you working on now?
• What do you want to learn more about?
• How can I as your manager better support you?
• What can the company do to support your journey?
• How can the immediate team support you?
• What can you do to better support the team and the company? 

Self-Evaluation Questions for Performance and Career Goals

• How did you perform in relation to your goals?
• What level of positive impact did your performance have on the team?
• Did your performance have a positive impact on the business?
• What was your level of collaboration with other departments?
• What corporate value do you bring to life?
• What corporate value do you most struggle to align with?
• Summarize your strengths.
• Summarize your development areas.
• Summarize your performance/achievements during this year.
• How would you rate your overall performance this year? 

Related How to Set Professional Goals

How Should Managers Approach Self Evaluations?

It’s clear here that self evaluations, as a type of performance review, are more employee- than manager-driven. That said, managers are a key ingredient in this process, and the way managers handle self evaluations determines much about how useful they are and how well employees respond to them. To make sure they’re as effective as possible, consider these suggestions.

Train Managers on How to Use Evaluations

“If you don’t, there’s no point in doing them, because the manager is going to be the one driving the conversations,” Elisabeth Duncan, vice president of human resources at Evive, said. “Without training, the [evaluations] will be a checkbox and not meaningful.”

Don’t Use Ratings Formulaically

The results of self evaluations that employ a scale (say, one to five) can vary wildly, as one manager’s three is another manager’s five. Use the scale to identify and address discrepancies between the manager’s and employee’s answers, not to decide on raises or promotions across the company.

Hold Self Evaluations Often

They work best as career-development tools if they’re held semi-annually, quarterly or even more often. “It’s about an ongoing, consistent conversation,” Duncan said.

Tailor Them For Each Department

Competencies in sales very likely differ from competencies in tech, marketing and other departments. Competencies for junior-level employees probably differ wildly from those for senior managers. Self evaluations tailored to different employee populations will be more effective, and fairer.

Stress That the Rating Is Just the Start

The rating or the open-ended questions are the beginning of the evaluation process; they are not the process itself. “These are tools to trigger a conversation,” Duncan said.

Overall, think of self evaluations as a way to engage with your manager and your work in a way that furthers your career. Embrace the self evaluation and get good at writing them. In no time at all, you’ll find that they can be a productive way to reflect on yourself and your skillset.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a self evaluation.

A self evaluation is a personal assessment used for employees to reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments and overall progress during an allotted time on the job.

Self evaluations are often completed quarterly, semi-annually or annually, and can include numbered rating questions or open-ended written questions.

How do you write a good self evaluation?

An effective self evaluation is one where you highlight your achievements and instances of growth as well as areas for improvement during your given period of time at work. Tracking specific accomplishments and metrics can be especially helpful for writing a good self evaluation.

Jessica Powers contributed reporting to this story.

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Self-Evaluation Essay Examples

A self-evaluation essay aims to describe one’s accomplishments and mistakes over a given period or throughout a lifetime. It also suggests how it is possible to enhance the merits and resolve the errors.

This writing task is highly beneficial for future managers, nurses, and other students planning to work with people. We are too prone to exaggerate our merits and underestimate our failures. This essay teaches you to take a critical look at how you treat others.

Here you can consult dozens of self-evaluation essay examples featuring every possible approach to the assignment. Your own text will undoubtedly be different in structure and conclusions, but the general tone of the samples will help you do it correctly.

35 Best Self-Evaluation Essay Examples

Communication style of a program manager.

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Privilege to Work for Exide Technologies Canada Corporation

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Personal Code of Ethics of the Nurse

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Characteristics of a Fair-Minded Thinker

Business informatics: skills and attributes.

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From Birth to Death: Human’s Destiny

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The Character Who Influenced Me: Abraham Lincoln

The application of interpersonal communication skills.

• Words: 1987

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Interest profiler and career development.

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Exploring the Possibilities of Business Management

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Leadership: Portfolio Project

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Personal and Team Developmental Sequences

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International Business Manager Skills Development

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What I Learned in Human Resource Management – Essay

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Self Evaluation Essay

One of the most important in having to tell that you have been performing right is by the use of a self-evaluation . Not only does it tells about being aware of yourself, but also being open for self-improvement and development. When you are aware of yourself, you begin to know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Self-evaluation can also offer confidence, strong relationships and good decision making. When you are asked to write for a self-evaluation , you are more likely to reflect and demonstrate your value in an organization where you have found an avenue to grow.

7+ Self Evaluation Essay Examples

1. self evaluation form template.

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8. Student Self Evaluation Essay

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What is Self-Evaluation?

The act of evaluating oneself is to objectively monitor their own performance in a particular job. It is a kind of a written review that involves rating competencies, goals, and overall performance. When you are able to assess yourself, you will become someone who is active in his or her own evaluation. This increases commitment to setting up a goal , development and planning for your career.

Things To Do For Self-Evaluation

Take time . Allot an hour of your time to complete the evaluation. You may spend this time reviewing your past documentations that is related to your goals.

You may consider conducting your self-evaluation in a quiet place where nobody can disturb your focus. Devote your full attention when reflecting.

Try to keep yourself relaxed . The purpose of the evaluation is to highlight your strengths, correct weaknesses, and develop skills.

Self-evaluations are the right place for you to boast about what you have achieved without putting anyone else down. The things that you have accomplished must be stated accurately.

Write in a conversational style so that you won’t be misunderstood especially by your supervisor. Keep it natural.

Ask your co-workers about of some feedback about your performances. Avoid comments in the feedback that could lessen your self-esteem.

Use appropriate language . This means that you have to be decent with your words and choose only those words that are objective.

Writing self-evaluations essays are a good opportunity for you to identify how you are going to improve your performance . Make some recommendations . This is not a weakness. Rather, this is a strength that could help you grow and improve as a person.

Apply the knowledge you have gained . You should be able to complete the learning and apply those that you have learned that could support your performance goals and competency development.

Get your self-evaluation essay right . Write more than one draft. Make sure that you are writing thoroughly and professionally.

Example of Self-Evaluation Essay

“ …On analyzing my performance during the semester, I believe that I was quite successful to a significant extent. In this regard, it is worth mentioning the fact that I have completed seven essays during the semester and almost all of them were quite successful because I received “A” grade for the majority of my essays. I really liked my performance but I am always concerned with receiving “A” grades for my work which is the only acceptable grade for me. I am success-oriented person. This is why I just cannot afford the grade below “A”.

 Such personal position urges me to do my best and to work hard to gain the possibly highest degree but, on the other hand, it is sometimes difficult and even frustrating to pursue the highest degree, especially if it is extremely difficult to receive. For example, there were cases, when I felt the task was quite challenging for me to complete it successfully. This is why I had to work really hard to obtain “A” degree for those papers. Nevertheless, I am aware that such tasks have made the most significant contribution to my progress and academic development because they encouraged not only my creativity but also stimulated the development of research skills which helped me to learn more about the subject I wrote about and to improve my writing and academic performance overall (Frosh 103) …”

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Why do you have to include the list of your achievements.

Your achievements will make you proud and will bring the most value into your company.

Where do some self-evaluations used?

Some self-evaluations are used for self-review, performance review or even when you are considered to receive bonuses or salary increase.

What are some of the do’s and don’ts in self-evaluation?

Do’s – ask feedback from others, focus on your highlights, and get second opinion from someone close to you.

Don’ts – put bullets in writing for your accomplishments and make grammatical or typographical errors.

Writing a self-evaluation doesn’t have to be that stressful. Before you begin, it is important to organize yourself and focus on something positive to impress others. It will also be beneficial to your part because you will be able to provide a reflection over your achievements in which it sets you to the right path in making yourself more improved.

Self Evaluation Essay Generator

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Speech Evaluation Essay on the techniques used in Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech

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Ultimate guide to writing a self-evaluation essay, carla johnson.

• June 14, 2023
• Essay Topics and Ideas , How to Guides

Self-evaluation essays are a type of writing assignment that asks people to think about their own skills, accomplishments, and performance. The goal of a self-evaluation essay is to give a full picture of one’s own strengths and weaknesses so that areas for improvement can be found and goals for personal and professional growth can be set.

Self-evaluation essays are an important part of both personal and professional growth. They give people a chance to think about how they’ve done and set goals for the future . By thinking about themselves, people can learn more about their strengths and weaknesses and make a plan for continuing to grow and get better.

In this complete guide to writing a self-evaluation essay, we’ll look at the most important parts , such as planning, writing, and editing. We’ll also give you advice on how to come up with ideas and organize them, as well as how to think about your own performance and what you’ve done well. By the end of this guide, readers will have the skills and knowledge they need to write effective and meaningful self-evaluation essays in a variety of situations.

What You'll Learn

Elements of a Self Evaluation Essay

A self evaluation essay typically includes the following elements:

1. The purpose of a self evaluation essay: The goal of a self-evaluation essay is to give a full picture of your skills, accomplishments, and areas where you can improve. In the essay, you should be honest and thoughtful about your own performance and set goals for personal and professional growth.

2. Reflection and self-assessment: A self evaluation essay requires individuals to reflect on their own performance and accomplishments. This may include reflecting on past experiences , identifying areas for improvement, and setting goals for the future.

3. Identification of strengths and weaknesses: In a self-evaluation essay, it’s important to talk about both your strengths and weaknesses. This could mean talking about what has been done well and what needs to be improved.

4. Goals and objectives for personal growth: In a self-evaluation essay, you should list specific goals and objectives for your own and your career’s growth. This could mean setting goals to improve skills, move up in your career, or take care of your own health .

5. Evidence and examples to support claims: The claims in a self-evaluation essay should be backed up by evidence and examples. This can include specific examples of accomplishments, feedback from others, or data to back up claims about skills or accomplishments.

Preparing to Write a Self Evaluation Essay

Before you start writing a self-evaluation essay, you should prepare by gathering information and evidence, coming up with ideas, and writing down your goals and objectives. Here are some tips for getting ready to write an essay about yourself:

1. Gathering information and evidence: Before you start writing, make sure you have all the information or proof you need to back up your claims. This could be your past performance reviews, comments from coworkers, or information about what you’ve done.

2. Brainstorming and outlining: Before you start writing, give yourself time to think of ideas and put them in order. Make a plan that includes the most important parts of a self-evaluation essay, such as reflection, identifying your strengths and weaknesses, and setting goals for your own growth.

3. Identifying goals and objectives: Before you start writing, you should set specific goals for your personal and professional growth. This could mean setting goals to improve skills, move up in your career, or take care of your own health.

4. Choosing a format and structure: Choose how your self-evaluation essay will look and be put together. This could mean choosing a chronological or thematic approach, or using a certain format or template.

By taking the time to prepare and gather information, individuals can write more effective and meaningful self evaluation essays that accurately reflect their own performance and accomplishments.

Writing a Self Evaluation Essay

When writing a self evaluation essay , it is important to follow a clear structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The following tips can help you to write an effective self evaluation essay:

1. Introduction: Begin with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention and provides context for the essay . Introduce the purpose of the essay and provide a thesis statement that summarizes your main argument.

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should include several paragraphs that address different aspects of your performance, skills, and accomplishments. Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims and provide a clear and detailed reflection on your own performance.

3. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. End with a statement that reflects on what you have learned from the self evaluation process and outlines your goals for personal and professional growth.

4. Tone and style: Use a professional and objective tone when writing a self evaluation essay. Avoid using overly emotional or defensive language, and focus on providing an honest and thoughtful reflection on your own performance.

5. Grammar and mechanics: Pay careful attention to grammar, mechanics, and spelling when writing a self evaluation essay. Use clear and concise language, and proofread your essay carefully to ensure that it is error-free.

Self Evaluation Essay Examples

To better understand how to write a self evaluation essay, it can be helpful to examine examples of effective essays . Here are some key takeaways from successfulself evaluation essays:

1. Sample self evaluation essay: A sample self evaluation essay can provide a helpful template for structuring your own essay. Look for essays that focus on specific goals or accomplishments, and use them as a guide for organizing your own essay.

2. Analysis of effective self evaluation essays: Analyze effective self evaluation essays to identify the key elements that make them successful. Look for essays that provide specific examples and evidence to support claims , and that offer a clear and honest reflection on strengths and weaknesses.

3. Key takeaways from successful self evaluation essays : Successful self evaluation essays typically include a clear and well-structured introduction, detailed body paragraphs that provide specific examples and evidence, and a thoughtful conclusion that reflects on what has been learned and sets goals for future growth.

By studying examples of effective self evaluation essays and applying the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, individuals can write more effective and meaningful self evaluation essays that accurately reflect their own performance, skills, and accomplishments.

Self Evaluation Essay Topics

When choosing a topic for a self evaluation essay , consider areas where you have experienced personal growth, challenges, or accomplishments. Here are some potential topics to consider:

1. Personal achievements and challenges: Write about a personal achievement or challenge that you have experienced, and reflect on what you learned from the experience.

2. Educational and career goals: Write about your educational or career goals, and reflect on the progress you have made toward achieving them.

3. Personal growth and development: Write about a specific area where you have experienced personal growth and development, such as communication skills or leadership abilities.

4. Strengths and weaknesses: Write about your strengths and weaknesses, and reflect on how they have impacted your personal and professional life.

5. Critical reflection on experiences: Write about a specific experience that has had a significant impact on your life, and reflect on what you have learned from the experience.

Self Evaluation Essay Outline

A clear and well-organized outline is essential for writing an effective self evaluation essay . Here are some tips for creating an effective outline:

1. Basic outline structure: Your outline should include an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

2. Tips for creating an effective outline: Start by brainstorming and organizing your thoughts into a logical sequence. Use bullet points or short phrases to outline the key ideas in each section of your essay . Make sure that your outline includes specific examples and evidence to support your claims.

3. Examples of selfevaluation essay outlines: Here is an example of a basic outline structure for a self evaluation essay:

I. Introduction

   A. Hook

   B. Context

   C. Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs

   A. Reflection on personal achievements and challenges

      1. Examples and evidence to support claims

      2. Reflection on what was learned

   B. Discussion of educational and career goals

      1. Progress made toward achieving goals

      2. Reflection on areas for improvement

   C. Analysis of personal growth and development

      1. Specific areas of growth

      2. Reflection on how growth has impacted personal and professional life

   D. Identification of strengths and weaknesses

      1. Discussion of strengths and how they have contributed to success

      2. Discussion of weaknesses and how they have been addressed

   E. Critical reflection on experiences

      1. Discussion of a specific experience

      2. Reflection on what was learned from the experience

III. Conclusion

   A. Summary of main points

   B. Reflection on what was learned from the self evaluation process

   C. Goals for personal and professional growth

By following a clear and well-organized outline, individuals can write more effective and meaningful self evaluation essays that accurately reflect their own performance, skills, and accomplishments.

Self Evaluation Essay Thesis

An important part of a self-evaluation essay is a thesis statement. It gives a clear and concise summary of the main point or argument of the essay and helps the reader figure out what to do with the rest of the essay. Here are some tips for writing a strong thesis statement for a self-evaluation essay:

1. Purpose and importance of a thesis statement : The purpose of a thesis statement is to provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. It should convey the main argument or focus of the essay , and provide a clear and concise summary of the key points that will be discussed.

2. Tips for crafting a strong thesis statement: To craft a strong thesis statement, start by brainstorming and organizing your thoughts. Identify the key themes or ideas that will be discussed in the essay , and use these to craft a clear and concise thesis statement. Make sure that your thesis statement is specific, focused, and relevant to the topic of the essay .

3. Examples of effective self evaluation essay thesis: Here are some examples of effective thesis statements for self evaluation essays:

– “Through reflecting on my personal achievements and challenges, I have gained a deeper understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses, and have identified opportunities for personal and professional growth.”

– “My educational and career goals have been shaped by my experiences and accomplishments, and I am committed to continuing to develop my skills and knowledge in order to achieve these goals.

– “Through engaging in critical reflection on my experiences, Ihave gained a greater appreciation for the value of personal growth and development, and have identified specific areas where I can continue to improve.”

Self Evaluation Essay Structure

A successful self evaluation essay should follow a clear and well-structured format. Here are some tips for structuring a successful self evaluation essay:

1. Introduction: The introduction should include a hook that grabs the reader’s attention, provide context for the essay, and include a clear and concise thesis statement that summarizes the main argument or focus of the essay .

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should include several paragraphs that address different aspects of your performance, skills, and accomplishments. Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims, and provide a clear and detailed reflection on your own performance.

3. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay , restate the thesis statement, and provide a thoughtful reflection on what has been learned from the self evaluation process. It should also include goals for personal and professional growth.

4. Tips for structuring a successful self evaluation essay: To structure a successful self evaluation essay, organize your thoughts into a clear and logical sequence. Use specific examples and evidence to support your claims, and make sure that each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of your performance or experience. Use transitions to connect ideas and ensure that the essay flows smoothly.

By following these tips and structuring your self evaluation essay in a clear and well-organized format, you can write an effective and meaningful essay that accuratelyreflects your own performance and accomplishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is a self evaluation essay.

A self-evaluation essay is a piece of writing in which the writer thinks about their own skills, accomplishments, and performance. The goal of a self-evaluation essay is to give a full picture of one’s own strengths and weaknesses so that areas for improvement can be found and goals for personal and professional growth can be set.

2. What are the elements of a self evaluation essay?

A self-evaluation essay usually includes reflection and self-assessment, identification of strengths and weaknesses, goals and objectives for personal growth, evidence and examples to support claims, and a clear and well-organized structure.

3. How do I choose a topic for a self evaluation essay?

When choosing a topic for a self-evaluation essay, think about areas in which you’ve grown, faced challenges, or done well. Personal successes and problems, educational and career goals, personal growth and development, strengths and weaknesses, and a critical look back on experiences are all possible topics .

4. How do I structure a self evaluation essay?

The format of a self-evaluation essay should be clear and well-structured, with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should have a hook, set the scene for the essay , and have a clear statement of the essay’s main point. The body of the essay should have several paragraphs that talk about different parts of your performance, skills, and accomplishments. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and give goals for personal and professional growth.

5. What are some tips for writing a successful self evaluation essay?

Some tips for writing a good self-evaluation essay include gathering information and evidence, coming up with ideas and making an outline, identifying goals and objectives, using a professional and objective tone, paying attention to grammar and mechanics, and using specific examples and evidence to support claims.

Writing a self-evaluation essay can help you improve as a person and as a worker. By thinking about your own performance, skills, and accomplishments, you can learn more about your strengths and weaknesses and set goals for continuing to grow and get better. To write a good self-evaluation essay, you should stick to a clear and well-organized structure, use a professional and objective tone, and back up your claims with specific examples and evidence.

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Strategies for crafting a comprehensive self-evaluation essay that highlights your strengths and areas for growth.

Self-evaluation essays are a great way to reflect on your progress, achievements, and areas for improvement. Whether you are writing an essay for school, work, or personal development, it’s important to be honest and thoughtful in your self-assessment. Here are some tips to help you write a compelling self-evaluation essay.

First , start by reflecting on your goals and objectives. What were you trying to accomplish during the time period you are evaluating? Consider both short-term and long-term goals, and assess how well you have met them. Be specific and provide examples to support your evaluation.

Secondly , consider your strengths and weaknesses. What are your key strengths and how have they contributed to your success? On the other hand, what are your areas for improvement and how can you work on them? It’s important to be objective and open to feedback in this part of the essay.

Tips for Crafting a Self Evaluation Essay

When writing a self evaluation essay, it’s important to be honest and reflective. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling self evaluation essay:

• Reflect on your achievements and challenges: Take the time to reflect on your accomplishments and the areas where you faced challenges. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses.
• Provide concrete examples: Support your self evaluation with specific examples that showcase your skills and abilities. This will help the reader understand your strengths and areas for growth.
• Set goals for improvement: Based on your self assessment, set realistic goals for improvement. This will show that you are committed to personal and professional growth.
• Solicit feedback: Consider asking for feedback from mentors, colleagues, or supervisors to gain a different perspective on your performance. This can help you identify blind spots and areas for improvement.
• Stay focused and organized: When writing your self evaluation, stay focused on the main points you want to convey. Organize your thoughts in a clear and logical manner to make it easier for the reader to follow your argument.
• Edit and revise: Take the time to edit and revise your self evaluation essay to ensure clarity and coherence. Proofread carefully to catch any errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling.

Understand the Assignment Requirements

Before you start writing your self evaluation essay, it’s crucial to thoroughly read and understand the assignment requirements. Pay close attention to the guidelines provided by your instructor or the prompt given to you. Make sure you understand what specific aspects of your performance or experience you need to address in your essay.

Tip: If you have any questions about the assignment requirements, don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your instructor or discuss it with your classmates. Understanding what is expected of you will help you focus your writing and ensure that you meet the criteria set for the assignment.

Reflect on Your Achievements

When writing a self evaluation essay, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on your achievements. Consider the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the evaluation period and assess how well you have met or exceeded them. Think about your accomplishments, both big and small, and how they have contributed to your personal and professional growth.

Highlight specific examples of projects you completed successfully, skills you developed, or challenges you overcame. Discuss any positive feedback you received from supervisors or colleagues, as well as any recognition or awards you may have garnered. Reflecting on your achievements allows you to showcase your strengths and demonstrate the value you bring to your work.

Identify Areas for Improvement

When writing a self evaluation essay, it’s essential to honestly identify areas where you can improve. This is a crucial step in personal growth and development. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses to pinpoint specific areas that you would like to work on.

• Skills: Are there any skills that you would like to develop further? Whether it’s communication, critical thinking, or technical skills, identifying areas for improvement can help you set goals for growth.
• Performance: Reflect on your performance in different aspects of your life, such as work, school, or personal relationships. Are there any areas where you feel you could have done better?
• Attitude: Your attitude plays a significant role in how you approach challenges and interact with others. Consider if there are any negative attitudes or habits that you would like to change.

By identifying areas for improvement, you can create a roadmap for personal development and set actionable goals to help you progress. Remember, self-improvement is a continuous journey, and identifying areas for improvement is the first step towards becoming the best version of yourself.

Provide Concrete Examples

One of the most important aspects of writing a self evaluation essay is to provide concrete examples to support your statements. Instead of making vague claims about your strengths and weaknesses, use specific instances where you demonstrated certain skills or faced challenges. For example, instead of saying “I am a good team player,” provide an example of a project where you collaborated effectively with your team members to achieve a common goal.

Using concrete examples not only makes your self evaluation more credible, but also helps the reader understand your strengths and areas for improvement better. Make sure to include relevant details and outcomes of each example to paint a clear picture of your capabilities.

Show Your Growth Over Time

One key aspect of writing a self evaluation essay is to show your growth over time. Reflect on how you have evolved personally, academically, and professionally since the beginning of the evaluation period. Highlight the challenges you faced and the steps you took to overcome them. Discuss the lessons you learned and how they have contributed to your growth and development.

Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your progress. Include both successes and setbacks to provide a complete picture of your journey. Be honest and transparent about your strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate how you have worked to improve in areas that needed development. Showing your growth over time will showcase your self-awareness and commitment to continuous improvement.

Seek Feedback from Others

One of the most valuable sources of information for your self-evaluation essay is feedback from others. This can include peers, colleagues, supervisors, and mentors. Ask them to provide honest and constructive feedback on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Receiving feedback from others can give you a different perspective on your performance and help you identify blind spots that you may not have noticed. It can also help you understand how others perceive your work and interactions, which can be valuable in shaping your self-assessment.

When seeking feedback, be open and receptive to criticism. Remember that the goal is to learn and grow, so take feedback as an opportunity for improvement rather than as a personal attack. Consider incorporating the feedback you receive into your self-evaluation essay to present a well-rounded and reflective assessment of yourself.

Edit and Revise Your Essay

Once you have written your self evaluation essay, it is crucial to edit and revise it before submitting. Editing and revising help to ensure that your essay is clear, coherent, and error-free. Here are some tips for editing and revising your essay:

1. Review for Clarity: Read through your essay to see if your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. Make sure each paragraph flows logically into the next and that your points are well-supported.

2. Check for Grammar and Spelling Errors: Proofread your essay for any grammar or spelling mistakes. Use spell check tools and consider asking someone else to review your essay for errors.

3. Ensure Consistent Tone and Voice: Make sure that the tone and voice of your essay are consistent throughout. Avoid sudden shifts in tone that may confuse the reader.

4. Cut Unnecessary Information: Remove any information that is not relevant to your self evaluation or does not add value to your essay. Keep your writing concise and focused.

5. Seek Feedback: Ask a friend, family member, or teacher to read your essay and provide feedback. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes or inconsistencies that you may have missed.

By taking the time to edit and revise your self evaluation essay, you can ensure that it presents your thoughts and accomplishments in the best possible light.

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5 Exact Examples: How to Write a Strong Self-Evaluation

By Status.net Editorial Team on December 18, 2023 — 15 minutes to read

Self-evaluation, also known as self-assessment, is a process where you critically examine your own actions, behaviors, values, and achievements to determine your strengths, weaknesses and areas for development. This type of evaluation is commonly a part of performance reviews at companies, but you can also practice it independently to positively impact your career and personal growth. Writing an effective self-evaluation requires honesty, introspection, and clear communication.

Getting Started

Reflect on your achievements.

Before diving into a self-evaluation, take some time to reflect on your successes throughout the review period. Jot down a list of milestones, completed projects, and goals you’ve met. This exercise allows you to not only celebrate your accomplishments but also gives you a starting point for the evaluation. For example, “Launched a successful marketing campaign, resulting in an 8% increase in leads.”

Identify Areas for Growth

After reflecting on your achievements, Shift your focus to the areas where you can improve. This requires being honest with yourself about your weaknesses and challenges you’ve faced during the review period. Write down examples where you struggled and think about what could have been done differently. Here’s an example: “I struggled to meet deadlines on two major projects because I underestimated the time needed for completion.”

Gather Feedback

A self-evaluation is an opportunity to hear and incorporate feedback from your colleagues. Ask for constructive feedback from trusted coworkers and jot down their suggestions. Be sure to consider their perspectives when writing your self-evaluation. For example, a coworker might say, “You were a great team player during the project, but your communication could be more timely.”

Review Your Job Description

Finally, review your job description to ensure you have a clear understanding of your role and responsibilities. Use this as a reference point to measure your performance and ensure your evaluation covers all aspects of your job. This will help you to focus on key goals and responsibilities you should address in your self-evaluation. For instance, if your job description states, “Collaborate effectively with the sales team to generate new leads,” think about how you’ve fulfilled this responsibility and include specific examples in your evaluation.

Self-Evaluation Template

Introduction: – Begin by summarizing your role and the primary responsibilities you hold within the organization. – Highlight any overarching goals or objectives that were set for the evaluation period.

Key Accomplishments: – List your significant achievements since the last evaluation, providing specific examples. – Detail how these accomplishments have positively impacted the team or organization. – Use metrics and data where possible to quantify your success.

Strengths and Skills: – Identify the skills and strengths that have contributed to your achievements. – Provide examples of how you have demonstrated these strengths in your work.

Areas for Improvement: – Reflect on any challenges you faced and areas where you see opportunities for personal growth. – Outline your plan for addressing these areas and how you intend to implement changes.

Professional Development: – Discuss any new skills or knowledge you have acquired. – Explain how you have applied or plan to apply this new expertise to your current role.

Goals for the Next Period: – Set clear, achievable goals for the next evaluation period. – Explain how these goals align with the organization’s objectives and your professional development.

Conclusion: – Summarize your contributions and express your commitment to ongoing improvement and excellence. – Offer to discuss any feedback or support you may need from management to achieve your future goals.

[Your Name] Self-Evaluation

Introduction : My role as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name] involves [briefly describe your main responsibilities]. Over the past [timeframe], I have aimed to [state your overarching goals or objectives].

Key Accomplishments: 1. [Accomplishment 1]: [Description and impact]. 2. [Accomplishment 2]: [Description and impact]. 3. [Accomplishment 3]: [Description and impact].

Strengths and Skills: – [Strength/Skill 1]: [Example of how you demonstrated this]. – [Strength/Skill 2]: [Example of how you demonstrated this]. – [Strength/Skill 3]: [Example of how you demonstrated this].

Areas for Improvement: – [Area for Improvement 1]: [Your plan to improve]. – [Area for Improvement 2]: [Your plan to improve].

Professional Development: – [New Skill/Knowledge]: [How you have applied or plan to apply it].

Goals for the Next Period: – [Goal 1]: [How it aligns with organizational/professional objectives]. – [Goal 2]: [How it aligns with organizational/professional objectives].

Conclusion: I am proud of what I have accomplished in [timeframe] and am eager to continue contributing to [Company Name]. I am committed to [specific actions for improvement and goals], and I look forward to any feedback that can help me grow further in my role. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss any additional support needed from management to succeed in my endeavors.

[Optional: Request for meeting or discussion with supervisor]

Example of a Strong Self-Evaluation

Jane Smith Self-Evaluation

Introduction: As a Senior Graphic Designer at Creative Solutions Inc., my role involves conceptualizing and designing visual content that effectively communicates our clients’ branding and marketing objectives. Over the past year, I have aimed to enhance the creativity and efficiency of our design output, ensuring client satisfaction and team growth.

Key Accomplishments: 1. Brand Campaign Launch: Led the design team in creating a comprehensive visual campaign for our key client, Luxe Cosmetics, which resulted in a 40% increase in their social media engagement within two months. 2. Workflow Optimization: Implemented a new design workflow using Agile methodologies that reduced project turnaround time by 25%, allowing us to take on 15% more client work without compromising quality. 3. Design Award: Received the “Innovative Design of the Year” award for my work on the EcoGreen initiative, which raised awareness about sustainable living practices through compelling visual storytelling.

Strengths and Skills: – Creativity and Innovation: Consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional design to create fresh and engaging content, as evidenced by the Luxe Cosmetics campaign. – Team Leadership: Fostered a collaborative team environment that encouraged the sharing of ideas and techniques, leading to a more versatile and skilled design team. – Efficiency: Streamlined design processes by introducing new software and collaboration tools, significantly improving project delivery times.

Areas for Improvement: – Public Speaking: While I am confident in my design skills, I aim to improve my public speaking abilities to more effectively present and pitch our design concepts to clients. – Advanced Animation Techniques: To stay ahead in the industry, I plan to enhance my knowledge of animation software to expand our service offerings.

Professional Development: – Advanced Adobe After Effects Course: Completed a course to refine my animation skills, which I plan to leverage in upcoming projects to add dynamic elements to our designs.

Goals for the Next Period: – Client Retention: Aim to increase client retention by 20% by delivering consistently high-quality designs and improving client communication strategies. – Mentoring: Establish a mentoring program within the design team to nurture the development of junior designers, ensuring a pipeline of talent and leadership for the future.

Conclusion: I am proud of the contributions I have made to Creative Solutions Inc. this year, particularly in enhancing our design quality and team capabilities. I am committed to further developing my public speaking skills and expanding our animation services, and I look forward to any feedback that can help me progress in these areas. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss additional resources or support from management that could facilitate achieving these goals.

Best regards, Jane Smith

Writing Your Self-Evaluation

Follow the company format.

Before you begin writing your self-evaluation, make sure to check with your organization’s guidelines and format. Adhering to the provided template will ensure that you include all relevant information, making it easier for your supervisors to review. You may also find examples and tips within the company resources that can help you present your achievements and goals in a concise and effective manner.

Start with Your Successes

When writing a self-evaluation, it’s essential to highlight your accomplishments and contributions positively. List your achievements and victories, focusing on those that align with the organization’s goals and values. Back up your claims with specific examples and statistics, if available. This not only showcases your hard work but also reinforces your value to the company.

For instance, if you surpassed a sales target, mention the exact percentage you exceeded and describe how you achieved this. Or if you successfully led a team project, outline the steps you took to manage and motivate your colleagues.

Discuss Your Challenges

While it’s important to discuss your successes, acknowledging your challenges and areas of improvement demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to personal growth. Don’t shy away from admitting where you struggled—instead, be honest and identify these obstacles as opportunities for development. Explain what actions you’re taking to improve, like attending workshops, seeking feedback, or collaborating with colleagues.

For example, if you faced difficulties managing your time, discuss the strategies you’ve implemented to stay organized and prioritize tasks more effectively.

Set Goals for Yourself

Setting achievable and realistic goals is a crucial part of any self-evaluation. By outlining your ambitions, you communicate to your supervisors that you’re eager to progress and contribute to the organization’s success. Break down your goals into actionable steps and consider including timelines to make them more concrete and measurable.

If one of your goals is to improve your public speaking skills, you might include steps such as participating in meetings, volunteering for presentations, or attending workshops, with specific deadlines and milestones attached. This level of detail demonstrates your dedication to achieving your goals while providing a clear roadmap for your growth.

Strong Self-Evaluation: Providing Examples

Use specific instances.

When writing a self-evaluation, try to provide clear and specific examples from your work experience. By offering concrete instances, you help paint a more accurate picture of your achievements and progress. For instance, instead of saying, “I improved my communication skills,” you could say, “I successfully trained three new team members and presented our quarterly report to the management team.” Using detailed examples will make it easier for your supervisors to understand your accomplishments and appreciate your efforts.

Quantify Your Accomplishments

Wherever possible, try to quantify your achievements by using numbers, percentages, or any other measurable indicators. This can help make your successes more tangible and easier to understand. For example, you might mention that you increased sales by 20% in your department or that you completed a project two weeks ahead of schedule. Always aim to back up your statements with quantifiable information to support your claims and show your effectiveness in your role.

Highlight Your Progress

It’s important to focus on the progress you’ve made and the growth you’ve experienced in your role. Use the self-evaluation as an opportunity to reflect on your personal and professional development. For example, you could discuss how you learned a new software program that boosted your team’s productivity, or how you overcame struggles with time management by implementing new strategies. Emphasize not just your accomplishments but also the positive changes you’ve made for yourself and your team throughout the evaluation period. This will help demonstrate your dedication to growth and continuous improvement.

1. Project Management Skills: – Strong Self-Evaluation Example: “In my role as a project manager, I successfully led a team of 10 to deliver a complex software development project three weeks ahead of schedule. I attribute this accomplishment to my rigorous approach to project planning, where I meticulously outlined project phases, set realistic milestones, and conducted weekly check-ins with team members to gauge progress and address any roadblocks. My proactive communication strategy prevented delays and ensured that all team members were aligned with the project objectives.”

2. Customer Service Excellence: – Strong Self-Evaluation Example: “I have consistently maintained a customer satisfaction rating above 95% over the past year by employing an empathetic and solution-oriented approach to customer interactions. For instance, when a customer was frustrated with a delayed order, I took the initiative to not only expedite the shipping but also provided a discount on their next purchase. This resulted in a positive review and repeat business, demonstrating my commitment to going above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction.”

3. Innovative Problem Solving: – Strong Self-Evaluation Example: “I identified a recurring bottleneck in our inventory management process that was causing shipment delays. By analyzing the workflow and collaborating with the logistics team, I designed a new inventory tracking system using a Kanban board that increased our efficiency by 30%. This initiative reduced average shipment times from 5 days to 3 days, significantly improving our order fulfillment rates.”

4. Effective Team Leadership: – Strong Self-Evaluation Example: “As the head of the marketing team, I led a campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in brand engagement. I achieved this by fostering a collaborative environment where each team member’s ideas were valued and incorporated. I organized brainstorming sessions that encouraged creative problem-solving and ensured that the team’s goals were aligned with the company’s vision. My leadership directly influenced the campaign’s success and the team’s high morale.”

5. Adaptability and Learning Agility: – Strong Self-Evaluation Example: “When our company transitioned to a new CRM system, I took the initiative to master the software ahead of the formal training. I then shared my knowledge with my colleagues through a series of workshops, which facilitated a smoother transition for the entire department. My ability to quickly adapt to new technology and willingness to assist others in their learning process demonstrates my dedication to continuous improvement and team success.”

Self-Evaluation Dos and Don’ts

Stay honest and constructive.

When writing a self-evaluation, it’s vital to be honest and realistic about your performance. Reflect on the achievements and challenges you’ve faced, and consider areas where you can improve. For example, if you struggled to complete a project on time, mention the obstacles you faced and the lessons you learned. This will show that you’re committed to personal growth and self-improvement.

I successfully completed seven out of eight projects within the given time frame. However, there were difficulties in delivering the last project on time due to a lack of resources. Moving forward, I plan to improve on allocating resources more effectively to ensure timely delivery.

Avoid Undermining Your Efforts

While it’s essential to view your performance objectively, don’t downplay your achievements or accomplishments. Acknowledge your efforts and reflect on your contributions to the team. For instance, if you’ve improved your sales numbers, highlight your success and outline the strategies you implemented to achieve this.

This quarter, my sales numbers increased by 15%, surpassing the target of 10%. I was persistent in following up on leads and implemented new techniques, such as personalized presentations, to connect with potential clients better.

Keep a Positive Outlook

Maintaining a positive attitude when discussing your performance is crucial in a self-evaluation. Focus on the progress you’ve made and show your willingness to learn from mistakes and challenges. Don’t dwell on the negatives; instead, frame them as opportunities for growth and learning, and share your plans for improvement.

While I encountered challenges in team communication earlier in the year, I have since taken steps to improve. I enrolled in a communication skills workshop, and the techniques I learned have helped me collaborate more effectively with my colleagues. I look forward to applying these skills to future projects.

Finalizing Your Self-Evaluation

Edit for clarity and concision.

After you’ve written your self-evaluation, take some time to review and edit it for clarity and concision. This means making sure that your points are expressed clearly, without ambiguity, and that you’ve removed any unnecessary or repetitive information. Here are some tips to help you do this:

• Use short sentences and active voice to make your points clear.
• Break up long paragraphs into smaller ones for easier reading.
• Double-check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Make sure that your points are stated in a logical and organized manner.

Request Peer Review

Once you’re satisfied with your self-evaluation, consider asking a trusted colleague or manager to review it. This can provide you with valuable feedback and help ensure that your evaluation is well-rounded, accurate, and unbiased. Keep these points in mind when requesting a peer review:

• Choose someone who knows your work well and has a clear understanding of your job responsibilities.
• Ask them to review your evaluation for clarity, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.
• Be open to constructive feedback, and make any necessary revisions based on their input.

By following these steps for finalizing your self-evaluation, you’ll have a stronger, more polished document that effectively highlights your accomplishments, areas for improvement, and goals for the future. This will provide a solid foundation for discussing your performance with your manager and creating a clear roadmap for professional growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some helpful tips for writing an impactful self-evaluation.

When writing a self-evaluation, always be honest and specific about your accomplishments and goals. Provide examples and use metrics to quantify your achievements whenever possible. Reflect on areas where you can improve and create a plan for personal development. Use positive language, keep it concise and focused, and don’t forget to mention any feedback you’ve received from coworkers, clients, or managers.

Can you give examples of strong points to highlight in a self-evaluation?

Some powerful points you can emphasize in a self-evaluation include successful project management, exceeding targets or goals, implementing new processes that improve efficiency, demonstrating strong teamwork, and receiving positive client or coworker feedback. Tailor your examples to highlight your unique strengths and align with your role and company goals.

How would one describe their personal achievements in a self-assessment for a performance review?

To describe personal achievements effectively in a self-assessment, be results-oriented, and show the impact of your accomplishments. Use specific examples to illustrate your success and demonstrate how these achievements contributed to your team or company goals. If possible, quantify your results through metrics or figures to give a clear picture of your performance.

Could you provide a sample paragraph of a self-evaluation for a senior management position?

“Over the past year, as the Senior Manager of the (…) team, I have successfully launched three major projects that resulted in a 25% increase in revenue. My leadership style has fostered a collaborative environment, with my team consistently achieving all targets on time. I have also implemented training initiatives to develop team members’ skillsets, and our client satisfaction rate has increased by 15%. I plan to focus on further expanding our project portfolio and mentoring junior managers to strengthen the team’s leadership capabilities.”

What could be good sentence starters for framing self-evaluation points?

• During my time in this role, I have accomplished…
• One area I have excelled in is…
• An example of a significant contribution is…
• I demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when I…
• My collaboration with coworkers has led to…
• In terms of improvement, I plan to focus on…
• Over the past year, my growth has been evident in…
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7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)

In this ultimate guide, I will explain to you exactly how to write an evaluation essay.

1. What is an Evaluation Essay?

An evaluation essay should provide a critical analysis of something.

You’re literally ‘evaluating’ the thing you’re looking up.

Here’s a couple of quick definitions of what we mean by ‘evaluate’:

• Merriam-Webster defines evaluation as: “to determine the significance, worth, or condition of usually by careful appraisal and study”
• Collins Dictionary says: “If you evaluate something or someone, you consider them in order to make a judgment about them, for example about how good or bad they are.”

Here’s some synonyms for ‘evaluate’:

So, we could say that an evaluation essay should carefully examine the ‘thing’ and provide an overall judgement of it.

Here’s some common things you may be asked to write an evaluation essay on:

This is by no means an exhaustive list. Really, you can evaluate just about anything!

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2. How to write an Evaluation Essay

There are two secrets to writing a strong evaluation essay. The first is to aim for objective analysis before forming an opinion. The second is to use an evaluation criteria.

Aim to Appear Objective before giving an Evaluation Argument

Your evaluation will eventually need an argument.

The evaluation argument will show your reader what you have decided is the final value of the ‘thing’ you’re evaluating.

But in order to convince your reader that your evaluative argument is sound, you need to do some leg work.

The aim will be to show that you have provided a balanced and fair assessment before coming to your conclusion.

In order to appear balanced you should:

• Discuss both the pros and cons of the thing
• Discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of the thing
• Look at the thing from multiple different perspectives
• Be both positive and critical. Don’t make it look like you’re biased towards one perspective.

In other words, give every perspective a fair hearing.

You don’t want to sound like a propagandist. You want to be seen as a fair and balanced adjudicator.

Use an Evaluation Criteria

One way to appear balanced is to use an evaluation criteria.

An evaluation criteria helps to show that you have assessed the ‘thing’ based on an objective measure.

Here’s some examples of evaluation criteria:

• Strength under pressure
• Longevity (ability to survive for a long time)
• Ease of use
• Ability to get the job done
• Friendliness
• Punctuality
• Ability to predict my needs
• Calmness under pressure
• Attentiveness

A Bed and Breakfast

• Breakfast options
• Taste of food
• Comfort of bed
• Local attractions
• Service from owner
• Cleanliness

We can use evaluation criteria to frame out ability to conduct the analysis fairly.

This is especially true for if you have to evaluate multiple different ‘things’. For example, if you’re evaluating three novels, you want to be able to show that you applied the same ‘test’ on all three books!

This will show that you gave each ‘thing’ a fair chance and looked at the same elements for each.

3. How to come up with an Evaluation Argument

After you have:

• Looked at both good and bad elements of the ‘thing’, and
• Used an evaluation criteria

You’ll then need to develop an evaluative argument. This argument shows your own overall perspective on the ‘thing’.

Remember, you will need to show your final evaluative argument is backed by objective analysis. You need to do it in order!

Analyze first. Evaluate second.

Here’s an example.

Let’s say you’re evaluating the quality of a meal.

You might say:

• A strength of the meal was its presentation. It was well presented and looked enticing to eat.
• A weakness of the meal was that it was overcooked. This decreased its flavor.
• The meal was given a low rating on ‘cost’ because it was more expensive than the other comparative meals on the menu.
• The meal was given a high rating on ‘creativity’. It was a meal that involved a thoughtful and inventive mix of ingredients.

Now that you’ve looked at some pros and cons and measured the meal based on a few criteria points (like cost and creativity), you’ll be able to come up with a final argument:

• Overall, the meal was good enough for a middle-tier restaurant but would not be considered a high-class meal. There is a lot of room for improvement if the chef wants to win any local cooking awards.

Evaluative terms that you might want to use for this final evaluation argument might include:

• All things considered
• With all key points in mind

4. Evaluation Essay Outline (with Examples)

Okay, so now you know what to do, let’s have a go at creating an outline for your evaluation essay!

Here’s what I recommend:

4.1 How to Write your Introduction

In the introduction, feel free to use my 5-Step INTRO method . It’ll be an introduction just like any other essay introduction .

And yes, feel free to explain what the final evaluation will be.

So, here it is laid out nice and simple.

Write one sentence for each point to make a 5-sentence introduction:

• Interest: Make a statement about the ‘thing’ you’re evaluating that you think will be of interest to the reader. Make it a catchy, engaging point that draws the reader in!
• Notify: Notify the reader of any background info on the thing you’re evaluating. This is your chance to show your depth of knowledge. What is a historical fact about the ‘thing’?
• Translate: Re-state the essay question. For an evaluative essay, you can re-state it something like: “This essay evaluates the book/ product/ article/ etc. by looking at its strengths and weaknesses and compares it against a marking criteria”.
• Report: Say what your final evaluation will be. For example you can say “While there are some weaknesses in this book, overall this evaluative essay will show that it helps progress knowledge about Dinosaurs.”
• Outline: Simply give a clear overview of what will be discussed. For example, you can say: “Firstly, the essay will evaluate the product based on an objective criteria. This criteria will include its value for money, fit for purpose and ease of use. Next, the essay will show the main strengths and weaknesses of the product. Lastly, the essay will provide a final evaluative statement about the product’s overall value and worth.”

If you want more depth on how to use the INTRO method, you’ll need to go and check out our blog post on writing quality introductions.

4.2 Example Introduction

This example introduction is for the essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society.

“Facebook is the third most visited website in the world. It was founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg in his college dorm. This essay evaluates the impact of Facebook on society and makes an objective judgement on its value. The essay will argue that Facebook has changed the world both for the better and worse. Firstly, it will give an overview of what Facebook is and its history. Then, it will examine Facebook on the criteria of: impact on social interactions, impact on the media landscape, and impact on politics.”

You’ll notice that each sentence in this introduction follows my 5-Step INTRO formula to create a clear, coherent 5-Step introduction.

4.3 How to Write your Body Paragraphs

The first body paragraph should give an overview of the ‘thing’ being evaluated.

Then, you should evaluate the pros and cons of the ‘thing’ being evaluated based upon the criteria you have developed for evaluating it.

Let’s take a look below.

4.4 First Body Paragraph: Overview of your Subject

This first paragraph should provide objective overview of your subject’s properties and history. You should not be doing any evaluating just yet.

The goal for this first paragraph is to ensure your reader knows what it is you’re evaluating. Secondarily, it should show your marker that you have developed some good knowledge about it.

If you need to use more than one paragraph to give an overview of the subject, that’s fine.

Similarly, if your essay word length needs to be quite long, feel free to spend several paragraphs exploring the subject’s background and objective details to show off your depth of knowledge for the marker.

4.5 First Body Paragraph Example

Sticking with the essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society , this might be your paragraph:

“Facebook has been one of the most successful websites of all time. It is the website that dominated the ‘Web 2.0’ revolution, which was characterized by user two-way interaction with the web. Facebook allowed users to create their own personal profiles and invite their friends to follow along. Since 2004, Facebook has attracted more than one billion people to create profiles in order to share their opinions and keep in touch with their friends.”

Notice here that I haven’t yet made any evaluations of Facebook’s merits?

This first paragraph (or, if need be, several of them) should be all about showing the reader exactly what your subject is – no more, no less.

4.6 Evaluation Paragraphs: Second, Third, Forth and Fifth Body Paragraphs

Once you’re confident your reader will know what the subject that you’re evaluating is, you’ll need to move on to the actual evaluation.

For this step, you’ll need to dig up that evaluation criteria we talked about in Point 2.

For example, let’s say you’re evaluating a President of the United States.

Your evaluation criteria might be:

• Impact on world history
• Ability to pass legislation
• Popularity with voters
• Morals and ethics
• Ability to change lives for the better

Really, you could make up any evaluation criteria you want!

Once you’ve made up the evaluation criteria, you’ve got your evaluation paragraph ideas!

Simply turn each point in your evaluation criteria into a full paragraph.

How do you do this?

Well, start with a topic sentence.

For the criteria point ‘Impact on world history’ you can say something like: “Barack Obama’s impact on world history is mixed.”

This topic sentence will show that you’ll evaluate both pros and cons of Obama’s impact on world history in the paragraph.

Then, follow it up with explanations.

“While Obama campaigned to withdraw troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, he was unable to completely achieve this objective. This is an obvious negative for his impact on the world. However, as the first black man to lead the most powerful nation on earth, he will forever be remembered as a living milestone for civil rights and progress.”

Keep going, turning each evaluation criteria into a full paragraph.

4.7 Evaluation Paragraph Example

Let’s go back to our essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society .

I’ve decided to use the evaluation criteria below:

• impact on social interactions;
• impact on the media landscape;
• impact on politics

Naturally, I’m going to write one paragraph for each point.

If you’re expected to write a longer piece, you could write two paragraphs on each point (one for pros and one for cons).

Here’s what my first evaluation paragraph might look like:

“Facebook has had a profound impact on social interactions. It has helped people to stay in touch with one another from long distances and after they have left school and college. This is obviously a great positive. However, it can also be seen as having a negative impact. For example, people may be less likely to interact face-to-face because they are ‘hanging out’ online instead. This can have negative impact on genuine one-to-one relationships.”

You might notice that this paragraph has a topic sentence, explanations and examples. It follows my perfect paragraph formula which you’re more than welcome to check out!

4.8 How to write your Conclusion

To conclude, you’ll need to come up with one final evaluative argument.

This evaluation argument provides an overall assessment. You can start with “Overall, Facebook has been…” and continue by saying that (all things considered) he was a good or bad president!

Remember, you can only come up with an overall evaluation after you’ve looked at the subject’s pros and cons based upon your evaluation criteria.

In the example below, I’m going to use my 5 C’s conclusion paragraph method . This will make sure my conclusion covers all the things a good conclusion should cover!

Like the INTRO method, the 5 C’s conclusion method should have one sentence for each point to create a 5 sentence conclusion paragraph.

The 5 C’s conclusion method is:

• Close the loop: Return to a statement you made in the introduction.
• Conclude: Show what your final position is.
• Clarify: Clarify how your final position is relevant to the Essay Question.
• Concern: Explain who should be concerned by your findings.
• Consequences: End by noting in one final, engaging sentence why this topic is of such importance. The ‘concern’ and ‘consequences’ sentences can be combined

4.9 Concluding Argument Example Paragraph

Here’s a possible concluding argument for our essay question: Write an Evaluation Essay on Facebook’s Impact on Society .

“The introduction of this essay highlighted that Facebook has had a profound impact on society. This evaluation essay has shown that this impact has been both positive and negative. Thus, it is too soon to say whether Facebook has been an overall positive or negative for society. However, people should pay close attention to this issue because it is possible that Facebook is contributing to the undermining of truth in media and positive interpersonal relationships.”

Note here that I’ve followed the 5 C’s conclusion method for my concluding evaluative argument paragraph.

5. Evaluation Essay Example Template

Below is a template you can use for your evaluation essay , based upon the advice I gave in Section 4:

6. 23+ Good Evaluation Essay Topics

Okay now that you know how to write an evaluation essay, let’s look at a few examples.

For each example I’m going to give you an evaluation essay title idea, plus a list of criteria you might want to use in your evaluation essay.

6.1 Evaluation of Impact

• Evaluate the impact of global warming on the great barrier reef. Recommended evaluation criteria: Level of bleaching; Impact on tourism; Economic impact; Impact on lifestyles; Impact on sealife
• Evaluate the impact of the Global Financial Crisis on poverty. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on jobs; Impact on childhood poverty; Impact on mental health rates; Impact on economic growth; Impact on the wealthy; Global impact
• Evaluate the impact of having children on your lifestyle. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on spare time; Impact on finances; Impact on happiness; Impact on sense of wellbeing
• Evaluate the impact of the internet on the world. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on connectedness; Impact on dating; Impact on business integration; Impact on globalization; Impact on media
• Evaluate the impact of public transportation on cities. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on cost of living; Impact on congestion; Impact on quality of life; Impact on health; Impact on economy
• Evaluate the impact of universal healthcare on quality of life. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on reducing disease rates; Impact on the poorest in society; Impact on life expectancy; Impact on happiness
• Evaluate the impact of getting a college degree on a person’s life. Recommended evaluation criteria: Impact on debt levels; Impact on career prospects; Impact on life perspectives; Impact on relationships

6.2 Evaluation of a Scholarly Text or Theory

• Evaluate a Textbook. Recommended evaluation criteria: clarity of explanations; relevance to a course; value for money; practical advice; depth and detail; breadth of information
• Evaluate a Lecture Series, Podcast or Guest Lecture. Recommended evaluation criteria: clarity of speaker; engagement of attendees; appropriateness of content; value for monet
• Evaluate a journal article. Recommended evaluation criteria: length; clarity; quality of methodology; quality of literature review ; relevance of findings for real life
• Evaluate a Famous Scientists. Recommended evaluation criteria: contribution to scientific knowledge; impact on health and prosperity of humankind; controversies and disagreements with other scientists.
• Evaluate a Theory. Recommended evaluation criteria: contribution to knowledge; reliability or accuracy; impact on the lives of ordinary people; controversies and contradictions with other theories.

6.3 Evaluation of Art and Literature

• Evaluate a Novel. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
• Evaluate a Play. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; quality of acting; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
• Evaluate a Film. Recommended evaluation criteria: plot complexity; quality of acting; moral or social value of the message; character development; relevance to modern life
• Evaluate an Artwork. Recommended evaluation criteria: impact on art theory; moral or social message; complexity or quality of composition

6.4 Evaluation of a Product or Service

• Evaluate a Hotel or Bed and Breakfast. Recommended evaluation criteria: quality of service; flexibility of check-in and check-out times; cleanliness; location; value for money; wi-fi strength; noise levels at night; quality of meals; value for money
• Evaluate a Restaurant. Recommended evaluation criteria: quality of service; menu choices; cleanliness; atmosphere; taste; value for money.
• Evaluate a Car. Recommended evaluation criteria: fuel efficiency; value for money; build quality; likelihood to break down; comfort.
• Evaluate a House. Recommended evaluation criteria: value for money; build quality; roominess; location; access to public transport; quality of neighbourhood
• Evaluate a Doctor. Recommended evaluation criteria: Quality of service; knowledge; quality of equipment; reputation; value for money.
• Evaluate a Course. Recommended evaluation criteria: value for money; practical advice; quality of teaching; quality of resources provided.

7. Concluding Advice

Evaluation essays are common in high school, college and university.

The trick for getting good marks in an evaluation essay is to show you have looked at both the pros and cons before making a final evaluation analysis statement.

You don’t want to look biased.

That’s why it’s a good idea to use an objective evaluation criteria, and to be generous in looking at both positives and negatives of your subject.

Read Also: 39 Better Ways to Write ‘In Conclusion’ in an Essay

I recommend you use the evaluation template provided in this post to write your evaluation essay. However, if your teacher has given you a template, of course use theirs instead! You always want to follow your teacher’s advice because they’re the person who will be marking your work.

Good luck with your evaluation essay!

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Animism Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 10 Magical Thinking Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ Social-Emotional Learning (Definition, Examples, Pros & Cons)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ What is Educational Psychology?

2 thoughts on “7 Steps for How to Write an Evaluation Essay (Example & Template)”

What an amazing article. I am returning to studying after several years and was struggling with how to present an evaluative essay. This article has simplified the process and provided me with the confidence to tackle my subject (theoretical approaches to development and management of teams).

I just wanted to ask whether the evaluation criteria has to be supported by evidence or can it just be a list of criteria that you think of yourself to objectively measure?

Many many thanks for writing this!

Usually we would want to see evidence, but ask your teacher for what they’re looking for as they may allow you, depending on the situation.

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13 Self-Evaluation Examples To Help You Nail Your Performance Review

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Ah, it’s that dreaded time of year again where you’re forced to write an assessment of your work performance … and unfortunately, not only can doing so be incredibly time-consuming, but trying to highlight all of your accomplishments (while concealing your weaknesses) can make you feel a bit like the Artful Dodger!

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered, anxious one. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how you can write a winning self-evaluation, discuss common mistakes to avoid (like hiding those aforementioned weaknesses), and give you lots of self-evaluation examples you can crib.

So, let’s jump right into it by taking a look at some of the things we recommend doing — as well as what you absolutely must avoid — when creating your self-evaluation.

The Dos and Don’ts of Self-Evaluations

Let’s face it: writing a self-evaluation isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. But with the right approach, it can actually be a valuable opportunity to showcase your achievements and areas of growth. To get the most out of the experience, you’ll want to keep these key dos and don’ts in mind as you prepare your self-evaluation.

Common mistakes to avoid in a self-evaluation

First things first, let’s talk about some of the most common mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of when writing your self-evaluation, such as:

Being too modest or too self-promoting.

When writing your self-evaluation, it’s important to strike the right balance between humility and confidence. Being too modest may make it seem like you lack confidence in your abilities, while being too self-promoting may come across as arrogant.

Likewise, you’ll also want to provide specific examples that demonstrate your achievements and contributions, while also being honest and objective about areas where you can improve. In the same vein, for those academic challenges that seem insurmountable, seeking professional paper writing services can be a strategic approach to ensure quality and success.

Focusing on tasks rather than outcomes.

One common mistake people make when creating self-evaluations is focusing too much on what they’ve done, rather than the results of those activities.

While of course it’s useful to describe the work you’ve done, it’s more important to demonstrate the impact your work has had on your employer. So, instead of simply listing your tasks, remember to focus on the outcomes that you’ve achieved and how they align with your employer’s goals.

Blaming others for mistakes or shortcomings.

In a self-evaluation, it’s crucial you take responsibility for your own performance and not try to shift blame on others.

While it’s okay to acknowledge when external factors may have impacted your performance, it’s not productive to blame others for your own mistakes or shortcomings.

Instead, focus on what you’ve learned from any setbacks and how you plan to address them in the future.

Neglecting to acknowledge areas of growth or improvement.

A self-evaluation is not just about showcasing your achievements, but also about identifying areas where you can improve.

Neglecting to acknowledge areas of growth or improvement can make it seem like you’re not committed to personal and professional development.

So, be honest and transparent about areas where you can improve, and describe specific steps you plan to take to address them.

Writing a generic or unoriginal self-evaluation that lacks personality or detail.

Finally, one of the most common mistakes people make when creating their self-evaluation is to write something generic that lacks personality.

Your self-evaluation is an opportunity to showcase your unique strengths and contributions, so it’s important to make it as specific and personalized as possible.

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-heavy language, and instead, focus on describing your work in a way that’s accessible and engaging for your manager.

Tips for writing an honest and objective self-evaluation

Like we mentioned, when it comes to writing your self-evaluation, you’ll want to strike just the right balance between humility and confidence, and in this next section, you’ll find tips for doing just that!

Be specific and provide concrete examples of your achievements.

When writing your self-evaluation, you’ll want to provide concrete examples.

For instance, instead of simply saying “I completed my project on time,” describe the specific steps you took to meet your goals, the challenges you faced, and the outcomes you achieved.

This will help your manager to understand the impact of your work and the value you bring to your employer.

Acknowledge your areas of growth and discuss how you plan to improve.

It’s important to be honest and transparent about areas where you can improve.

Instead of trying to hide your weaknesses, acknowledge them and describe specific steps you plan to take to address them.

This demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional growth and your willingness to take ownership of your development.

Use data and metrics to back up your claims.

To make your self-evaluation more persuasive, use data to back up your claims.

For example, instead of simply saying “I increased sales,” provide specific numbers and percentages that demonstrate the impact of your work.

This will help your manager understand the value of your contributions and the impact you’ve had on the organization.

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-heavy language.

To ensure that your self-evaluation is engaging for your manager, you’ll want to describe your work in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.

This will help your manager to appreciate the value of your contributions and the impact you’ve had on the organization. It also makes it more likely your manager will read your evaluation in full, rather than merely skimming it!

Be honest and genuine in your writing.

We’ve touched on this before, but again, it’s important to avoid exaggerating your achievements or downplaying your weaknesses.

Instead, provide an honest and accurate assessment of your performance, and demonstrate your commitment to personal and professional growth.

Your self-evaluation is an opportunity to showcase your achievements, set new goals, and demonstrate your potential to contribute to the success of your team and organization … to take advantage of that opportunity, honesty is key.

Self-evaluation best practices

To make the most of your self-evaluation, there are a few best practices you should keep in mind:

Start early and give yourself plenty of time to prepare and revise.

Writing a self-evaluation can be a time-consuming process, so it’s important to start early and give yourself plenty of time.

This will allow you to review your work and accomplishments throughout the year, as well as think deeply about your strengths and areas for growth.

By starting early, you’ll also avoid the stress and pressure that can come with rushing to complete your self-evaluation at the last minute.

Get feedback from a trusted colleague or mentor.

To ensure that your self-evaluation is accurate and effective, consider getting feedback from someone at work you trust.

This person can provide you with an outside perspective on your performance and help you identify areas where you can improve. They can also offer suggestions for how to frame your accomplishments in a way that’s persuasive and impactful.

Stay organized and keep track of your achievements and challenges throughout the year.

To make the process of writing a self-evaluation easier, it’s especially important to stay organized throughout the year.

This can include keeping a record of your accomplishments, taking notes on feedback and suggestions, and tracking your progress towards your goals.

By staying organized and keeping track of your work, you’ll have a wealth of information to draw from when it comes time to write your self-evaluation.

Stay focused on your goals and how you can contribute to the success of your team and organization.

Finally, while it’s important to highlight your individual achievements, it’s equally important to demonstrate how your work has contributed to the success of your employer.

By focusing on your goals and the bigger picture, you’ll be able to demonstrate your value to your manager and better position yourself at your organization.

Remember, your self-evaluation is an opportunity to sell yourself, while demonstrating your commitment to personal and professional growth. With the right approach and mindset, you can use it to your advantage and impress your manager during your performance review.

To help you do that, you’ll find our best self-evaluation examples in the next section. By tweaking the examples to make them relevant to your own work performance, you can save yourself time writing your self-evaluation.

However, remember that you’ll still want to be thorough and accurate in your assessment, so rather than using these examples as-is, plan to use them as a starting point and edit accordingly.

13 Examples of Self-Evaluation for Performance Reviews

As you prepare for your upcoming performance review, it’s important to take the time to demonstrate your value to your team and organization.

To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of areas to focus on in your self-evaluation, including communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and more.

In this section, we’ll provide both positive and negative examples of self-evaluations in each of these areas, to help you get a better sense of what you’ll want to include in your own self-evaluation.

1. Creativity

Positive Example:

“Over the past year, I’ve made a concerted effort to develop my creative skills and approach tasks in new and innovative ways. One of my proudest achievements was leading a brainstorming session that generated a series of compelling ideas for a new marketing campaign, which ultimately helped to boost engagement with our target audience.”

Negative Example:

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I didn’t focus enough on developing my creativity, and I occasionally struggled to come up with new and innovative ideas. In the future, I plan to take a more proactive approach to generating new ideas, by seeking out inspiration and experimenting with new approaches to tasks and projects.”

2. Communication

“Throughout the year, I made a conscious effort to improve my communication skills, both in written and verbal formats. I led a presentation to our executive team that effectively communicated the results of our latest marketing campaign and sought feedback from team members to improve my communication style.”

“In looking back on the year, I realize that I could have improved my communication skills. I missed opportunities to share updates on my projects and to contribute to team discussions, but plan to take a more proactive approach to communication in the future by practicing active listening and speaking up more in meetings.”

3. Problem-Solving

“Throughout the year, I’ve demonstrated a strong ability to approach problems with a creative and analytical mindset. I proactively identified potential issues with a project and suggested innovative solutions that helped the team to stay on track and achieve our goals, using collaboration and research to find the best solution.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I struggled to approach problems in a proactive manner. When addressing issues that arose, I often relied on tried-and-true solutions instead of taking the time to consider new, creative approaches. In the future, I plan to take a more proactive approach to problem-solving, by seeking out input from colleagues and considering a wider range of possible solutions.”

4. Teamwork

“Throughout the year, I’ve made a conscious effort to be a collaborative and reliable team member. I took the initiative to organize several team-building activities and volunteered to take on extra work to support my colleagues during a particularly busy period. I believe that my commitment to teamwork has helped to improve team morale and drive our collective success.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I could have been a more effective team member. I struggled to balance my own priorities with the needs of the team and missed opportunities to support my colleagues. In the future, I plan to take a more proactive approach to teamwork, by seeking out opportunities to collaborate and offering my support when I can.”

5. Time Management

“Throughout the year, I made a concerted effort to manage my time effectively and efficiently, while maintaining a high level of productivity. I prioritized my workload and created a schedule that allowed me to complete all my tasks on time and avoid procrastination. I also made a conscious effort to minimize distractions and stay focused on my goals.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I occasionally struggled with time management. At times, I found myself falling behind on my work and having to play catch-up. In the future, I plan to take a more disciplined approach to time management by creating a daily schedule and prioritizing my tasks more effectively.”

6. Leadership

“Throughout the year, I demonstrated strong leadership skills by motivating and inspiring my team to achieve our goals. I took the initiative to delegate tasks effectively, provided constructive feedback to team members, and modeled a positive and enthusiastic attitude. I believe that my commitment to leadership has helped to build a strong and effective team.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I could have demonstrated stronger leadership skills. At times, I struggled with delegating tasks effectively and providing constructive feedback to team members. In the future, I plan to focus on developing my leadership skills by seeking out feedback from team members and working to model a positive and effective leadership style.”

7. Adaptability

“Throughout the year, I demonstrated a strong ability to adapt to changing circumstances and handle unexpected challenges with ease. I remained flexible and open to new ideas, and was able to pivot my approach to a project when new information emerged. I believe that my commitment to adaptability helped to keep the team moving forward even in the face of unexpected obstacles.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I could have been more adaptable in my approach to challenges. I struggled to pivot my approach when new information emerged, and sometimes became stuck in my ways. In the future, I plan to focus on developing my adaptability by seeking out new perspectives and being more open to changing circumstances.”

8. Emotional Intelligence

“Throughout the year, I demonstrated a strong ability to understand and manage my emotions, as well as those of my colleagues. I worked to cultivate strong relationships with team members, showing empathy and understanding when they faced challenges, and seeking to resolve conflicts in a positive and constructive manner. I believe that my commitment to emotional intelligence helped to create a positive and supportive team environment.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I could have demonstrated stronger emotional intelligence. I sometimes struggled to manage my own emotions, which may have caused tension in team interactions. In the future, I plan to focus on developing my emotional intelligence by seeking out resources for self-reflection and feedback, and working to build stronger relationships with my colleagues.”

9. Motivation

“Throughout the year, I demonstrated a strong level of motivation and commitment to achieving my goals. I set clear objectives for myself and pursued them with a high level of energy and enthusiasm, even in the face of challenges or setbacks. I believe that my motivation helped me to achieve significant success and contribute to the team’s overall performance.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I struggled with motivation at times, particularly during periods of stress or uncertainty. I may have missed opportunities to pursue my goals with a higher level of energy or enthusiasm, which could have impacted my performance. In the future, I plan to work on maintaining my motivation during challenging periods, by seeking out support from colleagues and mentors and focusing on the positive impact of my work.”

10. Productivity

“Throughout the year, I demonstrated a high level of productivity and achieved significant results in my work. I set clear priorities and goals for myself and worked diligently to meet or exceed them, often going above and beyond to support my colleagues. I believe my productivity helped to position me for future success.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I could have been more productive in my work. I sometimes struggled to manage my workload effectively and may have missed opportunities to contribute more to the team’s success. In the future, I plan to work on improving my productivity by setting more clear priorities and deadlines for myself, and seeking out support from colleagues and mentors when necessary.”

11. Performing Under Pressure

“Throughout the year, I demonstrated a strong ability to perform under pressure and maintain my focus and composure in challenging situations. I was able to stay calm and level-headed, even in high-stress environments, and remained focused on achieving my goals. I believe that my ability to perform under pressure helped to make a positive contribution to the team’s overall performance.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I could have performed better under pressure in certain situations. I sometimes became anxious when faced with high-stress environments, which may have impacted my ability to focus and achieve my goals. In the future, I plan to work on developing my skills in managing stress and maintaining my focus during challenging situations.”

12. Achievements

“Throughout the year, I achieved several significant milestones that contributed to the success of our team and organization. I played a key role in a project that resulted in a 20% increase in sales, and also took the initiative to develop a new process that streamlined our workflow and improved team efficiency. I believe my achievements have helped to demonstrate my value to the team and this organization.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I could have achieved more significant milestones. I sometimes struggled to set clear goals and objectives for myself, and may have missed opportunities to contribute to the team’s success. In the future, I plan to focus on setting more ambitious goals and working more proactively to achieve them.”

13. Weaknesses

“Throughout the year, I made a concerted effort to identify and address my weaknesses in order to improve my performance. I sought feedback from colleagues and mentors and used it as an opportunity to reflect on areas where I needed to grow. I believe my willingness to acknowledge my weaknesses helped me to become a more effective team member.”

“In reflecting on the year, I realize that I struggled to identify and address my weaknesses in a proactive manner. I may have missed opportunities to improve my skills and contribute more effectively to the team’s success. In the future, I plan to be more proactive in seeking out feedback and identifying areas where I can grow and improve.”

In Conclusion

We really hope you found this article super helpful and got some great tips for writing an awesome self-evaluation. As you gear up for your next performance review, we highly recommend taking advantage of all the resources we’ve shared here to reflect on your accomplishments and think about where you can improve.

Trust us, putting in the effort to write a thoughtful self-evaluation will definitely pay off in the long run, helping you achieve even greater success and be a more valuable member of your team. Best of luck to you!

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How to write a self-evaluation that will impress your boss (with examples)

• January 28, 2022

Would you rather listen to a conversation on this topic? Feel free to listen to our podcast👇

Let me guess: You’re here because your boss sent you a self evaluation form as part of your performance review, and you’ve been staring at it for 15 minutes, unable to write a single word.

Your hesitation is totally understandable! At best, self evaluations (and performance reviews in general) can feel like nothing more than another form of status update. At worst, they can feel like a high-stakes tightrope walk in which people are afraid of pointing out their mistakes or of praising themselves too highly.

Download your FREE self-evaluation template that will impress your boss.

Yep, it’s free. And trust us…it will help!

Despite their bad reputation, self evaluations (also known as self assessments or self appraisals) are worth taking seriously. A good self evaluation can have concrete benefits: improving your boss’ impression of you, putting you in line for a promotion, and even boosting your salary (more on how to do that later).

So let’s talk about how to write a self evaluation that shows the traits managers are looking for in high performers, along with examples of self evaluations you can build on.

Only You Can Save Performance Reviews

Performance reviews are like fruitcakes at Christmas:  Everyone hates them , yet they keep coming back, year after year. But why should discussing our job performance be so painful? It’s not because we’re terrible team members—it’s because the system is flawed. Employees are under tremendous pressure to prove their worth during performance appraisals but often walk away feeling misunderstood, undervalued, and confused by vague feedback. According to a  survey of Millennials by TriNet,  a human resources company:

• 62% have felt blindsided by performance reviews
• 31% feel they’ve received biased or unfair feedback
• 59% feel their manager isn’t prepared to give feedback

So what can you do to make sure your manager understands what a stellar employee you are and reflect that in your overall performance assessment?  Become your own biggest cheerleader and equip your manager to do the same.

If your manager isn’t holding up their side of the dea l by giving you actionable, constructive feedback, you’ve got to do it yourself. Wee’ll show you how to highlight your accomplishments, growth areas, and goals in a way that makes you stand out from the pack.

How to Write a Self Evaluation For a Performance Review

First, let’s start with a solid self evaluation structure. It should look something like this:

• Goals (personal or assigned)
• Areas of accomplishment since last review
• Insights on productivity
• Areas of improvement since last review
• Growth plan or professional development plan
• Company values/personal values

If your manager or HR department gave you  a form to fill out , that’s fine—but, most likely, it only exists for documentation purposes. If you really want to wow your manager, make sure everything in this outline is covered in your employee self appraisal, even if you have to add extra sections or pages.

1. Goals (Personal or Assigned)

This is similar to areas of accomplishment but important to call out on its own. Everybody has projects to work on, but your boss may have suggested other professional development goals for you to work toward. Maybe you’re supposed to be learning to use a piece of software, taking the lead on a project, or handling more customer management. If you haven’t discussed professional development with your manager, here are  three free professional development templates  to help you introduce these goals into your one-on-ones. Ideally, you’ll also have some personal goals of your own to talk about, whether that’s improving your time management, giving more confident presentations, or leveling up your skills in a specific area of your work. Regardless of the goal, in your self evaluation, you should show what progress you’ve made since your last assessment. Have you hit your benchmarks as planned? Hopefully, the answer is yes, but even if you haven’t fully achieved your goals, this can still be an opportunity to shine, as long as you show thoughtfulness and self-awareness. Bringing feedback from your last review into the next one will show you paid attention and care about your boss’s opinion.

Goal self evaluation example:

Goal:  Help our marketing team increase conversion rates from 3–5% on landing pages. Action:  Our marketing team has been focusing on beefing up our inbound campaigns, so I decided to go through the Hubspot Inbound Marketing Certification Course so I could speak our team’s language and help create better lead magnets. We didn’t quite reach our goal—we ended up increasing the conversion rate to 4.5%. However, this was important progress because it’s the first time we’ve done a project like this. I learned so much about testing and best practices, and now I feel ready to lead more tests in the coming year.

2. Areas of Accomplishment Since Last Review

It can be tempting to gloss over this section with a quick summary of your duties—but  don’t make that mistake . Don’t assume your manager will remember your accomplishments from the past year (or quarter or 90 days, depending on how often you have reviews) unless you draw attention to them. This section is your highlight reel, and if you’re gunning for a promotion, it’s also your audition. For example: If you’re a significant contributor to a project, include it in this section. And don’t just write the name of the project; make sure you also highlight the project’s status, what your involvement was, and the impact this project had on the company. These details are important to your manager because:

• They care about the projects you’re working on and want to know their status and other key details.
• They care about what’s occupying your time, as opposed to other projects you could be working on.

Areas of accomplishment self evaluation example:

I designed a new user flow last quarter. This took a significant amount of my work time, and it took collaborating with three different departments to make it a success. While I worked on this task, I took the opportunity to learn new software because I knew it would be a useful skill while I help out the design team (since Analisa is on leave). I’m proud to say that I completed this project two days ahead of schedule. We used it to map out priorities for product development at the end of the quarter, and I think it will be useful as a reference document for the design team for several more years.

What if you can’t remember what you worked on? To refresh your memory, ask yourself if you:

• Served on a committee
• Were assigned to a long-running project
• Wrote any reports or summaries for your boss
• Took the lead on an extra project you weren’t assigned to
• Took on a new responsibility
• Mentored someone on the team
• Took on your first direct report
• Attended events or conferences
• Designed or conducted trainings (even informal ones)
• Made an introduction for a team member
• Have any recurring to-dos or calendar events
• Have key meetings on your calendar (going all the way back to your last review)

If you can answer “yes” to one of these items, it might be an accomplishment worth mentioning. Take the time to dive deep—you never know what you (or your boss) might have forgotten!

Don’t want to dig through old emails?  With Uptick , you can quickly search through your one-on-one meeting notes for keywords and find you wrote down along the way as well as your manager’s reactions.

3. Insights on Productivity

This is the section of the self evaluation where you look under your own hood to figure out what makes you tick. What are the behaviors and circumstances that are helping you thrive, and what’s holding you back from being your most productive? Answering a question that personal can seem intimidating, but remember: Managers want you to be self-aware. It makes their job much easier when you have the ability to call out triumphs and failings, and then self-correct. It’s even better if you understand the impact you’re having on the team (and vice versa). When you collect these insights and share them with your manager, they’re getting priceless information about team culture. To uncover insights, ask yourself these questions:

• Did I have any breakthroughs, even small ones?
• When did I feel most productive? Least productive?
• What part of my job felt most challenging? What felt most rewarding?
• Which teammates brought out the best in me, and why?
• Which of my habits best served my productivity? Which ones sabotaged it?

Insight self evaluation examples:

I’ve come to the realization that I often engage in negative self-talk. Sometimes it’s not even conscious—more of a feeling that “I could never learn that skill” or “I must not be very smart if this project is overwhelming me.” I don’t know if the team can tell, but this affects my confidence. I want to be able to take projects on with gusto, so this is something I’m going to work on. Do you have any resources that you recommend?

If your insights are more critical or they focus on other people, that’s okay. But it’s hard for your manager to help if you don’t give them specific examples and say how you’d like them to intervene. Describe the reason you think the challenge exists, why it’s hard for you, and how you’ve tried to overcome it. You may have overcome this challenge already, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make a note of it.

The people who sit near me are often quite loud during the lunch hour, and that’s when I get the highest call volume from our customers. I’ve talked to them about it, but the issue hasn’t gotten much better. I’m not sure what to do about it. I need to be at my desk to take calls, but this situation makes it hard to focus on the customer. Can we talk about a way to fix this?

4. Areas of Improvement Since Last Review

“Areas of improvement” is the part of the self assessment that really makes people sweat, but there’s no need to be intimidated. This is an opportunity to show that you possess self-awareness about your weak spots, and the drive to work on them—and that’s exactly what managers are looking for in their high performers. Self-awareness is an ever-elusive trait—but easier when you dedicate time to it. We recommend spending at least an hour to come up with areas of improvement, along with action steps to address them. This will help your manager find tangible ways to help you grow. They probably have their own ideas of how you can improve, but pointing out those areas and asking for help shows that you’re responsive and teachable. Some managers are passive, so you might need to pointedly ask them if they have any areas of improvement for you. Don’t shy away from asking for this feedback directly—it will give you important insight into your manager’s priorities.

We all have areas we need to improve. This isn’t about shaming yourself or being negative. It’s about taking an honest look in the mirror so you can grow—not just as an employee, but as a human being.

Areas of improvement performance review examples:

When I’m in the middle of work, especially writing, I tend to get frustrated with interruptions. I’ve noticed that I try to end the conversation quickly so I can get back to my tasks. I’d like to work on more open communication with my team so we both know what to expect from each other. For example, I can let everyone know that when I have my headphones in, it means I need to stay focused. I also had an idea to make a visual desk toy that indicates when it’s okay to interrupt me. How do you feel about me testing that out in the next two weeks?

5. Growth Plan or Professional Development Plan

Nothing says leadership skills like suggesting next steps for yourself. Again, your manager might have their own ideas on your developmental plan, but don’t wait around for them to share. You know yourself best, so read through everything you’ve written in your self-reflection so far and consider what to do next to keep growing.

Professional development employee review example:

I’m eager to take the next step in my professional development by gaining a deeper knowledge of analytics. Our professional development stipend would cover one to three courses, and there are several affordable options from edX in statistics, data analysis, or audience analytics. I’d like to choose a course and get your approval. Then I can bring my learning back to the team. For example, I could: • Facilitate a workshop or lunch-and-learn • Make recommendations on training topics for our customers • Suggest new ways to optimize marketing analytics

6. Company or Personal Core Values

This section should summarize how you conduct yourself as a person and as a member of the organization. By starting here, your boss will understand how you see yourself aligning with the company’s values, or how you define them for yourself if they aren’t stated by the company.

If your company has clearly stated values, then you’ve got it easy.  Just write out each of your company’s core values and how you’ve embodied them since your last review. Use a detailed example from a time when you went the extra mile and how it benefited the company.

Core value performance review comment example:

Core value: Customers come first We always aim to deliver our product on time, even if it means extra work. When one of our customers had mid-project delays this year, it affected our project delivery dates. They said they understood if our timeline was delayed because of the mistakes. But I did some research and realized that on-time delivery would be possible with about 15 extra hours of work. I put in the additional time to communicate with the team, explain the situation to our customer, and make sure they got their product when it was initially promised to them.

If your company doesn’t have a defined set of values, that’s okay.  Title this section “My core values.” If you need help,  check out this resource  that walks you through how to define your core values. Keep it to five or fewer—after all, if everything is core, then nothing is. Once you’ve identified your core values, give at least one example of how you exemplified each trait since your last review.

Get More From Your Self Evaluation

You’ve put all this work into your self evaluation, and it’s a thing of beauty. So don’t just hand it to HR and forget it when you can put it to work in your professional life in a lot of creative ways. As promised, here are a few ways to make your self evaluation go even further when it comes to career progression:

• Add areas of accomplishment (#2 on this list)  to your resume, personal website or portfolio, and LinkedIn profile. Now you’ll be up-to-date in case you want to freelance, network, or search for jobs.
• Use insights on productivity (#4) and areas of improvement (#5)  to generate a list of content ideas to boost your thought leadership credibility on your own media. These could be LinkedIn posts, videos, blog posts, podcasts, webinars . . . the list goes on.
• Use goals (#3) and areas of accomplishment (#2)  to come up with ideas for trainings, presentations, or even a conference talk. If you’re an expert in something, teach your team! If there’s something you’d like to learn, chances are you’re not the only one, so help create opportunities for growth.
• Look over the entire self evaluation  and look for patterns. Write them down, pick one to three ideas that resonate the most, and use them to create a  personal statement  or  tagline . This can be used in your LinkedIn headline, resume, online bios, elevator pitch—anywhere you want a stronger personal brand.
• Review goals (#3) and areas of accomplishment (#2)  to prepare for salary negotiation with your employer. A well-thought-out list of what you bring to the table and why it’s valuable is essential to any negotiation. If you come prepared with a positive attitude and relevant market research (e.g., average salaries and responsibilities for someone with your job title), you’ll be well on your way to a raise.

Your Self Evaluation Is an Opportunity, Not a Punishment

Hopefully, you’ll come away from this guide understanding how to write a self evaluation with confidence. You should be equipped to showcase your accomplishments, as well as pick examples of areas for improvement that help, rather than hurt, your career. If you put thought into your self evaluation and are willing to be self-aware, you’re guaranteed to stand out and get the kind of performance evaluation you deserve.

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• Performance Management , Personal Development

Self-Evaluation Examples: Empower Your Workforce for Success

• October 27, 2023

Fuel success with 60+ examples of self evaluation to unleash your team’s potential!

Self-evaluation is a crucial cornerstone of a successful 360-degree performance review process. It’s not just a mere checkbox on the to-do list; it’s a critical element that can make or break the effectiveness of the entire evaluation process. It’s the moment when employees have the chance to tell their story, showcasing their achievements and areas of career growth. But here’s the catch: if they don’t fill it out correctly, it can leave HR professionals in the dark, struggling to gauge an accurate picture of an employee’s performance . 

This is why aiding employees in crafting an effective self-evaluation is important.

In this blog, we aim to provide you with a practical solution. We’ll share over 60 self-evaluation examples that your employees can easily utilize to gain a better understanding of how to construct their self-appraisals.

Before diving in, make sure to set clear goals and communicate expectations to your team based on their KPIs. This ensures that employees understand what’s expected of them and allows them to assess their work performance, backed by data for a comprehensive evaluation. With Peoplebox, aligning self-appraisal with performance goals becomes a seamless process for you and your team.

What Criteria Does the Self-evaluation Form Include?

Before your employees begin writing their self-appraisals, it’s essential that they have a clear understanding of the key criteria on which they should evaluate their own performance. Here are the fundamental criteria that make up an effective self-evaluation form, share it with your employees to assist them in crafting more insightful and impactful self-appraisals.

Accomplishments

In any performance evaluation, aligning accomplishments with organizational goals is paramount. Encourage employees to detail their achievements that directly contribute to the company’s mission and objectives. For instance, if an employee played a pivotal role in increasing sales by 20% or completed a project ahead of schedule, these are noteworthy accomplishments that should be highlighted.

Areas of Improvement

The ability to recognize and acknowledge areas for improvement is a crucial trait in professional growth. Employees should candidly discuss areas where they believe they can enhance their performance. Whether it’s a need for additional training or a particular skill set, this self-evaluation criterion fosters a proactive approach to self-improvement.

On job competencies

Understanding one’s strengths is as important as recognizing weaknesses. Employees should list their core competencies and strengths, emphasizing how these attributes contribute to their team and the organization as a whole. This encourages employees to take pride in their skills and boosts their confidence.

Things you value in the company

Incorporating this element into the self-evaluation process demonstrates an employee’s commitment to the organization’s values and culture. Encourage employees to share what they value most about the company, whether it’s the collaborative work environment, the opportunities for growth, or the company’s commitment to social responsibility. This not only reinforces the alignment between the employee and the company’s values but also helps in understanding organizational culture from an employee perspective.

Goals for next quarter

The forward-looking aspect of self-evaluation is often underestimated. Employees should set goals for the upcoming quarter or evaluation period. Whether it’s setting specific performance targets, acquiring new skills, or taking on additional responsibilities, this criterion reflects an employee’s commitment to personal and professional development.

Performance management platforms like Peoplebox make goal-setting and tracking easy. With options to assign owners, choose goal cycles, and track progress every step of the way, goal setting becomes a streamlined and collaborative process.

Social and Soft Skills

In today’s interconnected workplace, social and soft skills are invaluable. During self-appraisal, employees should reflect on how their communication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability skills have contributed to their effectiveness within the organization. Encouraging employees to provide concrete examples of situations where their soft skills made a difference adds depth to their self-assessment.

With a performance management software like Peoplebox, you can seamlessly integrate self-evaluation into your feedback process. This fosters a proactive approach to personal growth by encouraging employees to candidly discuss areas for improvement and recognize their core competencies. Try it out yourself!

Now that we have covered the key criteria to consider, let us dive into 60+ self-evaluation examples to empower your workforce for success.

But before that, it’s crucial to recognize that the quality of the answers is directly linked to the quality of the questions posed. Unsure about the right questions for a performance review? We’ve got you covered! Download our FREE ebook, filled with a curated list of impactful questions designed to enhance your performance review process. 

60+ Employee Self-evaluation Examples

To make the self-evaluation process more effective, we’ve compiled an extensive list of specific examples of self-evaluation. These employee self-evaluation examples are categorized into achievements and areas for growth, covering a wide range of job-related skills and personal development aspects.

Self-evaluation Examples for Work To Assess Teamwork And Collaboration Skills

Effective teamwork and collaboration are at the heart of a thriving workplace. To evaluate these essential skills, employees should be prepared to reflect on their ability to work cohesively with others during self-appraisals.

Here are some key questions to consider:

How well do you work with your team? Can you share an example where your contribution to the team helped the company reach or near its business goal?

Example 1: “I consistently fostered a positive team environment by actively participating in group discussions and encouraging open communication. This led to our team consistently meeting project deadlines.”

Example 2: “I played a key role in resolving a team conflict by mediating between two conflicting parties, which resulted in improved collaboration and better productivity.”

Areas for Improvement

Example 1: “While I work well within my immediate team, I need to actively seek cross-functional collaboration to leverage diverse perspectives and insights.” Example 2: “I sometimes struggle to express my new ideas clearly in group settings, which occasionally leads to misunderstandings. I aim to enhance my communication skills in team meetings.”

Self Assessment Examples For Assessing Job Performance

Evaluating job performance is pivotal in any organization. Employees should critically assess their contributions to the company’s goals.

Here are some guiding questions for this self-evaluation:

What are your major accomplishments in your current role? How have you contributed to the organization’s success?

Example 1: “I consistently exceeded my quarterly sales targets by implementing innovative sales strategies and maintaining strong client relationships.”

Example 2: “I played a pivotal role in optimizing our project management system, which resulted in a 20% reduction in project completion time.”

Example 1: “I occasionally struggle with time management, which leads to minor delays in project completion. I plan to improve my time management skills to meet deadlines more consistently.”

Example 2: “While my technical skills are strong, I want to enhance my soft skills to improve client interactions and public speaking, and maintain better relationships.”

Self evaluation To Assess Job Performance And Future Goals

Self-assessment for job performance isn’t just about the present; it’s also an opportunity to envision and plan for the future with clear expectations.

Consider these questions:

Have you achieved your previous job performance goals? What are your future career goals and how are you working towards them?

Self appraisal examples highlighting accomplishments

Example 1: “I achieved all the goals set in my last performance review, and I’m on track to meet my long-term career objectives, which include securing a leadership role within the next two years.”

Example 2: “I consistently seek opportunities for professional growth and have completed four online courses in the last year to enhance my skills and knowledge.”

Self appraisal examples highlighting areas for Improvement

Example 1: “I sometimes find it challenging to align my daily tasks with my long-term goals. I plan to create a more structured career development plan to bridge this gap.”

Example 2: “While I excel in my current role, I lack experience in a few critical areas required for future leadership. I intend to seek mentorship and training in those specific areas.”

Self-evaluation Focused On KPIs

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) provide clear benchmarks for success. Self-evaluation in this context involves analyzing one’s alignment with these metrics.

Reflect on these questions during your self-assessment process:

How have you performed against your KPIs? Have you contributed to improving the KPIs within your department or team?

Example 1: “I consistently met or exceeded all my Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the year, leading to a 15% increase in departmental efficiency.”

Example 2: “I successfully streamlined our KPI tracking process, reducing manual work and allowing for real-time updates on progress.”

Example 1: “While I perform well on established KPIs, I need to work on setting more challenging KPIs to continue driving growth in our department.”

Example 2: “I sometimes struggle to adapt to new KPIs introduced mid-year. I plan to become more flexible in my approach to ensure better performance.”

Work Environment And Company Culture Self-evaluation

Company culture is essential to employee satisfaction and productivity. To evaluate one’s impact on the work environment and culture , consider these questions:

How have you contributed to fostering a positive work environment and company culture? Have you actively addressed workplace issues or conflicts?

Self appraisal comments highlighting accomplishments

Example 1: “I actively contributed to our company’s culture of diversity and inclusion by organizing a cultural awareness workshop, which received positive feedback from colleagues.”

Example 2: “I played a key role in maintaining a positive work environment by consistently addressing workplace issues and fostering a sense of belonging among my team members.”

Self assessment comments covering areas for Improvement

Example 1: “While I am an advocate for workplace culture, I sometimes struggle to balance my commitments in this area with my core job responsibilities.”

Example 2: “I aim to improve my conflict resolution skills to help address any arising tensions within the team effectively .”

Leadership Skills Self-evaluation Examples

Leadership skills are key for personal growth and team success. To assess these skills, think about your actions as a leader and how they influence your team.

What leadership accomplishments can you highlight? How have you mentored or inspired your team members?

Example 1: “I successfully led a cross-functional team through a challenging project, resulting in a 30% increase in project efficiency and a 15% cost reduction.”

Example 2: “I actively mentor team members, and my team’s overall performance improved by 20% this year, thanks to my leadership and guidance.”

Example 1: “While I excel in day-to-day leadership, I need to enhance my long-term strategic planning abilities to guide the team towards broader objectives.”

Example 2: “I aim to improve my delegation skills to empower team members more effectively and reduce the pressure on myself.”

Self-evaluation To Assess Communication And Interpersonal Skills

Effective communication is the cornerstone of workplace relationships. To evaluate your communication and interpersonal skills, reflect on these questions:

How well do you communicate with your colleagues, superiors, and clients? Have you actively sought and incorporated feedback from others?

Example 1: “I am proficient in delivering clear and concise presentations, and I received positive feedback from clients for my effective communication.”

Example 2: “I actively seek feedback from team members and colleagues, which has led to better collaboration and more open communication within our department.”

Example 1: “I occasionally struggle with written communication, so I am working to improve my written correspondence skills to ensure clarity and professionalism.”

Example 2: “I need to work on my active listening skills to ensure that I fully understand the perspectives of others in meetings and discussions.”

Self Assessment Examples To Evaluate Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as a vital skill. To assess your emotional intelligence, ask yourself:

How do you handle workplace conflicts and challenging emotional situations? Are you aware of your own emotions and their impact on your decision-making and interactions?

Example 1: “I consistently handle workplace conflicts with empathy and understanding, fostering a more harmonious work environment.”

Example 2: “I have developed a high degree of emotional resilience, which has allowed me to manage stressful situations effectively and ensure a positive impact on others.”

Example 1: “While I am emotionally intelligent, I sometimes struggle with recognizing and addressing emotions in others. I aim to enhance my empathy skills further.”

Example 2: “I need to work on my self-awareness to better understand how my emotions can impact my decision-making and interactions with others.”

Self-evaluation Examples for Work To Assess Problem Solving And Decision Making Skills

Problem solving and decision making are integral to professional growth. To evaluate these skills, consider the following:

How have you tackled complex problems and challenges in your role? Do you make well-informed decisions and analyze data effectively?

Example 1: “I consistently resolve complex problems by breaking them down into manageable steps and collaborating with team members, leading to a XX% reduction in project delays.”

Example 2: “I have a track record of making well-informed decisions by thoroughly analyzing data and considering potential risks, resulting in successful project outcomes.”

Example 1: “While I excel in routine problem-solving, I aim to improve my ability to think ‘outside the box’ and explore more creative solutions.”

Example 2: “I sometimes hesitate in decision-making, which can cause minor delays. I plan to enhance my confidence in making quick, effective decisions.”

Self-evaluation Examples for Work To Evaluate Time Management And Productivity

Time management and productivity are crucial in any job. For self-assessment, ponder these questions:

How well do you manage your time to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks? Have you adopted effective time management techniques to boost productivity?

Example 1: “I consistently meet deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively, resulting in a 10% increase in my daily productivity .”

Example 2: “I actively use time management techniques, like the Pomodoro method, to stay focused and achieve my daily tasks efficiently.”

Example 1: “I sometimes struggle with multitasking, which can impact my efficiency. I plan to work on improving my ability to juggle multiple tasks effectively.”

Example 2: “I aim to minimize distractions during work hours to further enhance my time management skills and boost my overall productivity.”

Self-evaluation To Assess Ethical Conduct

Maintaining ethical conduct and work ethics is essential for personal and organizational integrity. To assess your adherence to these values, ask yourself:

How consistently do you uphold your company’s ethical standards? Have you actively promoted ethical practices within your team or department?

Self appraisal comments highlighting strength 

Example 1: “I adhere to our company’s code of ethics without exception and consistently model ethical behavior for my team, resulting in a culture of integrity.”

Example 2: “I have actively promoted ethical practices by reporting any unethical behavior or violations, thereby upholding our organization’s values.”

Self appraisal comments highlighting areas for Improvement

Example 1: “I need to work on my ability to handle ethical dilemmas more effectively, seeking guidance when necessary to make the right decisions.”

Example 2: “I aim to enhance my ethical decision-making by further understanding our company’s specific ethical guidelines and their implications.”

Self-evaluation To Assess Adaptability And Resilience

In a constantly changing world, adaptability and resilience are invaluable traits. Reflect on these questions for self-assessment:

How well do you adapt to changes in your work environment and projects? Are you resilient in the face of challenges and setbacks?

Example 1: “I effectively adapted to a sudden shift in project priorities, ensuring that our team remained productive and delivered results ahead of schedule.”

Example 2: “I consistently maintain a positive attitude in the face of challenges, which has been recognized by colleagues and has inspired a resilient mindset within the team.”

Example 1: “While I handle most changes well, I occasionally find it challenging to adapt to significant shifts in project scope. I am working on improving my adaptability in such cases.”

Example 2: “I aim to enhance my stress management skills to maintain resilience in high-pressure situations.”

Self-evaluation Examples Evaluating Customer Service Skills

In roles involving customer interactions, customer service skills are vital. To assess these skills, consider the following:

• How well do you handle customer interactions and address their needs?
• Have you built strong relationships with clients to enhance repeat business and referrals?

Example 1: “I consistently receive positive feedback from clients for my responsive communication and problem-solving abilities, resulting in a 20% increase in customer satisfaction.”

Example 2: “I have developed strong relationships with key clients, which has led to increased repeat business and referrals.”

Example 1: “While I excel in customer interactions, I sometimes need to improve my product knowledge to answer more technical questions.”

Example 2: “I occasionally struggle with handling irate customers effectively. I am working on de-escalation techniques to improve in this area.”

Critical Thinking Self-appraisal Examples

Critical thinking is the foundation of effective decision-making. To evaluate your critical thinking skills, ask yourself these questions while self-evaluating:

How do you approach problems and make decisions by considering different perspectives? Have you promoted a culture of critical thinking and innovation within your team?

Example 1: “I consistently approach problems with a critical mindset, analyzing data and considering multiple perspectives to arrive at well-informed decisions.”

Example 2: “I have successfully trained my team to think critically, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency.”

Example 1: “I aim to enhance my problem-solving creativity to generate more out-of-the-box solutions to complex challenges.”

Example 2: “I sometimes find it challenging to maintain critical thinking under tight deadlines. I plan to improve my ability to think clearly in high-pressure situations.”

 Self-appraisal Examples To Evaluate Negotiation Skills

Negotiation skills are crucial in many roles. To assess your negotiation skills, think about your approach and effectiveness in negotiations. Reflect on these questions:

How well do you negotiate to achieve favorable outcomes? Are you assertive and well-prepared in negotiations, and do you maintain a collaborative approach?

Example 1: “I negotiate advantageous terms in contracts, saving the company XX% on supplier agreements.”

Example 2: “I have successfully mediated between team members in conflict, helping them find common ground and reach mutually beneficial solutions.”

Example 1: “I sometimes struggle with assertiveness during negotiations. I am working on improving my ability to stand firm on key points while maintaining a collaborative approach.”

Example 2: “I aim to enhance my negotiation preparation skills to enter discussions with more information and leverage.”

Self-evaluation Examples For Start, Stop, Continue Feedback

The “Start, Stop, Continue” approach is a simple yet effective way to assess your work habits. To use this approach for self-evaluation, ask yourself:

What new habits or actions should you start implementing for personal and professional growth? What existing habits or actions should you stop to improve your performance? What current practices or behaviors should you continue because they contribute positively to your work and development?

Peoplebox simplifies start/stop/continue feedback with its built-in templates, making the process effortless.

Self-evaluation Examples for New Tasks You Must Start

Example 1: “I plan to start actively seeking cross-functional projects to broaden my skills and knowledge within the organization.”

Example 2: “I intend to start providing more constructive feedback to my peers to foster a culture of growth and improvement within the team.”

Self-evaluation Examples for Tasks You Must Stop

Example 1: “I recognize that I need to stop procrastinating on certain tasks and start addressing them promptly to improve productivity.”

Example 2: “I should stop engaging in non-essential tasks during work hours and stay focused on my core responsibilities.”

Self-evaluation Examples for Tasks You Must Continue

Example 1: “I will continue actively participating in team-building activities to maintain a positive work environment.”

Example 2: “I intend to continue my daily routine of reviewing industry news to stay updated on current trends and best practices.”

Align Performance Review with Business Goals Using Peoplebox

Feedback and reviews are the cornerstone of your company’s success. When implemented correctly, it sets a culture of continuous improvement and growth. With advancements in digital technology, performance management tools like Peoplebox can come in handy. 

It seamlessly integrates with your existing collaboration tools like Slack and Team and help you streamline your employee feedback and reviews. 

Integrate Peoplebox seamlessly with your Slack or Microsoft Teams application to unlock a range of benefits. Conduct tailored 360-degree reviews and administer employee engagement and life surveys effortlessly. Send personalized reminders for 1:1 meetings, check-ins, and goal updates, fostering better communication and alignment. Facilitate discussions and alignment on progress towards goals and strategic initiatives, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Run productive 1:1 meetings with structured agendas and talking points.

Streamline the onboarding process for new employees, setting them up for success from day one. With Peoplebox supporting your HR operations, eliminate unnecessary complexity and provide your employees with the exceptional experience they deserve.

Talk to our solutions experts to know how Peoplebox can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is self-evaluation, and why is it important in a performance review process.

Self-evaluation is an opportunity for employees to assess their own performance, highlighting achievements, areas for improvement, and future goals. It’s crucial because it provides employees with a voice in the evaluation process, fosters self-awareness, and ensures a well-rounded view of their performance.

What criteria should be included in a self-evaluation form?

A comprehensive self-evaluation form should include criteria such as accomplishments, areas of improvement, on-the-job competencies, values alignment with the company, goals for the future, and assessment of social and soft skills.

How can employees effectively showcase their accomplishments in a self-evaluation?

Employees can effectively showcase their accomplishments by providing specific examples of achievements that align with organizational goals. Quantifiable results, such as meeting sales targets or completing projects ahead of schedule, should be highlighted.

What should employees focus on when identifying areas for improvement in their self-evaluations?

When identifying areas for improvement, employees should focus on acknowledging weaknesses, recognizing the need for additional training or skill development, and demonstrating a proactive approach to self-improvement.

How can HR software like Peoplebox facilitate the self-evaluation process?

HR software like Peoplebox streamlines the self-evaluation process by providing customizable templates, integration with collaboration tools like Slack, goal-setting features, reminders for review deadlines, and facilitating discussions between employees and managers.

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15 Best Self Evaluation Performance Review Examples in 2024

• Best Self Evaluation Performance Review Examples

Crafting a self-evaluation for a performance review can be a daunting task. It’s crucial to strike the right balance between showcasing your achievements and acknowledging areas for improvement. To help you navigate this process, we’ve put together a table summarizing the key aspects of effective self-evaluation examples.

This table breaks down each example by its merits, pros, cons, and the overall impact it could have on your review. Whether you’re highlighting teamwork skills or setting future goals, this table serves as a quick reference to ensure your self-evaluation is comprehensive, balanced, and effective.

This table serves as a concise summary and guide for crafting effective self-evaluation performance reviews.

If you’ve been asked to complete a yearly self-evaluation or write a self-assessment after a project, it might seem overwhelming, especially if this is your first time doing so.

Regardless of the job you have or the project you were working on, there are a few principles you need to stick to when writing a self-evaluation essay about your own performance. Today, I’ll be giving you some tips and also a few self-evaluation review examples for inspiration of your own performance review.

Why Is a Self-Evaluation Review Important?

Example #1:, example #2:, example #3:, example #4:, example #5:, example #6:, example #7:, example #8:, example #9:, example #10:, example #11:, example #12:, example #13:, example #14:, example #15:, don’t sweat it, be true to yourself, use hard data to back up your accomplishments, be honest and recognize flaws, proofread your work, ask for feedback, understand what your manager wants, set smart goals, wrapping it up.

ARMMY PICCA/ Shutterstock.com

A self-evaluation performance review gives you a chance to highlight your strengths while demonstrating that you can recognize your flaws and are working on improving them at the same time.

Self-evaluations allow you to open your employer’s mind to your thought process while working on the project. They can learn more about you and what makes you tick – knowing your strengths can allow them to play to those strengths, giving you room to grow.

Furthermore, it shows that you can be honest about your weaknesses and that you have an open and curious mind. It demonstrates that you are motivated to work on yourself and improve your performance in all areas, helping the company grow in the process.

A well-written self-assessment can pave the way to getting bonuses and promotions. It can also make it more likely for your managers to assign you projects that you enjoy working on and have the right skills and expertise for.

Now that you know why crafting your self-assessment performance review carefully is important, let’s move on to some examples.

Point to Your Accomplishments

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On the one hand, you don’t want to come off as egoistic or bragging. Managers don’t like workers who are full of themselves.

On the other hand, being able to recognize your accomplishments is a positive trait, not a negative one.

Drawing attention to your biggest accomplishments throughout the year or while working on your project shows why you are a valuable asset to the team.

One way to point to your accomplishments without coming across as arrogant is by simultaneously pointing to some of your weaknesses. At the same time, mention how you plan on addressing those weaknesses, so they don’t cause any issues in the future.

Also Read : Best Personal Mission Statement Examples

“As a mortgage broker, I exceeded my target goals by 12% throughout most of the year, using targeted outreach methods like PPC ads to reach a broader audience. I used tactics like offering part of my commission to bring down clients’ rates to attract more clients overall, thus winning for me and the company.

However, in the last few months of the year, while still reaching my target goal for the quarter, I noticed a slight decrease in my performance due to unexpected changes in the real estate market.

Going forward, I will analyze ways to quickly adapt my marketing strategy and messaging to ever-changing market situations to avoid this problem in the future.”

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

“As part of my work on increasing our customer retention rate, I came up with loyalty programs that incentivize customers to make repeat purchases and purchase premium memberships, thus increasing our overall retention rate by more than 15%.

I have tested out various trial programs to offer customers a way to try out services without committing, so they can see the value of those services firsthand. This has attracted undecided customers by giving them some time to decide before committing financially.

I have also identified features and services that customers have been asking for, creating a roadmap to introduce those features, and keeping customers updated about future feature releases to make sure they don’t cancel their subscriptions.

By being proactive and asking customers for feedback and adding a feature request form on our site, I was able to make customers feel listened to and create a priority-based list to work on.

While much remains to be done in this regard, our increased customer retention rate has improved our bottom line and allowed us to allocate more to our advertising budget.”

Also Read : Best Executive Summary Examples

Highlight Your Teamwork

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Unless you’re working alone, chances are that your employer values teamwork . Your communication skills and ability to work seamlessly with your teammates will lead to increased productivity from you and everyone you are working with.

“I loved working with my teammates. Adjusting to new work environments can sometimes be a challenge, but I soon found myself settling in. I discovered immense value in collaborating with my teammates, getting their feedback on my work, and getting exposed to new insights and viewpoints.

Similarly, I tried to support my co-workers and provide constructive feedback at all times. I found I’m more productive when working closely with others – not relying on them to get my job done, but collaborating on finding solutions to pressing problems.”

Discuss Company Culture and Brand Goals

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In your assessment, show that you understand the CEO’s goals and how you fit in with the company culture . Discuss why you enjoy working in that particular environment, and explain how the company’s vision aligns with your own.

“Working on this project has allowed me to rediscover my passion and life goals. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working in an environment that conforms to my ideals and where I feel comfortable expressing myself and becoming the best version of myself.

I’ll continue to strive to help the company grow and achieve its goals.”

Point to Your Strong Work Ethic

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All employers value dedicated workers with strong work ethics. If you’ve gone above and beyond in your job, working at times when you were not required and being diligent to put in the necessary hours, talk about that.

Also Read : Part-time vs Full-time

“Throughout the year, I’ve demonstrated a strong work ethic, ensuring I come to work on time – and often, earlier than necessary. I’ve stayed at work late to ensure I finished things up that day instead of pushing them off until the next day.

Despite having the opportunity to, I haven’t taken vacation days, preferring to instead bring my best performance to the table for the good of the company. While I’ve given myself ample opportunities to relax and de-stress, I realize how critical my time is for this company’s growth.”

Discuss Your Willingness to Learn

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Employers also value workers who have a willingness to learn. Having an open mind about learning new skills and improving existing ones shows you aren’t satisfied with staying in the same place in your career and have a strong sense of ambition.

Even more than that, managers love employees who use their free time to learn new skills . If an employee takes the initiative and is proactive about expanding their skillset and knowledge, without relying on their boss to provide learning opportunities, they may start considering possible promotions for that employee.

“I’ve consistently been practicing my coding and programming skills , but I feel there is always room to improve and more skills to learn. I have purchased courses from Udemy and signed up for coding academies online to expand my skill set and become proficient in additional programming languages.

In the future, this knowledge will allow me to build better apps, software, tools, and websites that will offer customers an improved user experience.”

Photon Photo/ Shutterstock.com

“Understanding the latest best SEO practices is critical, which is why I subscribe to multiple newsletters and attend online webinars and conferences frequently. That allows me to learn about new algorithm updates and strategies that allow us to stay one step ahead of our competitors at all times while ensuring our clients maintain their high rankings.

It also helps me avoid common mistakes that can lead to decreased rankings in the long run. I’ve also taken a content marketing course at my local community college to ensure I understand the basics of an effective content marketing strategy.”

Stress Your Quality Customer Service

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Keeping customers happy is the foundation of any successful business, small or large. If your work involves dealing with customers, whether as a sales rep, support rep, or in any other capacity, stress how you keep customers happy, thus maintaining a high retention rate.

“When dealing with customers , I listen to them attentively, trying to understand the exact issues they are facing before trying to come up with solutions. I ensure the customers I deal with feel heard, and I make sure they know how much we appreciate their business.

At the same time, I try to find a solution for any problem a customer is facing. I go above and beyond to try to please customers , within reason, as I understand how critical customer satisfaction is for the success of this company.

One thing I never do is talk over customers or try to make them feel inadequate. I try to read between the lines and pinpoint concerns that they may be hesitant to talk about outright.

Furthermore, I try to anticipate issues that may arise and deal with them proactively, thus ensuring a lighter load on the customer support team and helping the company run smoothly. By putting myself in my customers’ shoes and by listening closely, I can comprehend what is really bothering them and provide alternative solutions.

A large percentage of clients have gone on to become repeat customers after their interactions with me, demonstrating that I made them feel that we can meet their needs, one of the cornerstones of good customer relationships.

When encountering hostile or difficult customers, I’ve used strategies and de-escalation tactics that I developed to deal with them without resorting to accusations or putting the blame on them.

Furthermore, when providing feedback, either through support ratings or feedback forms, a large percentage of customers have expressed satisfaction with the support experience I have provided them.

At the same time, I am aware of my limitations, and I refer cases to my teammates or manager when I feel I am unable to provide adequate support or offer satisfactory solutions.”

Also Read : What Is WFH? – A Guide

Set Goals for the Future and Explain How You’ll Reach Them

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A good way to show you’ll continue to be a valuable asset to the team is by setting goals for yourself in your assessment. Explain how you plan on reaching those goals.

“Over the past half year, I’ve created social media profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram from scratch, managing to attract over 10,000 targeted followers across all platforms.

Going forward, I plan to increase social media engagement by 20% over the next six months compared to the last six months.

To do that, I’ll focus on publishing interesting content with eye-catching graphics. Using advanced research tools, I’ll use targeted hashtags to get more exposure while engaging with others and collaborating with influencers and micro-influencers.”

“While sales have been great, I plan on increasing sales by at least 10% over the next quarter without increasing our ad spend. To do that, I will create an affiliate program and offer exclusive bonuses to first-time affiliates who bring in a certain number of sales, allowing our affiliates to do the work for us at no added cost.”

Photo by Helena Lopes from Pexels

To show that you are willing to change and adapt, ask for feedback at the end of your assessment.

“Despite all these accomplishments, I recognize that there is always room for improvement, which is why I’m asking for feedback and constructive criticism on how I can do better.

I’d appreciate any advice you have about which areas I need to focus on going forward. If there’s something I overlooked, please let me know, so I can correct it.”

Show You Are a Problem Solver

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Being a problem solver and being quick on your feet to come up with solutions to new challenges are traits that employers like. Talk about that in your self-assessment.

Also Read : Goal vs Objective

“I am a fast thinker and come up with creative solutions to challenges in real time. I don’t rely on others to solve my problems for me, instead preferring to use my creativity to smooth over difficulties and overcome obstacles.

I try to anticipate potential challenges in advance, often creating a Plan B and even a Plan C in case my original plan doesn’t work out. That way, I can stay productive and avoid wasting time or burdening others due to delays in turnaround times.”

Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About Your Weaknesses

Your manager likely wants to see if you can recognize your own weaknesses and failures. Don’t be afraid to be honest and mention them.

“Sometimes, I let issues in my personal life distract me from my work. Relationship problems, for example, sometimes affect my mental state and prevent me from maintaining a clear and focused mind at work.

In the future, I will practice meditation and work on separating personal and work life, so I can give 100% of myself at work. I might block notifications from messaging apps or turn off my personal phone altogether while at work to avoid letting distractions prevent me from doing my job.”

“I sometimes struggle with a lack of organization and self-discipline. This interferes with my ability to meet deadlines and keep up with the fast pace of our workplace.

In the future, I will focus on becoming more organized and disciplined, starting with my personal life. I recognize the importance of being dedicated and organized in general, and how being so in my personal life will influence my professional performance.”

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels

“Sometimes, I lack the motivation to continue putting in my best work. However, I plan to combat that by keeping track of my long-term goals and setting short-term goals , using apps and sticky notes, to help me stay on track.

Furthermore, I plan on listening to audiobooks and self-help podcasts to help me increase my productivity, keep myself motivated, and ensure I don’t lose sight of what I’m trying to do in the world and for this company.”

Hacks for Writing the Perfect Self-Assessment Performance Review

It’s normal to be nervous when writing a self-assessment review. A lot of employees don’t know where to start or what to talk about.

Here are some hacks to help you out.

Don’t sweat it too much or get anxious about what your manager will think of you. Your self-assessment is rarely the deciding factor for managers when deciding whether to give you a bonus, promote you, fire you, etc.

Photo – RF._.studio /Pexels

In the same vein, don’t try to impress your manager too hard. You don’t want to come across as someone who lacks self-confidence.

Write a true and honest assessment – put your true thoughts into writing.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Whenever possible, use hard data and statistics to prove your accomplishments.

Don’t just say you have made customers happier, for example. Instead, use feedback ratings and customer retention rates to back up your claims.

Make a list of your accomplishments and identify the most important ones. They might be what sets you apart from other team members, or they might be accomplishments that were hard to achieve or which are bringing long-lasting results to the business.

Check Out : Best Elevator Pitch Examples

Many employees think that recognizing their weaknesses and drawbacks in their self-assessment reviews is the wrong course of action. After all, their thinking goes, why draw attention to weaknesses that their managers may have actually overlooked?

Shouldn’t that hurt their chances of success at the company rather than help them?

The truth, though, is that your manager likely already recognizes your flaws. Nobody is perfect, and nobody is expecting you to be.

What your manager likely does want to see is whether you can own up to your mistakes and errors. Someone who is able to do some soul-searching and work on themselves is also open to feedback.

On the other hand, someone who thinks they are perfect will set off red flags. It’s a sign that they are not open to constructive criticism and won’t do the necessary work to get better at their jobs.

Of course, you don’t want your entire self-assessment to focus on your flaws. You should be playing up your strengths first before moving on to your weaknesses.

At the same time, not mentioning them at all can do more harm than good.

Also Read : Students’ Strengths & Weaknesses Examples

Before submitting your self-assessment, proofread it to make sure there are no grammar and spelling mistakes . These mistakes can show a lack of attention to detail or indicate laziness.

Your coworkers have likely been asked to write self-assessment reviews as well. Why not ask them for help?

Two minds are better than one. If you are new at the company, you can ask teammates who have been around longer than you what your manager wants to see in the yearly self-assessment reviews.

Alternatively, ask a trusted co-worker to read your self-assessment and give you feedback. They may even notice some strengths of yours that you failed to mention or accomplishments you left out.

Why is your manager asking you for a self-assessment review? Before you start, ask for clarity if you haven’t been given clear guidelines.

For example, does your manager want a long essay or a short recap? Should you be discussing your performance for the entire year or a specific project?

In your review, show you are ambitious. Create goals for yourself that meet the SMART criteria:

Setting abstract goals that are hard to measure or which you won’t be able to achieve, for example, won’t do much to show your employer how serious you are.

Don’t copy and paste any of these self-assessment examples. Instead, review them and use them for inspiration to create your own self-assessment.

Be concise in your assessment. Avoid writing too much fluff or talking about yourself too much; instead, focus on the things you have done and the results you are bringing to the company.

Tom loves to write on technology, e-commerce & internet marketing. I started my first e-commerce company in college, designing and selling t-shirts for my campus bar crawl using print-on-demand. Having successfully established multiple 6 & 7-figure e-commerce businesses (in women’s fashion and hiking gear), I think I can share a tip or 2 to help you succeed.

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The best self-evaluation examples for performance reviews

Asking employees to do what's known as a  self-evaluation is a normal part of the performance review process . In other words, we ask them to analyse and reflect on their performance and their contribution to the company throughout a given period and put it in writing. To ensure we receive accurate, complete and honest self-evaluations, especially when doing so for the first time, we recommend looking at other employee self-evaluation examples or use pre-designed templates . The HR team can also provide a script or questionnaire on how to write a performance evaluation self-evaluation as a reference for employees. Below, we take a look at some examples of self-evaluations for performance reviews to clear any doubts:

Self-evaluation examples

Harvey Mudd College proposes a questionnaire that enables the user to choose which questions they want to answer and customise their self-evaluation. The questions are also split into categories to make it easier to understand.

Job description

• How would you describe your main responsibilities?
• Have these responsibilities changed over time
• Do you carry out any other tasks, and if so, which?
• Is there anything in your work you would like to change, and if so, how would you do it?
• What could your line manager do to help you be more successful in your job?
• How do you think your department could improve?

Performance vs achievements

• What action have you taken to fulfil your responsibilities?
• Do you feel you've been successful during this period?
• Do you think you could have done anything better?
• How do you think you have contributed to our department during this period?
• What are your main strengths?
• In which areas do you feel you could improve?
• What objectives have you reached during this period?
• Which ones did you not manage to achieve, and why?
• What objectives do you propose for the next period?
• Do you think you need help or extra resources to reach these objectives?

Professional development

• What training programmes have you taken part in?
• Are there any areas you would like to train in?
• Do you need extra resources or training to do your job?
• What could your line manager do to help you achieve your professional development goals?

Free Self Evaluation Template

To help you and your employees with their next self evaluation, we've created this self evaluation template that you can download for free. With this template, you and your employees will be able to prepare themselves in no time for their next performance review - with the added benefit that all your future self evaluations will be consistent in style and form. If you do have any additional questions that you would like to add to our template, you are of course more than welcome to modify it. 

Self-evaluation sample answers

Properly preparing the self-evaluation answers is just as important as having a script, as they will be a part of the company's final assessment. Some inspiration for possible answers:

1. Collaboration and teamwork

Positive option: " I believe that my skills and my ability to work in a team have been valuable during this period. I have taken an active role in my department, working with confidence and expressing my ideas and opinions." Negative option: "I realise that I can be too controlling in a project, and I don't give other members of the team enough room to contribute or develop their ideas. I must learn to give others more space and let them take the initiative too."

2. Motivation

Positive option: "I have consistently shown commitment and motivation ever since I joined the company. I meet set deadlines and objectives on time." Negative option: "As I'm a perfectionist, I think that I sometimes spend too much time on one task. I must learn to use resources more efficiently."

3. Leadership

Positive option: " I feel that I lead my team by example. My actions are what defines my work." That's why I spend time thinking about how to solve the problems and challenges that may arise." Negative option: "Maybe I should try harder to promote the company's culture and values within my team. While I regularly hold meetings with this in mind, I should focus on boosting team spirit and collaboration."

4. Problem-solving

Positive option: "I have demonstrated my problem-solving skills several times during my time in the company." I manage to solve difficult situations efficiently, always taking the rest of the team into consideration." Negative option: "I sometimes feel overwhelmed when having to make an important decision, so I ask others for advice. I need to work on my ability to solve complex problems."

5. Decision-making skills

Positive option: "When faced with a difficult decision, I make a rational assessment of the positives and negatives, as well as the possible outcomes." I do research and seek expert advice to make an informed decision." Negative option: "When it comes to making decisions, I tend to fall back on past experiences instead of looking for new solutions. I should spend more time reflecting and avoid making the same mistakes."

6. Working under pressure

Positive option: "I manage my time effectively to meet deadlines, however tight they may be." I have the ability to prioritise the most important tasks, and if I can't do it, I'll delegate to others who have the experience." Negative option: "Time management is one of my weaknesses. I usually leave the more difficult or least appealing tasks until the last minute. My attention to details gets worse as the stress builds."

7. Communication

Positive option: "I value conversation and debate among colleagues. I actively listen to my team and encourage joint decision-making. I try to build positive relationships when communicating with clients." Negative option: "I need to work on my ability to deal with emotions and not let them affect my working relationships. I sometimes find it hard to communicate."

8. Adaptability

Positive option: "I adapt to change and I try to do my bit during transitions." I appreciate feedback when things don't go well, I stay calm and positive." Negative option: "I must work on supporting change and avoid micromanagement. I find it difficult to take on new tasks or those that don't fall under my responsibility."

9. Negotiation and problem-solving

Positive option: "I successfully negotiated (fill in as applicable) during this period which resulted in (add information about gains) for the company. I'm an analytical thinker which enables me to accurately assess situations and steer the conversation towards achieving results." Negative option: "While I feel I have progressed with my negotiation skills, I still think there's room for improvement. I approach meetings appropriately, and I always try to use active listening."

10. Emotional intelligence

Positive option: "I'm aware of my strengths and weaknesses, which enables me to deal with emotions more easily. I try to understand and listen to everyone." Negative option: "I often feel frustrated, and I find it hard to communicate when faced with certain behaviours by other team members. I get distracted and don't take other people's opinions into consideration."

Tips on how to write a performance evaluation self-assessment

As well as taking these self-evaluation examples into consideration, below are some general tips that can be useful when writing the document.

1. Use numbers to your advantage

Include figures that add value to your work, if possible. It's always better if you use numbers to speak for themselves. Also, a self-evaluation should include metrics and KPIs. For example: Wrong: "I achieved great success in 2020." Correct: "I exceeded my sales targets by 135% in 2020."

2. Mention results

Don't take anything for granted or think that numbers speak for themselves. Mention and explain every one of your achievements during the period in question. Don't expect your boss to remember every single one. For example: "In the third quarter, the marketing campaign achieved twice as much visibility than the previous quarter."

3. Take the company's objectives into account

One good way to stand out in your evaluation is to consider the company's objectives and explain how your work has contributed to achieving them. Find specific figures and justify them. For example: "I increased my own sales by 10% as part of the department's general sales strategy."

4. Record your achievements in real-time

Make notes throughout the year in preparation for the self-evaluation. Record them regularly, or even at the time, instead of having to remember everything at the eleventh hour. If we don't think this system is feasible, we can also go back through the schedule to remind ourselves what happened at each stage. This is a good exercise for jolting the memory.

5. Take your time

A well-written self-evaluation takes time. It's not something you can do in 20 minutes, nor in a day. Spend whatever time it takes to ensure that it shows your worth. Try to reserve a few days in your calendar before the deadline to work on the text.