Be open and co-operative with your reviewer. Acknowledge problems, and deal positively and maturely with criticism. Avoid giving impression that you are on defensive.

Participate actively and enthusiastically in appraisal. Listen attentively to everything your reviewer says. Aim for a positive and creative exchange of views.

Having considered your duties, responsibilities, goals and priorities beforehand, you will be in a better position to discuss them in an informed and objective manner. Ask for clarification if necessary.

If you are unhappy about targets or feel that they are unrealistic, say so sensitively.

By documenting your difficulties as and when you encounter them throughout year you will be in a position during your appraisal to discuss them authoritatively and put them in context of your overall contribution to company. Stress how you have benefited from these experiences and have used knowledge gained to improve your performance. Make constructive suggestions and, if necessary, ask for advice on how best to accomplish your targets.

In anticipation of your next appraisal, be sure to record and implement your reviewer's recommendations.

Think of ways in which you or your department could improve. If you are suggesting provision of extra resources or specific training opportunities, stress benefits that will accrue to company.

Visit author's website at: http://www.assignmentsplus.com

Contact: assignmentsplus1@aol.com

Gerard McLoughlin, Director of Assignments Plus Communications, has contributed career-related articles to a wide range of recruitment companies, websites and publications throughout the world, including USA Today, JobBankUSA.com, US-Recruiters.com; Jobs1.co.uk, Nurse-Recruiter.com, and Recruitireland.com, etc.

Try to assess yourself as objectively as possible in order to identify your marketable features. Analyse your performance appraisals and, if possible, enlist help of a trusted friend or colleague to help you evaluate yourself.

Define and prioritise your short-term and long-term career goals.

Study recruitment websites and appointments pages of newspapers to familiarise yourself with current requirements of employers.

Your CV/resume should be fine-tuned regularly and kept up-to-date to enable you to make a swift and targeted response to any suitable job opportunity that arises.

Learn all you can about job search strategies, job-specific resumes, and professional interview techniques.

By adopting a planned and proactive approach, you will maximise your chances of landing job that best fits your skills and personality, and increase likelihood of achieving your long-term career goals.

Visit author's website at: http://www.assignmentsplus.com