How to Answer Questions on an Employee Review
- 1). Listen to what your manager has to say before you start speaking. In particular you should actively listen, meaning that you absorb every word that he has to say and resist the temptation to butt in. Avoid saying "Uh huh," "Yea," and nodding your head excessively because your employer may take that as a sign that you are not actually listening, only responding.
- 2). Put your personal "beefs" with your manager aside, if there are any, during your review. Do your best to look at him as a person who is simply trying to help you succeed.
- 3). Wait to give a response on comments that your manager makes until a direct question has been posed and you have the floor. Do not interrupt when she is speaking. You will appear defensive and your words may be taken as excuses instead of explanations. If you calmly wait you will appear more relaxed, reasonable, and professional.
- 4). Keep your answers short and concise when questioned by your employer. If you talk excessively, you may accidentally reveal additional issues that could turn your review in the wrong direction.
- 5). Accept responsibility for your faults and describe how you will improve your behaviors and performance.
- 6). Be completely honest when you answer the questions. Employers have a number of ways to discover the truth, such as in the case of Internet usage. If your employer asks how much time you spend surfing the Internet daily, tell the truth to the best of your knowledge.
- 7). Be direct and avoid redirecting the question to your liking. For instance, if your employer asks why you are consistently late coming back from lunch, do not start discussing why you feel a 30-minute lunch is not fair and should be changed. Instead, explain that you have been making the mistake of choosing restaurants that are too far from the job site and you will adjust to take your transportation time in account during lunch.
- 8). Highlight your strengths and abilities whenever possible when you answer. For example, if your supervisor asks about your process for completing a task, take this as an opportunity to describe a special course or training that you have taken regarding project management. Emphasizing your skills could convince the manager that you may be useful in a more demanding and important role.
