Many companies are in the thick of Performance Review Period.

If this is you, then listen up…

Get started by getting out of denial that reviews are here.

The first part of denial is magical thinking that the review will happen by itself AND your manager will be your best advocate.

It's your review, so you need to love your review process to death.

STEP ONE: Get organized. Be like a lawyer and start to build a case for your argument: why you deserve a raise, promotion, transfer, bonus, vacation, etc.

You need cold, hard facts about how you personally impacted the company bottom line in a positive manner – How you…

Made money

Saved money

Retained clients or colleagues

Launched a new product, etc.

Here's where to look:

1. Your “kudos” email folder (if you don't have one, make one)
2. Your calendar / month by month read through for big stuff
3. Last year's review or mid-year check-in
4. Get a copy of your current and next level up job description
5. Run any reports on efficiency, effectiveness, analysis, etc. This will create a foundation to start building your review file.

Where do the “gold nuggets” about you live? Share how you prepare by commenting below.

For more Career Development and Job Search tips, follow me on LinkedIn.

– Kelley Joyce, MBA, CPC

Kelley is a career development coach who is dedicated to helping people discover their career path and land their dream jobs. She has served hundreds of professionals across the U.S., U.K., and Australia since 2012 to radically change their relationship with work.