Self-Evaluation Sample Answers: Preparing for Your Next Review

Reviews are an integral part of business culture. Even in today’s world where many companies are embracing a more ongoing approach, there will be times when discussions will be had about performance. If companies want to make the most of these sessions, allowing employees to take ownership of their performance is an important step in the right direction. eLeaP has powerful tools and resources to ensure you have success when it comes to reviews and self-evaluations.

Of course, for those who have never done them, self-evaluations can seem to be a bit intimidating. It can be difficult to understand how to talk about your own performance, what types of factors to consider, and how to honestly rate yourself without sounding arrogant or coming off as unsure. Managers and leaders should take it upon themselves to help employees understand the self-review process and what elements to focus on.

Collaborating will allow you both to get an idea of where the employee stands and how they feel they can better develop their skills. They might even have suggestions that leaders don’t think of or notice habits or skills that need attention others haven’t noticed yet. So, the self-evaluation can be a very useful tool for business, but only when you use it well.

Why Should Companies Use Self-Evaluation Sample Answers?

For those who are just starting with self-evaluations, having a reference point is critical. There is a lot that goes into creating a strong assessment. Fortunately, you’re also not reinventing the wheel here. There are plenty of companies and HR experts that have come before you who have created a whole Internet full of sample evaluations and reports. You might even find self-evaluation sample answers to help you better understand the process and how to evaluate yourself properly.

Companies that allow for self-evaluation and don’t provide people with examples are likely going to have 200 different styles of self-assessments waiting on their desk (or in their inbox) and that can be stressful. Sample answers give people something to go on. They create a format for the evaluation process and help people learn more about their abilities on the job.

Sample answers include everything from communication and collaboration accomplishments to projects, leadership skills, creativity, critical thinking, and so much more.

What Types of Self-Evaluation Sample Answers Am I Looking For?

Part of being successful at self-evaluation is knowing what answers you seek so that you can ask the right questions. For example, an employee might want to evaluate their communication and collaboration skills—for this, they might want to be able to answer:

• How their skills help them interact with others
• What skills they’ve improved and how
• Areas where they could improve those skills

Getting the right answers is all about asking the right questions, which is where it can be helpful to have self-evaluation sample answers on hand. Before we get into the sample answers, let’s look at a few more tips.

1. Be specific and provide examples. There’s nothing worse than a review that simply says, “meets goals as specified” or “accomplishes work in a timely manner.” If you are going to accurately assess your skills and performance, you need specifics.
2. Instead of highlighting weaknesses, frame them as opportunities. You do want to point out areas of improvement but do it in a positive light. Instead of saying “struggles with…” say something like “I would like to improve…”.
3. Back up every contribution with metrics and results. You can be the best employee in the company and if you don’t have the metrics to show management, they aren’t going to pay much attention. The word “best” is subjective. Are you the top earner? The top producer? Use words like these and have the data to back them up.
4. Track your accomplishments, goals, and improvements on your own. This will make it easier for you to give yourself an accurate assessment when the time comes. It’s hard to remember events from long ago, and some people forget accomplishments due to recent stress, so having a tab of yours can help in several ways.

If you are willing to put in a little work, you stand to gain a lot from the self-evaluation process. You can do this with your own evaluations or with one that’s provided by your company. Speaking of which, let’s talk about company-provided evaluation prompts and how to make the most of those.

What About Company-Provided Prompts?

Some employees are poised with prompts from the company that have been prepared ahead of time to help people with their self-evaluations. For example, instead of a survey where people have to fill in the blanks and write out an answer to the prompt, you might provide them with a survey that includes a multiple-choice selection of answers, allowing them to choose the one that most reasonably matches their own self-assessment.

These are not always the best choice as a total evaluation, of course, because it stops people from exploring their own skills and coming up with their own prompts. However, it can be a good baseline to get the conversation started and help employees begin thinking about their skills and expertise in relation to the company as much as for their own growth and development.

Consider company-provided prompts just what they are: prompts. You don’t have to follow them to the letter and in the best environments, you’ll be openly invited to change them by management when the self-assessments are administered. Make sure that you also use this as an opportunity to let management know where they can make improvements in the prompts that they provide or the surveys that they use to gauge things like employee performance and engagement.

Benefits of Self Assessments

Some employees dread having to give their own assessment of their skills and abilities. Others love the chance to explore their shortcomings, share their successes, and find new ways to grow and develop. Regardless of which side you’re on, there are benefits to be had from using these evaluations in the workplace.

For starters, it gives people a chance to take ownership of their role and the types of growth that they have to look forward to in their future. It also allows people to demonstrate how valuable they are in a way that is backed up with facts. Plus, you’ll be able to reflect on your experiences and your work since your last evaluation. These help employees advocate for the resources and tools they need to do their jobs, too.

Self-evaluations will prepare you for reviews that take place with management. It will also help you be prepared and avoid most of the surprises that people walk into because you already know where you stand and how well you are performing. You’ll be able to have a much more open discussion without taking the wrong things personally or getting offended.

This self-evaluation is also your chance to remind managers and other leaders that you’re an asset to the team, the organization, and beyond. While managers try to keep tabs on their best employees, they have work of their own to do. Sitting down with a self-assessment is a way to clue them in and let them know that you’re on track with your position and the development of your career future. Sometimes, bosses just need a little reminder. This is a great way to do it with employee performance.

Self-Evaluation Sample Answers and Prompts: The Examples

Now that we’ve discussed the details of self-evaluations and how they can be so beneficial, let’s take a look at some sample prompts and self-evaluation answers that will help you with your own assessment. Usually, these answers cover everything from achievements and goals to teamwork, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and everything in between.

Good Examples

I excel at teamwork and making people feel included, and even am capable of taking the lead on large projects to put everyone else at ease and get the job done.

I struggle at sharing responsibilities on a team, which often leads to me working too hard and shutting others out. I will take a more active role during team projects and learn better skills for collaborating by attending some online training courses.

I have many creative strengths and bring unique views to the organization, which can allow me to take calculated risks.

These are all specific, can be measured to some degree, and are very clear. That’s what makes a good self-evaluation prompt or answer.

Bad Examples

• I need to improve my personal interaction skills.
• I wish I was more creative in my job.
• I struggle to delegate work and am often late because of it.
• I am good at sharing.

We could go on with these examples for days—they’re all too simple, too short, and far too vague to offer any real insight.

What Do You Want?

With self-evaluations like this, employees will get out what they put in. What are you hoping to gain from this process? Are you capable of delivering an accurate, honest self-evaluation even if it highlights some weaknesses? Do you want to take ownership of your position and show your leaders that you have what it takes to help take the organization to the next level? Now that you know more about self-assessments and how they work, it should be easier for you to make the most of them to help you with your career development. eLeaP has powerful tools and resources to ensure you have success when it comes to reviews and self-evaluation.