Performance Reviews???

Question

How important are performace reviews when looking for a new job??

I've been employed at my company since January '06 and still haven't had a performance review. Right now I'm thinking about quitting and changing the direction of my career. As an entry level position, I'm not sure how important it is for me to have a performance review before leaving. I know there are positives and negatives as to my performance but I'd like to know what my strong points are so I can emphasize them while interviewing for new jobs.

I decided to speak to my supervisor about a review and she told me the company only does them anually. If things work out for me, I definitely don't want to stay here until then just to get a performance review. But then again, 'dI really would like something written because I don't want to use my current supervisor as a reference and end up getting a slap in the face.

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks!

My supervisor is not aware that I'm looking for a new job! I'm not quite that stupid *lol*

Also, I've graduated from high school and spent the equivalence of 2-3yrs in college, but I'm still without my Bachelor's. This is the crux of my problem because since I've been here for more than a year, then I definitely need to use my supervisor as a reference. I just don't want to have someone call her and all she tells them about are the negatives. At least if I have a written review with positives, she'd have to mention them when she's called for a referal.

Answer 1

In all my years of hiring people I never once have had someone hand me a performance review. Just go find yourself a new job and don't worry about the review stuff. I wouldn't use my boss as a reference, I wouldn't even tell them I'm looking for a new job. Nothing good can come from that.

Answer 2

As a manager who has conducted interviews, performance reviews are another reference point on the applicant's potential into the new organization, however it is not the most important. The interviewing manager will notice the duration on your resume to be around a year so he/she will know there is a compelling reason for the applicant to leave. Be sure that you are able to articulate this reason.

It is good to find out where your strengths and weaknesses. You should have this conversation periodically with your supervisor, however you may want to phrase it differently by asking feedback on a particular assignment or project. This conversation does not need to happen only during your review. If you supervisor is unwilling, you will have to do some soul-searching and reflect back what turned out well and think why and then do the same for what did not turn out well. You may want to ask a colleague who closely worked with you on the assignment or project.

You do not have to list your current supervisor as a reference. Hiring managers would respect not calling your current supervisor to not jeopardize your situation. If possible, you can list other work colleagues or previous managers that you trust.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Because your company's PR cycle isn't for awhile, I suggest you ask your boss for some feedback on some of the projects you've been working on, what you've done well, and how you can improve your skills. You don't need written documentation on your performance for a job interview. You can use this feedback when answering questions in the job interview. Most companies don't expect that your current supervisor knows you're looking so you don't have to worry about getting that slap in the face if you don't put them down as a reference. You can mention that your current supervisor doesn't know you're looking and they will respect that.

If you're not happy where you are working now, you're better off finding something else and not waste the time waiting around for your PR.

Answer 4

Most companies don't ask for copies of performance reviews from applicants (I've never heard of that practive in many years in HR.) Many companies don't ask for references any more, either - they DO perform background checks to verify your title, dates of employment, and salary held.

If you want out, make the move and don't worry about getting an appraisal first.

Answer 5

you HAVE to stay at the job for at least a year if you need the job reference. How long till the review?; just hold on, it can't be that much longer and you'll have even longer in at the company; that always looks good.

Answer 6

from jan 06 to mar 07 is more than a year so if the reviews are given annually, you should have gotten one.

if you know you do a good job, list her as a reference and she will tell the truth about your performance.