AchievementsJournalDashboard

📊 Performance Review Templates

Frameworks and scripts to nail your self-assessment, probation review, or promotion conversation.

📝 Self-Assessment
✅ Probation Review
🚀 Promotion Case
⚠️ Difficult Review

Self-Assessment Template

For annual or bi-annual performance reviews

📋 1. Key Achievements

Lead with your strongest wins. Use the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and always quantify.

Template — edit and copy
Pro tip: Pull from your Achievement Vault for data-backed examples. Managers love specificity — "increased pipeline by 40%" beats "did a great job with sales."

📚 2. Skills Development

Template

🎯 3. Goals for Next Period

Template

💬 4. Support Needed

Template

Probation Review Preparation

For 3-month or 6-month probation reviews

✅ What to Prepare

Probation reviews assess whether you've settled into the role and are meeting expectations. Irish employers typically use a 6-month probation period (sometimes 3+3 or 11 months for public sector). Come prepared with evidence of your contribution.

Talking points
Irish context: Probation reviews in Ireland are typically less formal than annual reviews. Many managers treat them as a conversation rather than a formal assessment. But always prepare as if it's formal — being over-prepared is never a negative signal.
Know your rights: During probation, you have limited unfair dismissal protection (normally requires 12 months' service). However, you still have all other employment rights from day one. If your probation is being extended, ask for specific, written reasons and clear improvement criteria.

Making Your Case for Promotion

Build a compelling case with evidence and timing

🎯 The Framework

A successful promotion case has three pillars: you're already performing at the next level, you have evidence, and the timing is right.

Promotion conversation script
Timing matters: The best time to have this conversation is 2-3 months before budget/promotion cycles (typically Q1 or Q3 in Ireland). Don't spring it on your manager — signal interest early so they can advocate for you internally.

💰 Tying to Compensation

Promotion conversations should include salary. Use our Salary Intelligence tool to benchmark and our Negotiation Guide for scripts.

Navigating a Difficult Review

When the feedback isn't what you hoped for

🧘 Before the Meeting

If you suspect the review may be critical, prepare yourself mentally. This is feedback, not a verdict. Go in with the mindset of understanding, not defending.

💬 During the Meeting

Responses for tough feedback
Important: Never sign a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) on the spot. Ask for time to review it (24-48 hours is reasonable). If you believe the PIP is unfair or a precursor to dismissal, consult your company's HR representative or a qualified employment solicitor. See our Employment Rights Guide.