It’s that time of year again… and no, we’re not talking about EOFY sales or the “did I really spend that much on takeout?” tax-time revelations.

We’re talking about the corporate Hunger Games - aka performance review season (help)

If you’re part of the 9-to-5 grind, chances are you’ve got a calendar invite looming that involves sitting down with your manager for The Talk. The one where your career goals, achievements, and maybe even your next paycheck are up for discussion. 👀

Now, if you’ve been slaying every task in your job description, this meeting could be your golden opportunity to bring up the big three: bonuses, pay bumps, and title promotions.

But we get it—performance reviews can also feel like being on “Shark Tank” and no one in school prepared you for this 😭 

So whether it's your first corporate rodeo or you just want to sharpen your game, here are some tips on how to ace your next performance review at work… and maybe give your salary a well deserved glow up. ✨

‍

1. Reflect & research 

“Failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Yes it’s cliché, but it’s also true. So it’s important you do a bit of homework before rocking up to your performance review. 

Start by digging up those career goals you and your manager set earlier in the financial year. Reflect on where you’re at - have you nailed them? Are you close? Do you even remember what they were?

If you’re gunning for a pay rise or promotion in this performance review cycle, learn more about your organisation’s pay structure and find out the approx market rate for the position you want. 

You can do this by stalking career progressions on LinkedIn, searching up current job listings on Seek, and hitting up websites like Glassdoor to see what the going rate is for your role in similar companies.

‍

2. Collect your evidence 

Unfortunately “vibes” aren’t going to cut it during performance review time (even if you’re the personality hire). You need receipts. Think:

📈 Projects you’ve crushed and how they benefited the biz (e.g. “Led Project X which boosted revenue by $XX”)

🧩 Responsibilities you’ve taken on that go beyond your job description - and how they impact the company or team culture

🎓 Courses, training, or extra roles (eg like being on the social committee) that levelled up your skills

📝 Glowing feedback from coworkers that back up your claims like a five-star rating on Uber

Basically, it’s your personal highlight reel where you get to show off workplace wins and smashing KPIs.

‍

3. Practice yo pitch 

OK, you’ve done the prep. This is where it all comes together.

Talking yourself up can feel a little awkward, and if it’s your first time asking for a pay rise or promotion, you don’t want nerves to throw you off your A-game. 

While you can get bonus points for rehearsing your lines in front of the mirror, it’s also helpful just to jot down a couple points and practice how you’re going to say them out loud. 

By the time you’re in that performance review, the lines should roll off your tongue easily (even if you’re sweating bullets under your blazer). 

While you’re at it, it’s also smart to prepare for what you might say if your manager doesn’t give you exactly what you want. Remember, this is business and a little negotiation is part of the game, so don’t take things too personally! But also know that a ‘no’ doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation... For more tips on how to challenge your manager (politely), read this Flux article. 

Whether you’re aiming for a raise, a new title, or just some well-deserved recognition, performance reviews are your moment to shine. And with a little prep, some solid receipts, and a sprinkle of confidence, you can walk in ready to advocate for yourself like a boss. 

So suit up, show up, and make it count. You got this!! 💼✨