June at a library can mean many things. For some libraries it is the start of their summer reading program. For others June might mean switching to summer hours. For my library, however, June means one thing: the end of the budget year. And the end of the budget year means it is time for my annual review, or as I sometimes jokingly refer to it: why are we still paying for you?
No matter what profession you choose to go into, the review process is something you will encounter at some point or another. Over the years I have heard many things from friends (both librarian and non-librarian) about their workplace’s review process, and I am completely fascinated by the differences in each organization’s process. Some of my friends’ reviews have been all about numbers, with them being asked to fill out questionnaires assessing their performance using a numeric scale (usually 1-10). Others have told me that instead of a numeric scale their questionnaires include choices of words like excellent, good, fair, poor, meets expectations, exceeds expectations, etc. One friend of mine actually has two reviews every year, both within weeks of each other. One is a performance review while the other is a salary review. Some processes are uglier than others. Another friend’s workplace does a 360° review, meaning not only does your boss review you, but you review your boss too. Ick!
The review process at my library isn’t horrible by any means, but it is enough to set my stomach churning. Instead of a set of skill assessing questions where I select the proper number/word, I have five prompts to respond to:
- List performance characteristics and personal aptitudes which appear to be the key strengths of your performance and personality.
- List performance characteristics and personal aptitudes which could be improved to meet library standards of performance.
- Summarize performance and specific accomplishments during the past year.
- (OPTIONAL) Describe any aspects of your job which you feel might be changed to improve your performance. Include any suggestions for improving library services.
- Identify job goals and objectives to be pursued during the coming year.
While prompts 2-5 aren’t too bad (as long as I can remember what projects I worked on throughout the year that is), the first prompt is incredibly difficult. How do you talk about your strengths without sounding like an arrogant buttmunch? My favorite word to use at review time is competent. Not amazing, not extraordinary, not ass-kicking. Competent. It’s not that I don’t think I’m good at my job, because I do. But I’m not the best at my library, and nowhere near the best among the people I know. And to imply that I am just seems really wrong.
What do you guys think? Is it better to undersell or oversell yourself at review time? Don’t hold out on me! I know you’ve had to review yourself before. :-)
posted by Kelly @ 12:46 PM
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