Annual appraisal: show your potential

With the annual appraisals approaching, it is time to think about them and prepare. This conversation offers you a valuable opportunity not only to discuss your performance, but also to address your growth within the organisation and negotiate any salary increase.

International recruitment firm Robert Walters shares five essential tips to get the most out of your evaluation interview.  

Tip 1: Thorough preparation is key  

With thorough preparation, you will be all the more confident. Gather concrete examples of your achievements and projects from the past few months. Treat your appraisal as a crucial moment in your career, similar to a job interview or an important exam.  

Tip 2: Future-oriented approach  

Don't just think about the past, but also set your sights on the future. Consider what you want to achieve professionally and how your employer can support you in doing so. This could include opportunities for further education, additional professional qualifications you are interested in or specific work experience you want to gain.   

Tip 3: Active involvement  

Use this evaluation moment not only for self-reflection, but also to make suggestions to improve your role, team or processes within the company. It is an opportunity to express your interest in additional responsibilities and show your commitment.   

Tip 4: Stay businesslike and constructive  

In appraisals, it is essential to remain professional. Be open to constructive feedback and avoid emotional responses. See this conversation as an opportunity to highlight your value to the company and discuss plans for the year ahead.  

Tip 5: Wider perspective on rewards  

Robert Walters' recent salary survey shows that almost three-quarters (72%) of employees surveyed in Belgium hope to receive a salary increase in 2025. Do you think your achievements over the past year should be rewarded? Then your evaluation interview is the perfect time to bring this up.  

However, it is important to remain flexible when negotiating and not only consider your gross salary. The survey shows that fringe benefits play a growing role for employees when assessing the salary package. Perhaps your employer has no room for a gross salary increase, but an expansion of the fringe benefits package is negotiable.

Want to know more? 

Download our digital Salary Survey tool and compare your salary with similar profiles in your industry.