What is an employee self-evaluation?

An employee self-evaluation or self-appraisal is a performance review the employee does himself in anticipation of a management performance review. A manager uses the self-appraisal as a starting point to discuss the progress, development and learning of that employee.

By putting the employee in charge of identifying places for improvement, much of the tension of a performance review is removed. A well-done performance review involving a self-evaluation gives the employee a road map for improvement after the meeting. It also helps the manager become an ally rather than an enemy in the employee's work toward self-improvement and advancement, both during and after the review.