The annual performance review brings with it a general feeling of trepidation. It is that time of the year when your past performance will be scrupulously scrutinised and worst still; you'll be rated accordingly. It's also the time when you get to hear the same old stories about how the company is seriously contemplating cost-cutting measure and this will lead to a more rigorous and detailed review with very less percentage of employees getting what they deserve. The flurry of activities in the HR department might actually seem to confirm your worst fears. Then how do you plan to sound confident about your accomplishments if you can't combat your fears? Here are a few tips that can help you handle the stress of an approaching review without breaking down your nerve.

1. How certain are you about your job description? Are you aware of your role and the targets you are expected to achieve? A performance review will be based on these parameters, so if you're unsure of what is expected of you in your organisation, then it's time you consulted with your immediate boss and got a clearer picture.

2. Discuss with your manager and/or the HR about the format and the areas you will be appraised on. If soft skills like "Team Spirit, Interpersonal Skills" etc are also included as a criteria for evaluation, then try to figure out where you stand and see if modifying your actions accordingly will show your abilities in a better light. It is always better to start now than regret having overlooked the importance of certain aspects later.

3. Now that you know what to expect during your review meeting, make a list of criteria and do a self-evaluation. Be honest with yourself as you go through the list; take an objective view of what you have achieved and how well you have fared. If you have not kept up to your deadlines then see if you can start catching up now. Wherever you have failed to reach the set target try and figure out the root cause for the same and try to alter your work pattern to suit the requirements. This way you will not be surprised by the feedback that you receive during your review. You can also sit with your regular boss during the course of the year to identify your weak points and areas of improvement. Believe it or not it is always better to know beforehand whether your boss is happy with your performance, so that you can be prepared and know what to expect when you actually sit for your review.

4. A lot of managers try to overlook missed targets if you have formulated a dynamic plan to meet targets in the future. Yes, not all bosses might accept your reasons but it pays to be prepared by charting out your accomplishments over the year and also identify weak areas in your performance and prepare a concise plan to exceed expectations the following year. A written record of your achievements will serve as factual evidence in case your employer had overlooked certain key points.

5. Appraisals involve a lot of paperwork and can be quite cumbersome for all department heads. This can thereby make them forget certain valid achievements of employees, especially when it involves large departments. To ensure that you are taken seriously, just a verbal account of your work will not be enough. Prepare way ahead for your turn with written, qualifiable proof of all your achievements; this should include details of your contribution in your company's growth and success. An appraisal is no time to feel shy because no manager will be able to keep track of each of his/her subordinate's successes, so it is up to you to highlight them to get what you rightfully deserve.

6. In today's competitive career scenario, it is you who will have to chart your career goals. Think ahead in terms of career progression as well as about the added resources that will be needed for better performance. It is important that wherever necessary, you put forth your views and request for the changes that can help you meet your set targets.

Your performance review, whether positively overwhelming or disappointing, is part of your learning process. Though you might find this idea far-fetched, it is necessary to keep in mind that it is your performance that is being assessed, so if you really think you deserve what you're hoping to get, then do mention it politely but not always are we really satisfied with our achievements. That's why it's always better to be prepared to accept the outcome and be optimistic, as that's what will help you learn, grow and move ahead in your career.