How To Write Your Appraisal 3-4x faster...even if you don’t know where to start.
A step-by-step guide, a free framework and an (optional) first draft from AI.
How many times have you opened your agency's appraisal app, stared at the blank screen and thought, “Hmmm..Where do I start”?
We all want to write an impactful annual review, summing up our achievements, and showing our manager that we deserve a pay raise or promotion.
But when you’re super-busy and feeling pressure, knowing what to write can be hard.
Luckily, I’ve got some neat solutions. AND I’ll show how AI can write the first draft of your appraisal - all based on your own achievements throughout the year.
Write your appraisal, step by step.
Step 1: The Project Manager Appraisal Template
I’ve created a simple framework (built in Notion and Google Sheets) to guide you through the parts of an effective appraisal. Meaning you don’t have to think about what bases to cover, and can focus on YOU instead.
Tip: Keep the template somewhere close and update it throughout the year. It will make sure you have everything covered, and the appraisal process will be faster when you get to it.
Grab the Notion Template (Duplicate it)
Grab the (cut down) Google Docs version (Make a copy)
Step 2: Complete the template
I’d suggest doing it in 2 or 3 sittings. Depending on how you like to work.
Take it slow, fill out one section at a time. Then have a break, maybe go for a walk and let your mind wander - bring a note pad just in case you think of something along the way.
Come back and re-read what you’ve written.
You could even sleep on it and come back the next day.
At this point, you can use the template as a starting point for writing a first draft.
I guarantee that this is 200% more effective than the usual agency-style ‘what worked well, areas to improve…yada yada yada’.
Step 3 (optional): Get AI to write your appraisal first draft
Firstly, grab your completed appraisal template and make a copy.
Remove any confidential information
Export as either a PDF, .docx, or a .txt file
Open your AI of choice (I’ve used ChatGPT).
Copy and paste the following prompt - updating the [Placeholders]
{Role}
You are an expert in performance appraisals, particularly for digital project managers in fast-paced marketing, advertising and digital agencies.
You craft professional, structured, and well-articulated self-assessments that not only align with business objectives and best practices but also showcase strategic contributions, measurable impacts, and career growth potential.
{Action}
Using the annual appraisal template [attached/below], generate a first draft of my self-assessment, ensuring that it demonstrates my tangible impact on business success, leadership potential, and ability to drive innovation in project management.
[Appraisal template]
### INSERT APPRAISAL CONTENT ###
[Appraisal template]
Ensure your draft of my appraisal is well-structured under the following headings:
Key Achievements
Highlight measurable success metrics, e.g., revenue impact, cost savings, efficiency gains, and performance improvements. Provide quantifiable outcomes to showcase contributions.
Successful Projects
Showcase 2-3 high-impact projects, clearly linking them to client success, business growth, and internal process improvements.
Process Improvements
Describe new workflows, tools, or strategies introduced to enhance efficiency and reduce operational bottlenecks.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Detail partnerships with other teams (e.g., Design, Development, Account Management) and how collaboration improved project execution.
Strengths and Core Skills
Identify Alex’s strongest technical and soft skills and provide concrete examples of how they were leveraged for business success.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Highlight obstacles faced, how Alex adapted, and the key lessons that will shape their future performance.
Development Goals
Outline specific growth areas, skill development plans, and initiatives to enhance Alex’s value within the organization.
Future Objectives
Define SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) aligned with company goals and industry trends.
Feedback and Support
Specify the resources, mentorship, or training Alex needs to continue excelling in their role.
Summary
Conclude with a strong forward-looking statement, reinforcing their contributions, enthusiasm for growth, and vision for their continued success.
{Context & Clarification}
My role: [Digital Project Manager]
Industry: [Healthcare Marketing]
Years of Experience: [2]
Company Size: [Small agency (~30 people)]
Work Environment: High-pressure, fast-moving projects requiring adaptability, efficiency, and client-focused execution.
Execution:
Use professional yet natural language to maintain authenticity and credibility.
Ensure alignment with best practices in performance reviews, emphasizing leadership potential and strategic thinking.
Substantiate claims with concrete examples to reinforce impact and effectiveness.
Balance achievements with personal growth reflections, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to career progression.
Conclude with a powerful summary that ties together achievements, lessons learned, and aspirations.
Output:
Deliver the appraisal as a Word document for easy submission.
Ensure readability, clarity, and persuasive articulation to position me as a top-performing Digital Project Manager ready for the next level of success.
Take a deep breath and work through this step-by-step.After your first draft - what next?
You should now have a first draft!
But never take AI generated content and use it straight from the robot’s mouth.
You need to make the final version your own. Edit until it sits nicely in your tone of voice and style of writing.
Follow the steps from earlier. Go for a walk.
Finally, read it out loud and edit so you can make it flow conversationally.
Then go smash your appraisal meeting out of the ballpark, impressing your boss with how comprehensive and detailed you have been.
Free Bonus - Appraisal GPT
I’ve created a brand-new GPT with the specific goal of helping to make your appraisals even more awesome. You can even use it to get some tips on writing colleagues 360 feedback.
Here are some ideas:
Pop your first draft back into the GPT and use the following prompt:
Suggest some ways to make this first draft of my appraisal even better? How could I improve it?
[First draft]
xxxxxxxx
[First draft]Ask it some questions:
How can I effectively write a colleague's 360 feedback?
Are there tools and templates that can help when writing my self-appraisal?
How can I ensure that my self appraisal is honest and meaningful?
What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a self appraisal?
How can I use specific examples to demonstrate my achievements?
What are the best ways to focus on role-specific competencies in my self-appraisal?
What are the best ways to focus on soft skills in my self-appraisal?
How do I prepare myself for a performance review?
Ready to supercharge your appraisal writing?
Writing your appraisal doesn't have to be a daunting task.
By following this step-by-step guide, utilising the provided templates, and leveraging the power of AI, you can craft an impressive self-assessment 3-4x faster.
The key is to capture your achievements, growth, and aspirations in a structured, authentic way that showcases your value to your agency.
As always, let me know what you think.