1. What is Self-Appraisal?
  2. What are Self-Appraisal Comments?
  3. How to Write a Self-Appraisal
  4. Additional tips for a strong self-appraisal
  5. Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Self-Appraisal
  6. Benefits of Self-Appraisal
  7. When is a Self-Appraisal Done

Writing self-appraisal comments can be TOUGH!

Talking about your own achievements feels awkward—

  • Say too much, and it sounds like bragging
  • Say too little, and your hard work gets ignored

But here is the truth - a strong self-appraisal can boost your chances of a promotion and show your value to the company.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to write self-appraisal comments that highlight your skills, growth, and contributions.

Plus, we’re sharing 40 ready-to-use self-appraisal examples to make your performance review process easy.

What is a Self-Appraisal?

A self-appraisal is a personal evaluation of your –

It is usually part of an annual performance review. Instead of your employer reviewing your performance, you are required to assess and write your own review.

Note: Self-appraisals may include forms or questionnaires. Hybrid evaluations combine rating scales and open-ended questions for a balanced review.

Other Names for Self-Appraisal

  • Self-evaluation
  • Self-assessment
  • Performance self-review
  • Employee self-review
  • Self-performance report

What are Self-Appraisal Comments?

Self-appraisal comments are short statements that you have to write in your performance review. It typically ranges from 50 to 200 words per section, depending on company guidelines.

40 Examples of Self-Appraisal Comments

Here are 40 useful self-appraisal examples that you can use for inspiration:

Job Performance and Work Ethic Comments

Here are a few self-appraisal examples on job performance and work ethics:

  1. I take ownership of my tasks and consistently meet deadlines, completing 95% of my projects on time.
  2. Last quarter, I managed three major projects simultaneously, delivering quality results ahead of schedule.
  3. I actively look for ways to improve efficiency, helping reduce unnecessary steps in our workflow by 20%.
  4. I hold myself accountable for both successes and mistakes, using every challenge as a learning opportunity for growth.

Communication Comments

These self-appraisal examples are about your communication skills:

  1. My updates and reports are clear, making it easier for my team to stay aligned on priorities.
  2. I have improved my ability to give direct feedback, helping colleagues refine their work with constructive suggestions.
  3. My active listening skills allow me to understand and address concerns, leading to better collaboration.
  4. I sometimes assume people understand my points, so I am working on making my explanations clearer and more structured.

Time Management Comments

Here are some self-appraisal examples of time management:

  1. By organizing my tasks better, I have reduced last-minute work pressure and improved productivity.
  2. I use scheduling tools to keep track of deadlines, helping me complete 90% of my assignments on time.
  3. I allocate time for deep focus, which has helped me improve the accuracy and quality of my work.
  4. Sometimes, I take on too many tasks at once, so I am learning to delegate when needed.

Technical Skills Comments

Let’s take a look at some self-appraisal examples about technical skills:

  1. I have developed my skills in advanced data analysis, helping the team make more informed decisions.
  2. Last quarter, I completed a certification in project management, which helped improve my ability to lead cross-functional projects.
  3. Learning new software has allowed me to automate repetitive tasks, saving several hours each week.
  4. While I am confident in my technical skills, I plan to deepen my expertise by attending hands-on training sessions.

Customer Service and Client Relations Comments

Here are some self-appraisal examples of customer service and client relations:

  1. My ability to build strong relationships has helped increase client retention rates by 15% this year.
  2. I respond to customer concerns quickly, resolving 90% of issues on the first interaction.
  3. Last month, a customer specifically praised my support, which resulted in positive feedback to my manager.
  4. I am working on improving my ability to handle multiple customer requests simultaneously without feeling rushed.

Creativity and Innovation Comments

You can use these self-appraisal examples to write about creativity and innovation:

  1. I enjoy finding new ways to simplify complex tasks, making work more efficient for my team.
  2. Introducing a new reporting method has helped reduce manual errors by 30%.
  3. I bring fresh ideas to brainstorming sessions, contributing to innovative solutions for ongoing challenges.
  4. I tend to second-guess my ideas sometimes, so I am working on building more confidence in my creative thinking.

Reliability and Accountability Comments

These self-appraisal examples are about reliability and accountability:

  1. My colleagues trust me to follow through on my commitments, making me a dependable team member.
  2. In the past six months, I have successfully completed every assigned project without delays.
  3. I communicate potential challenges early so the team can adjust plans when needed.
  4. Learning to set boundaries has helped me stay reliable without overcommitting to too many projects.

Performance Improvement Comments

Here are 5 self-appraisal examples of performance improvement:

  1. Over the past year, I have worked on improving my attention to detail, reducing report errors by 40%.
  2. Seeking feedback from colleagues has helped me refine my ability to manage complex projects.
  3. Managing multiple deadlines has been a challenge, but using structured planning has improved my efficiency.
  4. I sometimes get caught up in the details, so I am working on balancing speed and accuracy better.

Career Advancement Comments

Let’s cover some self-appraisal examples on career advancement:

  1. Taking on additional responsibilities has helped me prepare for leadership roles.
  2. In the last year, I have mentored three junior employees, strengthening my ability to guide and teach others.
  3. Contributing to major projects has positioned me for future growth within the company.
  4. I am preparing for a senior role by improving my decision-making and leadership skills.

Growth and Development Comments

Here are some self-appraisal examples of growth and development:

  1. I have completed two professional development courses to expand my expertise this year.
  2. Learning from past mistakes has helped me improve both professionally and personally.
  3. I actively set career goals and track my progress to stay motivated.
  4. Receiving constructive feedback has helped me continuously refine my approach to work.

How to Write a Self-Appraisal?

Wondering how to write self-appraisal comments? Just follow these simple steps:

1. Understand the purpose

Before writing, ask your manager how your self-appraisal will be used. Will it influence your performance review, promotion, or salary raise? Knowing this helps you focus on the right details.

2. Highlight your achievements

Start with your key accomplishments over the past year.

Pro tip - Use numbers to show your impact, like “Increased sales by 20%” or “Completed five major projects ahead of schedule.”

Example:

"I successfully led a team project that improved customer retention by 25% by implementing a new feedback system.

3. Provide evidence with data

Quantify your success with facts and figures wherever possible.

Instead of just saying, “I improved client relationships,” show proof: “Maintained a 95% client satisfaction rating and secured three long-term contracts.”

Example:

"I increased sales by 18% in the last quarter by refining our client follow-up strategy.

Pro tip - Keep track of your achievements throughout the year so you have real data to present.

4. Discuss challenges & how you overcame them

A good self-appraisal isn’t just about strengths—it also shows self-awareness. Mention challenges you faced, what you learned, and how you improved.

Example:

"Earlier in the year, I struggled with managing multiple deadlines. To improve, I started using a task-planning tool and prioritization techniques, which helped me complete projects on time."

Pro tip - Turn weaknesses into growth opportunities by explaining what you learned and how you improved.

5. Align with company goals

Show how your contributions helped your team, department, or company goals.

Example:

"My process improvement suggestions helped reduce customer service response time from 48 hours to 24 hours, aligning with the company’s goal of improving customer satisfaction."

6. Ask for growth opportunities

This is the perfect time to express interest in a promotion, training, or new responsibilities.

Example:

"I am eager to take on more leadership responsibilities and would love the opportunity to mentor new employees or lead a small project team."

7. Keep it positive and professional

Avoid negative language. Instead of focusing on failures, discuss what you learned and how you improved.

Good example:

"I faced challenges with meeting deadlines initially, but after improving my time management, I delivered all projects on time in the last two quarters."

Avoid this:

"I missed several deadlines, and I am not good at managing my time."

8. Review and get feedback

Before submitting, proofread and, if possible, ask a trusted colleague for feedback.

Pro tip - Reading your self-appraisal out loud can help you catch awkward phrasing or unclear points.

Additional tips for a strong self-appraisal

  • Be concise – Avoid unnecessary details
  • Use action words – Led, improved, achieved
  • Stay honest – Highlight real successes
  • Use the STAR method – Situation, Task, Action, Result
  • Keep it professional – Positive and respectful tone
  • Show growth – Compare past and present performance
  • End on a positive note – Gratitude and enthusiasm

Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Self-Appraisal

  • Being vague – Use specific examples
  • Exaggerating – Stay truthful and realistic
  • Using jargon – Keep language simple
  • Skipping soft skills – Highlight leadership, communication
  • Rushing last minute – Start early for reflection

Benefits of Self-Appraisal

Self-appraisal helps both employees and employers by improving performance, communication, and career growth. Here’s how it benefits both:

Why Self-Appraisal is Important for Employees?

  • Highlights achievements
  • Encourages self-reflection
  • Supports career growth
  • Improves goal setting
  • Strengthens communication
  • Boosts confidence & motivation

Why Self-Appraisal is Important for Employers?

  • Gives performance insights
  • Increases employee engagement
  • Makes performance reviews easier
  • Identifies training needs
  • Encourages responsibility
  • Creates a stronger workforce

When is a Self-Appraisal Done?

Self-appraisals are typically conducted annually or semi-annually as part of a company’s performance review process.

Some organizations also require quarterly self-assessments to track progress and set goals throughout the year.

Wrapping up

And that sums up - how to write a self-appraisal!

Let’s take a quick recap:

  • What is self-appraisal? – A reflection on your achievements, challenges, and growth.
  • Why is it important? – Helps showcase your value and supports career growth.
  • How to write? – Highlight achievements, mention challenges, show growth areas, and stay professional.
  • Need help writing? – Use our 40 self-appraisal examples for inspiration.

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Conclusion

Self-appraisal is a valuable tool for job seekers looking to improve their performance and achieve their career goals.

By reflecting on your accomplishments and challenges, seeking feedback from others, setting SMART goals, developing an action plan, tracking your progress, continuously learning and developing your skills, regularly reviewing and updating your self-appraisal, and embracing a growth mindset, you'll be well on your way to success in today's competitive job market.

FAQs:

  1. How to write your self-appraisal?
    Writing your self-appraisal involves reflecting on your performance, achievements, strengths, areas for improvement, and goals. Follow these steps:
  • Review your job description and performance goals.
  • Reflect on your accomplishments and challenges.
  • Be honest and objective in evaluating your performance.
  • Provide specific examples and evidence to support your statements.
  • Identify areas for improvement and development.
  • Set clear, achievable goals for the future.

2. What is the meaning of self-appraisal?
Self-appraisal is a process where employees assess and evaluate their own performance, strengths, weaknesses, achievements, and areas for improvement. It is often part of a performance appraisal system and provides employees with an opportunity to reflect on their contributions and discuss their performance with their managers.

3. How to write a good appraisal?
To write a good appraisal, follow these guidelines:

  • Provide specific examples of performance and achievements.
  • Focus on both strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Use clear and objective language.
  • Be constructive and offer suggestions for development.
  • Align feedback with organizational goals and values.
  • Ensure fairness and consistency in evaluations.
  • Encourage open communication and dialogue between managers and employees.

4. How do you write a good self-appraisal in six steps?
Writing a good self-appraisal involves six key steps:

  • Reflect: Review your performance, accomplishments, and challenges over the appraisal period.
  • Prepare: Gather evidence, examples, and data to support your assessment.
  • Be Honest: Assess your performance objectively, acknowledging both strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Be Specific: Provide concrete examples and results to illustrate your contributions.
  • Set Goals: Identify areas for development and set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for improvement.
  • Seek Feedback: Share your self-appraisal with your manager, invite feedback, and engage in a constructive dialogue about your performance and development.
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