Self-evaluation examples: how to write yours

A good self-evaluation lists specific results, adds a number or concrete outcome to each, connects them to your goals and your team's priorities, names one or two honest growth areas, and ends with what you want next. Keep each point to two or three sentences and use plain language.

A simple structure

Results: three to five things you delivered, each with an outcome
Strengths: what you did well and the evidence for it
Growth areas: one or two honest areas, with what you are doing about them
Goals: what you want to take on or learn next period

Example: describing a result

Weak: "I helped with the onboarding process."

Stronger: "I rewrote the onboarding checklist and trained two new hires on it. Both were handling tickets independently in three weeks instead of the usual five."

Notice the difference: what you did, who it affected and what changed. If you don't have a number, use speed, quality, scope or feedback you received.

Example: describing a growth area

"I want to get better at presenting to senior stakeholders. This quarter I volunteered to lead two project updates and asked for feedback after each. I plan to keep doing that and take a short presentation course."

Pick a real area, show you've already started and keep it short. Naming a weakness that is really a strength in disguise reads as evasive.

Example: ending with what you want next

"Next period I'd like to take ownership of the reporting process and move toward a senior role. I'd welcome a conversation about what that would require."

Questions

How long should a self-evaluation be?

Usually one page or less, unless your company's form asks for more. Specific and short beats long and vague.

Is it okay to mention a raise or promotion?

You can state your goals, such as taking on more scope or moving toward a senior role. Save the pay conversation for a separate request, backed by your results.

What if I have no numbers?

Use other evidence: time saved, errors reduced, scope you took on, positive feedback or problems you avoided.