However, these discussions can be a very positive experience if you adequately prepare for them. By identifying beforehand the strengths and contributions you have brought to your department as well as areas for future growth, you can better showcase your value. The following guidelines will help you prepare for your review with confidence: 

• Understand the format. Find out who will be conducting your review and the nature of the discussion. Will the session be a dialog between you and your manager? Or will the meeting include a representative from human resources, a colleague or other individuals?  
  
  
• Review yourself. Conduct your own appraisal of your progress and achievements during the past year. This is critical whether or not your company asks employees to provide a written summary of accomplishments. Carefully evaluating your own performance will help you better articulate what you feel are your primary contributions when you sit down with your supervisor. Also, identify areas in which you can improve and steps you can take to enhance your skills. 
  
  
• Focus on the meeting. Actively participate in the discussion and listen to your manager's comments. Let him or her finish each thought before you start to compose your response. Also, avoid becoming defensive over constructive criticism -- remember your supervisor wants you to succeed, and this can be a valuable learning opportunity. 
  
  
• Revisit your goals. After your review is over, don't forget about the session until your next review. Re-examine your objectives regularly and make sure you act on the feedback you received.
  

ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over four years, is refreshed twice a month.