It’s Appraisal time! Many companies conduct periodic reviews to give feedback on their employee’s performance and assist employees in developing their careers.
The Appraisal period may be of six months or one year depending on company policies. Performance Appraisal is the right time to ask for your promotion as well as a salary raise.
In this tutorial, we will concentrate more on “QA Performance Appraisal” along with the skills and parameters that are used to judge and rate QA Performance.
Table of Contents:
Why Performance Appraisal?
Performance Appraisal is to reward employees for their good work. The Appraisal will assist employees to develop in their career and enable them to reach their full potential.
The Performance Appraisal process involves a discussion of the previous year’s employee achievements and identifying an area for improvement. This will help employees develop clear performance objectives for the next review period.
This tutorial will help you in the following ways:
- If you are a fresher and have not yet faced any appraisal, you will get an exact idea of what a performance review is and how to face it.
- If you are an experienced Quality Assurance engineer then you will know “How to ask for a promotion and salary hike in your performance review”.
- How to effectively summarize your hard work and responsibilities into a good impression in front of management.
For companies that have a yearly appraisal system, the Performance Appraisal process begins a month before the end of each financial year.
Performance review forms get distributed to every eligible employee with instructions on how to fill out the form and to whom you need to send these filled forms. After that, a face-to-face review meeting will be scheduled with the reviewers.
The following major activities were discussed in the Review Meeting:
- The project you did in the previous year.
- Employee overall performance
- Comments on performance ratings given by employees and reviewers.
- Employee feedback
- Areas for improvements
- Performance planning for next year.
What are the Criteria to Rate Employee Performance?
We are specifically speaking about QA performance appraisal, so here are the main parameters to be considered while rating software testers/QA persons.
Software Testing Skills:
- Ability to find Bugs
- Bug Reporting Skills
- Ability to Automate Work
- Test Cases Design ability
- Testing Completeness and Coverage
Management Skills:
- Effective Role Model
- Team Motivation Skills
- Estimation and scheduling ability
- Ability to anticipate and address issues.
- Mentoring ability
- Planning and Time Management Skills
Personal Skills:
- Can work independently
- Team player
- Self-learning
- Discipline
- Willing to learn
- Takes initiative
- Admitting mistakes
- Grasping skills
Other Skills:
- Communication (Written and Verbal)
- Documentation Skills
- Interviewing Skills (if applicable)
- Training and Presentation Skills
Based on these parameters, employees can give self-rating from 1 to 10 for individual parameters and the overall rating as the average of all these ratings. Reviewer ratings will also be there in front of each skill and the reviewer’s final rating.
Ratings are classified as shown below:
Rating from 1-5: Poor performance
6: Need improvements
7: Meets position requirements
8-9: Exceeds position requirements
10: Exceptional! Exceeds all requirements at all times.
In the Performance Appraisal form, the employee needs to give feedback on his/her work to date. Also feedback on the company culture, work process, and management style.
The employee feedback section is the best section to ask for a promotion or salary hike. Mention your overall & relevant QA experience and your ability to handle more challenging work assignments. This will create a solid base for management to decide on promotions and salary raises.
The reviewer will fill out the “Employee Performance Planning for the next appraisal” section. In this section, he/she will address the improvement areas like technical and non-technical skills or other personal improvements.
The reviewer needs to mention some specific goals that the employees need to meet for the next appraisal. This will become the base objective for the next appraisal period.
This is the overall appraisal process. Now the key part is how and when to ask for a promotion and salary raise.
Here are some key points that you need to study before asking for a Promotion and pay rise:
#1) Your previous year’s top Achievements: You should be ready with a list of key projects you have done in the past year. What was the overall quality of work during this period? Note down some examples, which will illustrate your contribution to company growth.
#2) Positive attitude: Management likes employees with a positive attitude. Management will think about your leadership qualities before promoting you.
#3) Your relationship with your boss and co-workers: This is a crucial point. Make sure that you don’t have any disputes between you and your boss or co-workers. You should be a fair team player.
#4) Any major work issues in the previous year? You should be aware of project issues created by you. If these issues are major then think twice before asking for a promotion or pay raise.
If the issue is minor and if you were not directly responsible for those issues, then you can give an explanation of these issues, if the management raised these negative points in your Appraisal meeting. Make sure that you don’t blame any of your co-workers for any issue.
#5) Explain why you deserve a promotion: You need a solid work portfolio to explain this. Put forward your contribution to the company and explain how this helped to improve the company.
#6) Are you prepared to handle the challenges of senior-level positions? Senior-level positions involve more responsibilities. You need to have both technical as well as management skills to handle such positions. Explain how you are the best fit for the new position.
#7) Be prepared to present the exact amount to be raised in your salary: If management is ready to promote you then you might get this question: How much pay rise do you expect? So do a little study of the current market salary range for your new position.
Come up with some exact figures by doing the analysis of your current salary, the company’s previous salary hike records, and your accomplishments for the appraisal period.
#8 ) Know the exact time for getting a pay rise: If you got a promotion in the last performance appraisal then ask for a promotion in the current appraisal only if you did some outstanding work. If the company is in some financial problems then wait until the company gets out of this situation. (But don’t wait too much 😉 )
Conclusion
In short, be professional and specific. Ask for a promotion and salary raise, otherwise, you will get nothing. Prove your hard work and responsibilities. Be prepared for any outcome. It may be positive or negative. Be calm in your response and don’t forget to thank your boss and handshake at the end of the appraisal meeting.
Hope this tutorial will help you to climb your career ladder efficiently and will add some professionalism to your career.
If you have a good or bad experience in your previous appraisals then don’t forget to share your experience with our readers, so that others can learn something from your experience. After all this site is for growing in your career by sharing each other’s thoughts!
If you like this tutorial, then make sure you subscribe to get more interesting articles on software testing.
A few items stolen for my performance review, deeply sorry, DD:
Excellent article, many thanks
I felt the articels clearly tells how one should prepare himself from problems which exist at that particular time ..As everyone should throughly prepare themselves, because the mind doesnot work at that moment and the people around you are so dominating and clever that they dont allow you to made your mind in the positive growth ,,,,,,,,,,,,,
However , my jotting this points in the back of the mind helps a person to cope with the pressure at the time of appraisal
it strongly teaches us that if you don’t open up your mouth during appraisal time, nothing will happen.
Its really nice and useful. The one who is appraised should be clear first as to what he/she did and how best they contribute in future etc. Most importantly he/she shoud not panic at one-to-one.
Tooooo good artical.
Hi Vijay,
Yet i have been in appraisal process but this article have given me even new and greater area to know about appraisal .
All the pros. and cons too.
Thanks Vijay thaks for sharing ur knowledge and experience with.
Looking forward to have more such in future.
Cheers
Vishal Chhaperia
Call: +91-9830704327
Mail: bishalchaperia@gmail.com
Thanks’ a lot for sharing
i am going for my first apprisal on 19 th this month
hello,
the two month ago i had an attend appraisal meeting ,that time i didn’t ask any thing about appraisal ,what happens you know?the only an explain everything about for me.what you scored in customer place your performance. they told above 95+ we designed a grade we given 25% hike from my salary.i have been working past three year in this company. i’m not getting hike because i have a communication problem.
First time im facing appraisal.I m working as a sales coordinator in a concern.I would like to move to development team .how should i expose in my appraisal form..Pls help me
Good article.. Learn much in this website.
actually most of tester in Taiwan are not important for company. It’s hard to ask for promotion and salary raise. this is my experience in TW.
Hi,
Thank you so much for sharing this article.
Great Job!!
It is very nice and useful to face appraisal interviews and it would be better if you give some more information regarding how to ask appraisal when management is not really intrested to give hike.
Hello to All,
I would like to say thanks to author of this article,
I have completed an year in my company, I had asked about appraisal the time of 6 months completed, they said we don’t have projects wait till get the project, so i have been waiting since 1 year about project and appraisal but they don’t bring any projects, So again I’m planning to ask about appraisal, let me know how to ask appraisal with out any contribution to company, even i want to shift this company,they had 2 years bond from me so I should be her for more one year, pls……… suggest me how to approach,
thanks in advance,
Its really nice and useful. The one who is appraised should be clear first as to what he/she did and how best they contribute in future etc. Most importantly he/she should not panic at one-to-one.
thanks you so much
Really this article is very nice & will be especially helpful for the people who had bad experience during appraisal time.
Hi Friends,
Currently i am working in Non-IT field and planned to switch my career to testing.I had learned the basics of testing,and now i am very eager to learn testing practically with real time projects.
If any one interested to teach testing personally with real time projects , i will be more grateful, or else show me the right place in chennai.
Thanks & regards
selvam.ba@rediffmail.com
Hello to All,
I would like to say thanks to author of this article,
I have completed an year in my company, I had asked about appraisal the time of 6 months completed, they said we don’t have projects wait till get the project, so i have been waiting since 1 year about project and appraisal but they don’t bring any projects, So again I’m planning to ask about appraisal, let me know how to ask appraisal with out any contribution to company, even i want to shift this company,they had 2 years bond from me so I should be her for more one year, pls……… suggest me how to approach,
thanks in advance,
Hi Friends,
Am currently working in a mid-sized IT services co. as a Manual Test Engineer. We mainly provide .NET solutions & services to our clients.
Can anybody let me know which HTML validator is the best open source tool available for .NET applications. Am using NetMechanic (Keynote) Trail version which has very limited features.
Thanks,
Chandan
raochandan04@gmail.com
Hi All-
Believe me friends communication is very important in IT industry and it is more important to study current company financial status while asking for salary rise.
I like one thing in this article “If company is in some financial problems then wait till company get out of this situation. (But don’t wait too much ) “Because you have to believe in yourself /your ability. Inshahallah you will get better opportunity.
how to comment on our performance during the year?
Tomorrow will be my annual appraisal day,will be my 2nd appraisal,i got some ideas to to fill my form and analys my self in a ways of SWOT
Require deeply answered plz. No it’s good to understand
Good Article and very informative !!!
Hi friends,
I need help!
This month i have Appraisal meeting and performance is very good.this time i want promotion as Sr.Test Engineer.
what should i have to fill in form so that i can get it easily!
Hi All,
If any of u is working on Unit test then Pls help me out , act. i need to develop a test case on unit testing, I have the SRS as only thing with so Pls tell me how to procced.
Hopeing for early reply!
Thanks
Vishal
call: 09830704327
mail: bishalchaperia@gmail.com
Good Info is being shared here..
Hi,
I need some suggestion on one situation during appraisal period.
I did well in my last project. Client shares feedback with us where my overall performance was “Extra Ordinary”.
My manager, team member’s feedback was positive
But my appraisal was not that much good compare to my other team members.
I asked for this, they said, this is one of the best appraisal where I knew this is not (because I knew the salary hike of other members).
How should I reply to this situation?
Thanks in advance.
I am an MCA with less than 1 year work experience. I have a break of 2 years. I am finding it difficult to find a job now. I was exploring in the lines of doing some Diploma Course in Software Testing and getting a job. Can anybody suggest me some good Institutes in bangalore and Will doing a diploma work? Sorry for being out an out of context comment..
its really good to read……………..and informatibe tooo…
thx for sharing its.
This article is Awesome !! add some spicy stuff it will definitely help to get our expectations !! 😉 Cheers
The way you present yourself is what matter most. Some times the clever guy lags behind just because of the communication and he can’t put all his great work to management. So keep in mind for promotion your communication and interpersonal skill is also important with your technical skill.
According to the rules and regulation, it is passed one year for my probation period,
though no talk about the appraisal has been done with me, either by HR or by the team lead.
Product got developed but not sold as per companies expection. Comapny laid off the resources. I got shifted in other project. coz my performance was excellent and still m having excellent perfomance. Please let me know how to ask for appraisal.
Hi,
The article is very nice. Employee should present his work in a proper way to his/her Team lead/Manager. Without presentation don’t expect for good raise or position. Should open your mouth at proper time if you have any issue. 🙂
Hello vijay
Its glad to view your articles . Knowing how to tackle for promotion and further hike issues.
Thanks a lot for sharing this information .
Hi friends,
This month i got Appraisal but i got very less hike compare to my co-tester, i am certified tester and my performance is very good. there is one more meeting regarding this, can anybody help me? how much i should ask hike and how i should speak with my boss to get more hike? please reply to -kanchi9kant@rediffmail.com
HI send some new qustions
Hi Guys,
I m working as a software tester.
Can any one guide me to attend the appraisal?
this is first time happening for me.
Thanks in advance
@Tejaswini,
dont be a greedy, just be a needy then you will get what you have deserved. From where company will get money, from client, based on the product delivery, you are included in that product development team. So you are suppose to suffer, may good luck you are not fired from the company
Good article… but it would have been nice if you would have provided sample answers to your (above mentioned) questions.
Thanks,
Manasa
Hello,
If anyone can help me that how we can start preparing to write White paper on testing methodology..
If anyone prepared in tgheir career ..then do forward to me on kalraharry@gmail.com.
I will be thankful to you.
Regards,
Harry
Very informative and intresting help a lot
Can you please help me to write in the “Employee feedback section” to ask for promotion and increment in salary. As my appraisal is under process.
These Sugessions are realy wonderfull, and it will definitely help for Appraisal. some litile tips may be a greate option to your life.
Quite well said and nicely put. I agree that performance carries almost 80% of weightage and remaining is how you carry yourself in the appraisal process, and how well you are integrated with your team.
realy its tremendous,thanks for ur sharing
Loads on Info is shared here.Good Site…Gr8 Job done.
Yes its true, you have to ask without that its very rare that you get something, this year did mistake had not mentioned for promotion. Got BEST rating but not promotion. So asked for hike and promotion, you deserve that 🙂
Very Informative…sure helpful to people who are going to take salary hike… I think this entire process following in big company..lastly thanks…
Wow, excellent job done by the author. Its really amazing to see these kinds of stuffs regarding appraisal.
Keep it up the good work .
very informative article
Hi!
Only one word about the article – “Marvellous”.
Hi All-
Believe me friends communication skills are very important in IT industry and it is more important to study current company financial status while asking for salary rise.
i like one thing in this article “If company is in some financial problems then wait till company get out of this situation. (But don’t wait too much ) “Because you have to believe in yourself /your ability. Inshahallah you will get better opportunity
I got lot of information from this article
Hi My Name is Prathosh
I have been working in a MNC Bpo company
Even i had lots of bad exp in my appraisal
I Worked Harder But I Didnt get the credit for it
and I Been Rated as Below expectation.
It hurts Sometimes But That Is the exp
I Learnt And Now I am Confident This appraisal
I Will Demand Since i have contributed a lot
to company,If they say No I Will Make a Move
I am Confident
a Person can be cheated Only he is not aware of what is what
Once he realises what is what
No Body can cheat Him
Thank god i came to know what is what
I Hope everything happens to me positively
Take care friends
Dont trust Anybody,Be careful.
Awsum article………. 😉
Really nice inputs on how to be prepared for Appraisal.
It’s good that you have covered all the aspects pertinent to appraisal.
Our appraisal forms are already submitted and we will get appriasal in next month. At present we can’t spk anything abt ratings. Can anything be done after getting ratings in hand.
Hi,
I am also a SQA engineer…The article is excellent…Now i am going to face my first appraisal meeting..Before that i got a chance to read this wonderful article..Defenetly it will help me to give a wonderful performance on the time of the hike…
Thank You
Sree!!!
Good information.
For the last 1 year i m working in an IT company,i m a bcom graduate,and doing regression testing in SAP so what is the best course for me in software testing field as i dont have that much IT knowledge,plus i m a fresher,the company has given me small overview type training then i have started the regression testion
thanks in advance
Very informative and good guidlines for freshers who ready for there first apprisal
Hi,
Firstly i would like to congratulate the author for this wonderful article.
I’m about to ask for an appraisal since its been an year and there has not been a single performance review meeting and this is really making me feel low and doubt my capabilities.
This article has given me the confidence to approach my seniors professionally and ask for performance review,irrespective of what the outcome is going to be.
Thanks again for having the patience to put the experience in the form of this wonderful article.It sure is helpful for many.
Cheers.
Preeti
Very good site, which can be referenced at all levels.
Amazing article !! i specially like the research about the company because that exactly gives you the valid range when you answer “what are your salary expectation?” so thanks a lot for helping us by giving us such a informative post and i am sure i am going to bookmark this.Thank You.
Nice article……………….
Excellent Information…
Very nice article
A great read, extremely informative. I think it hard enough getting a raise in the current climate without knowing all there is to know in regard to why you deserve a promotion.
You can’t just go in an ask without having concrete to show how well you have done and that you have the skills to take on a new role.
However, i also think it’s important to keep in mind, the ‘market value’ of your work. For example, there is no point in asking for $50,000 a year if the area you work in tops out at $35,000.
So knowing the current state of the market and how much business are willing to pay for skills is valuable.
awesome
very informative.. clearly shoots what to do and what not to do ….
Nice article….. Really a good Job…. You have covered all the aspects of testing… and Their PA
Hi Manjula,
In Bangalore there is institute called ‘BenchMark’ at Vivek Nagar. The BenchMark Institute is in “Janet Complex” in ‘Vivek Nagar’ (In the bus stop itself). U go and enquire thr,The Institute is running by ITcorporate persons. It s good for u, if u join thr.
For further information u can go n ask them……
ALL THE BEST……
Hi Manjula,
In Bangalore there is institute called ‘QSpiders’ at Bull temple road. U go and enquire thr,The Institute is running by ITcorporate persons. It s good for u, if u join thr.
For further information u can go n ask them……
ALL THE BEST……
Jk.
Very nice article!!
Good article… but it would have been nice if you would have provided sample answers to the your (above mentioned) questions.
Thanks,
Manasa
how to comment on our performance during the year?
this is very good question, pls answer it immediately….
My first apprisal experience was so bad.
As i was fresher at that time, and dont have much idea about apprisal, i didnt get as per my ability, and the reason was they not able to sale ther product..and even i dont have any points to ask something to them,as of less experience, so moral of story ..Your Experience matters a lot
Very Nice Toooogood
Nice Article …Its a fact theory.
A Positive attitude towards your work and Relationship with your boss and co-workers are very important. When Relationship spoils politics starts.