Example Performance Review Template & Framework

When an employer does not provide a standardized internal performance review form this can be used.

Key Sections of a Standard Performance Review

  1. Employee & Review Information — Establishes review boundaries, role expectations, and assessment timeframes.

  2. Core Responsibilities & Accomplishments — Focuses on concrete deliverables, key milestones, and business impacts achieved during the review period.

  3. Competency Evaluation — Rates quantitative and qualitative behaviors (communication, execution, problem-solving, initiative).

  4. Strengths & Areas for Growth — Provides targeted praise and identifies specific, actionable opportunities for performance enhancement.

  5. SMART Goals & Objectives — Sets clear, measurable, and time-bound goals for the upcoming review period.

  6. Professional Development Plan — Defines concrete training, resources, and managerial support required to foster growth.

  7. Employee Self-Evaluation & Comments — Provides a formal space for employee perspective, self-reflection, and feedback.

  8. Sign-Off & Acknowledgments — Captures formal acknowledgment from both parties that the evaluation took place.

Rating Scale Reference

Rating Descriptor Definition

5

Exceeds Expectations

Consistently surpasses objectives and standards; serves as a benchmark for excellence.

4

Meets Expectations

Consistently satisfies all primary duties, expectations, and established criteria.

3

Needs Improvement

Partially meets requirements; inconsistent results warrant targeted adjustments.

2

Unsatisfactory

Consistently falls below minimum job requirements; immediate action required.

Performance Review Form

Instructions for Managers: Complete sections 1 through 6 prior to the review meeting. Share the draft with the employee for review, conduct the meeting, allow space for employee comments in section 7, and capture signatures in section 8.

1. Review Information

Employee Name

Job Title

Department

Manager / Evaluator Name

Review Period

e.g., Q3 2026 / Annual 2026

Date of Evaluation

2. Key Accomplishments & Deliverables

Summarize major achievements, key initiatives completed, and measurable metrics hit during this period.

  1. Accomplishment 1:

  2. Accomplishment 2:

  3. Accomplishment 3:

3. Core Competency Assessment

Competency Rating (1-5) Manager Comments & Examples

Job Knowledge & Execution
Demonstrates technical proficiency and consistently produces quality work.

Communication & Collaboration
Communicates effectively across teams, actively listens, and builds positive working relationships.

Problem Solving & Adaptability
Identifies root causes, proposes constructive solutions, and adapts well to changing priorities.

Time Management & Reliability
Meets deadlines, manages workload effectively, and delivers reliably.

Leadership & Initiative
Takes ownership of tasks, drives improvements, and supports team members.

4. Strengths & Areas for Growth

Key Strengths

* *

Opportunities for Improvement

* *

5. SMART Goals for the Next Period

Goal Success Metric / Target Completion Date

Goal 1:

Goal 2:

Goal 3:

6. Professional Development Plan

Detail specific training, coursework, certifications, mentorship, or organizational support to be provided.

  • Target Skills / Areas:

  • Required Resources or Budget:

  • Managerial Support / Action Items:

7. Employee Self-Evaluation & Feedback

Space for employee comments, additional context, or feedback on organizational support.

— Employee Response

8. Formal Sign-Off

Signature indicates that the performance evaluation was conducted and discussed. It does not necessarily indicate full agreement with all assessments made.
Role Printed Name & Signature Date

Employee

Manager