self appraisal comments

Self Appraisal Comments: Tips for Success and Growth 2025

Published on June 14, 2025
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9 Min read time
self appraisal comments

Quick Summary

  • Self-appraisal comments are personal reflections employees write to evaluate their own performance, achievements, and growth.
  • They offer valuable insights into an individual’s contributions and mindset, fostering accountability and self-awareness.
  • These comments play a crucial role in performance reviews by promoting transparent communication between employees and managers.

Table of Contents

A performance review should include self appraisal comments that highlight both personal and professional growth. Self-evaluations enable individuals across various fields to assess their performance and engage in constructive discussions with their manager or team leader. This process offers an opportunity to reflect on achievements, pinpoint areas for improvement, and gain a deeper understanding of one’s contributions.

When crafting effective self appraisal comments, managers should focus on four key elements: actionability, objectivity, specificity, and clarity. These factors ensure that feedback is clear, relevant, and actionable, ultimately enhancing employee performance. Read this blog to learn how self appraisal comments can boost confidence and explore practical examples of various types of self appraisal comments.

self appraisal comments

Self Appraisal Comments by Employee Example

Self-assessment remarks are generic expressions you can personalize during your assessment, especially if you struggle to find the right words to describe your work. Here are a few examples of self appraisal comments by employees examples:

  • I have met 80% of the deadlines, and I notified the remaining deadlines in advance of any delays and their reasons.
  • I promptly answer emails.
  • I consistently ensure high-quality work.
  • I enjoy participating in activities beyond my KRAs.
  • I have taken ownership of at least 40% of the newly assigned projects to our team.
  • I am the first team member to volunteer for new challenges.
  • I dedicate 15–25% of my time to overseeing projects from start to finish.
  • Last quarter, I took ownership of my largest client, and sales increased by 10%.

Managers must provide both constructive feedback and constructive criticism to lead effectively. Constructive criticism is vital because it helps individuals and organizations perform better and achieve their goals. By providing precise, useful feedback, you can help others understand their areas of improvement and how to address them.

1. Self Development Appraisal Comments

Self-awareness aids in personal and professional development, benefiting the organization. Studies have shown that employees at companies performing poorly are 79% more likely to lack self-awareness than those at well-performing companies. Here are some self-development appraisal comments that will help you during your performance reviews:

  • I always strive to perform better at work and deliver work on time. These personal goals are important to me, and I plan my growth accordingly.
  • I always keep up with the latest trends and apply them in my work.
  • My work contributes to my personal growth, and I believe in continuous training for improvement.
  • I am always looking for ways to connect with employees from different areas.
  • I take small steps toward my long-term goals and envision myself achieving them.
  • I quickly adapt to new things and environments.
  • I am eager to learn new things and am always curious.

2. Job Performance Self Appraisal Comments 

Job performance self-appraisal comments are statements employees write to assess how well they’ve met their job responsibilities and objectives. They reflect on achievements, challenges, and overall contributions to team and company goals. These comments help managers understand performance from the employee’s perspective, aiding fair and constructive evaluations.

  • I consistently meet deadlines and manage my workload efficiently. I take pride in being dependable, which helps maintain steady progress in team goals and project timelines.
  • This year, I actively took the initiative to address workflow challenges and suggested process improvements that reduced turnaround time by 20%. I enjoy identifying gaps and finding practical solutions.
  • I’ve contributed positively to team morale by being supportive, respectful, and open to feedback. I regularly collaborate across departments to ensure project success and knowledge sharing.
  • I successfully achieved all my key performance targets for the year, including surpassing my quarterly sales goals by 15%. I remain focused on aligning my work with broader company objectives.
  • I actively pursued professional development by completing two certification courses relevant to my role. This has enhanced my technical skills and made me more confident in contributing to strategic decisions.

3. Functional Excellence Self Appraisal Comments

Functional excellence is essential for professional growth and organizational success. Your self-evaluation comments reflect your commitment to improvement and high standards. Setting clear goals, engaging in continuous training, and adhering to best practices are crucial for attaining and maintaining high practical standards. Another effective approach is measuring progress using performance metrics and identifying areas for improvement. Here are some of the examples of Functional excellence self appraisal comments.

  • “I always seek feedback to enhance my skills and ensure my work is of the highest quality.”
  • “I regularly attend industry workshops and stay updated on the latest trends to build my skills.” 
  • For example, “I use performance data to identify my strengths and weaknesses and to deliver top-quality work.”

4. Communication Comments

Communication excellence is a key part of professional growth and a company’s success. Self-evaluation feedback should demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and maintaining high standards. Including these elements in your self-evaluations can show your dedication to functional excellence and a proactive approach to professional growth. Here are a few functional excellence self appraisal comments:

  • “I like being attentive and listening to other people. I think deeply about what someone says and how to keep the discussion going whenever they talk to me. I address their questions promptly and continually try to make the conversation engaging.
  • “I am good at talking to people. Some examples include sharing useful ideas at team meetings and letting your coworkers share. I keep the talk on track and make everyone on my team feel important.
  • I quickly take comments into account regarding my daily work. I am constantly open to receiving feedback from my manager or HR. 
  • I actively respond to emails and messages on time. I try to keep my seniors updated about the work as and when needed and prioritize important work.

5. Customer Experience Self Appraisal Comments

  • I consistently prioritize customer needs and go the extra mile to ensure a positive experience. My ability to actively listen and respond empathetically has helped build long-term customer trust and satisfaction.
  • I handle customer issues with patience and professionalism, resolving complaints promptly while maintaining a positive brand image. I take feedback seriously and use it to improve service delivery.
  • I maintain clear, friendly, and professional communication with customers across all touchpoints. I’ve received positive feedback for my tone and responsiveness in both written and verbal interactions.”
  • Through consistent follow-ups and personalized service, I have strengthened customer relationships, contributing to repeat business and higher retention rates. I strive to turn every interaction into a long-term engagement.

6. Planning and organizing Self Appraisal Comments

Good planning and organization are very important for any job’s success and any team’s smooth running. Here are some planning and organizing self appraisal comments:

  • “I always make a detailed project plan and schedule to ensure all tasks are completed on time. For example, my proper planning of the XYZ project increased productivity by 20%.”
  • “I prioritise my work well, and tools like project management software smooth things out.” This method decreased the time it took to complete a job by 15%.
  • “Organising resources and distributing tasks among my team has made collaboration easier and more effective. For example, my organised way of conducting the annual event ensured it was smooth and successful.”

7. Values and Conduct Self Appraisal Comments

Good values and proper conduct are important in the working environment. Remaining positive and working on company tasks are also important. Here are some values for conducting self appraisal comments:

  • “I always act honestly and professionally, aligning with the company’s values. Clients have praised my commitment to honesty.”
  • “I actively contribute to a positive workplace culture by valuing different points of view and encouraging collaboration. This aligns with the company’s values of diversity and teamwork.”
  • “I am responsible for my actions and proud of my work; therefore, I exhibit the responsibility and excellence that are the company’s core values.”

8. Reliability Self Appraisal Comments

Reliability-based self-appraisal comments focus on how consistently an employee meets deadlines, follows through on commitments, and maintains dependable work habits. They highlight punctuality, accountability, and trustworthiness in daily tasks. Such comments demonstrate the employee’s role as a reliable team member and their value to overall team performance.

  • I consistently meet deadlines and ensure that my tasks are completed accurately and on time, contributing to smooth team workflows.
  • Colleagues and managers can rely on me to follow through on commitments and maintain a consistent standard of performance.
  • I prioritize tasks effectively, allowing me to handle multiple responsibilities without compromising quality or timeliness.
  • I am dependable during high-pressure situations and can be trusted to deliver results with minimal supervision.

Read More: Examples of Self appraisal comments

9. Initiative and Proactiveness Self Appraisal Comments 

Exercising initiative and proactiveness can significantly contribute to achieving organizational success through teams and project deliverables. Below are some initiative, proactiveness self appraisal comments.

  • “I developed a new process for streamlining our reporting procedures, which resulted in a 25% reduction in processing time.”
  • “I proactively identified a problem with the project timeline and proposed a revised plan, which was implemented and successfully avoided project delays.”
  • “I continually seek additional responsibilities and volunteer for extra tasks, contributing to team projects and improving overall productivity.”

10. Innovation and Creativity Self Appraisal Comments

Innovation and creativity drive development and solve complex problems. Below are examples of innovative and creative self appraisal comments:

  • “I developed a new marketing strategy that incorporated creative digital techniques, increasing engagement by 30% and enhancing brand visibility.”
  • “I regularly propose innovative solutions to improve our processes, such as suggesting the development of a new tool that enhances team collaboration.”
  • “My creative problem-solving approach has led to several unique ideas being successfully implemented, positively impacting project outcomes and team efficiency.”

Performance Improvement Self Appraisal Comment

Performance improvement-related self-appraisal comments focus on areas where you’ve grown or taken steps to enhance your skills and efficiency. They highlight how you addressed past challenges, implemented feedback, or adopted new strategies. These comments show your commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

  • Over the past year, I made a conscious effort to improve my technical skills by enrolling in online courses and applying new knowledge on the job, which has enhanced both my efficiency and output.”
  • “I identified time management as a growth area and have implemented task prioritization techniques, resulting in better productivity and fewer missed deadlines.”
  • “I actively sought feedback from my manager and colleagues and used it to improve my communication style, which has led to more effective team collaboration.”
  • “I’ve worked on becoming more adaptable to change, especially during team restructuring, by staying positive and focusing on learning new processes quickly to maintain performance.”

How to Write A Self Appraisal Comment

1. Start with Key Achievements

Begin your self-appraisal by highlighting your most impactful accomplishments over the review period. Use data, metrics, or specific examples to showcase results and contributions that align with company goals.

2. Be Honest and Balanced

Good self appraisal comments both strengths and areas for growth. Acknowledge what went well, but also mention challenges faced and how you addressed them. This demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to improve.

3. Use Clear and Professional Language

Write in a confident, respectful tone and avoid vague or overly casual language. Stick to clear, concise statements that focus on outcomes and actions, rather than just effort.

4. Align with Role Objectives

Connect your performance with your job description or set goals. Show how your work has contributed to team success, company values, or long-term strategic objectives.

5. Include Future Goals

End your note by outlining what you aim to achieve in the next review period. This could include skill development, project involvement, or leadership opportunities—demonstrating ambition and commitment to growth.

6. Quantify Your Impact

Whenever possible, support your statements with numbers—such as increased sales, improved customer satisfaction scores, or reduced turnaround times. Quantifying results makes your contributions more tangible and credible.

7. Highlight Soft Skills

In addition to technical achievements, reflect on soft skills like leadership, teamwork, communication, or adaptability. These play a crucial role in overall performance and team dynamics.

8. Keep It Organized

Structure your appraisal logically—group similar achievements together and use bullet points or headings. A well-organized note is easier for reviewers to read and understand.

9. Reflect on Challenges Faced

Share how you handled difficult situations or setbacks. Focus on what you learned, how you adapted, and how those experiences improved your problem-solving or decision-making skills.

10. Seek Feedback and Mention It

Reference any positive feedback you’ve received from peers, managers, or clients. Including external validation adds weight to your self appraisal comment and shows you’re open to input.

Conclusion

Honest and detailed self-appraisal comments are essential for both personal and professional growth. They provide a clear assessment of strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance, helping individuals focus on areas of excellence and identify opportunities for development. Constructive self-appraisals set realistic goals, track progress, and address challenges, demonstrating a proactive commitment to improvement. By embracing this approach, individuals not only foster personal growth but also show supervisors their readiness to accept and act on feedback, enhancing career prospects and job satisfaction.

In today’s dynamic workplace, self-appraisal comments have become a crucial element of performance management. They allow employees to reflect on their achievements, challenges, and growth over a review period, promoting greater self-awareness and accountability. By articulating their contributions in their own words, individuals gain the opportunity to highlight efforts that may otherwise go unnoticed. This not only helps managers make more informed and balanced evaluations but also empowers employees to take ownership of their professional development.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)

What should I include in my self appraisal comments?

Discuss any accomplishments you have made, goals you have set for yourself, and growth since your last assessment. Be as specific as possible, and provide examples of tasks and projects that helped you succeed.

How can I write self appraisal comments without sounding boastful?

Focus on facts and outcomes rather than self-praise. Use specific examples and data to show your impact, and balance strengths with areas where you’re working to improve.

Can I mention failures or mistakes in my self-appraisal comments?

Yes, mentioning challenges and how you learned from them shows maturity, self-awareness, and a growth mindset—all qualities valued by employers. It shows honesty, self-awareness, and a commitment to growth. Be sure to focus on what you learned and how you’ve improved since the experience.

Should I tailor my self appraisal comments to my job role?

Use the “sandwich method” by placing constructive or critical comments between two positive feedback points. Start with a compliment or expression of appreciation, address the area needing improvement, and conclude with another commendation or word of encouragement.

Why are self appraisal comments important for career growth?

Your self-evaluation is a crucial component of your performance review, as it shows your growth as a professional and your level of self-awareness. Being self-aware helps you recognize your strengths and weaknesses and how others perceive you. One of the self appraisal comments by the employee example: quality of work increases manifold.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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