05 July 2025
4 mins to read
Is your first appraisal coming up? Learn how freshers in India can ace their first performance review, talk about achievements, and set goals for a better rating and growth in 2025.
Your first few months on the job can fly by — and suddenly, your manager schedules a performance review.
Scary? Not if you're prepared.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare for your first appraisal as a fresher, how to speak confidently about your work, and how to set yourself up for better growth (and maybe even a raise) in 2025.
A performance review or appraisal is a formal conversation with your manager where:
Your work is evaluated
Strengths and weaknesses are discussed
Goals are reviewed
Your future growth or salary increment is decided
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Coming unprepared | Shows lack of interest or initiative |
| Forgetting what they worked on | Can’t showcase real contributions |
| Staying quiet/passive | Misses chance to impress |
| Not asking for feedback | Loses growth opportunities |
| Expecting a raise without proof | Unrealistic without results |
Before the review, prepare a list of:
Projects completed
Deadlines met
Any process improvements
Praise or emails from clients/team
🛠 Tool: Keep a “Wins & Progress” doc from Day 1
Don’t just say, “I worked on XYZ.”
Say: “I improved report accuracy by 30% by automating parts of the Excel sheet.”
Managers appreciate self-awareness. Say:
“I struggled with time management in the first month, but I started using a daily planner and now deliver on time.”
Suggest new things you want to learn or contribute:
“I’d like to take ownership of a small project next quarter.”
“I want to upskill in client communication.”
Sample questions:
“What can I do better in the next 3 months?”
“Is there a skill I should focus on developing?”
“Can I shadow someone in a senior role for exposure?”
If you want a salary increase:
Show measurable impact
Compare initial vs current performance
Mention any additional responsibilities taken
✅ A printed or digital document of:
Work highlights
Learning progress
Certifications or trainings completed
Positive feedback emails or screenshots
Questions to ask manager
“I walked into my review empty-handed and couldn’t answer half the questions. My manager said, ‘You did good work — but you didn’t show it.’ From the next quarter, I started tracking everything I did. It changed everything.”
— Ishika, 23, Hyderabad
✅ Blogs on workplace skills beyond job search
✅ Resume updates with performance metrics
✅ Skill certification suggestions for promotions
✅ Interview coaching for internal promotions
Your first performance review isn’t just a formality — it’s your chance to show what you’ve done, what you’ve learned, and where you want to go.
With just a little preparation, you can turn it into a launchpad for career growth.
Let JobinIndia not only get you hired — but also help you grow.