Well, I get my first review at the new job next month. I may be paranoid, but I've kept a log of my accomplishments for this time so that I can have some sort of record of what I've done.

Anyone else ever done that? Or is that just crazy talk?

I have a copy of the review form in my desk and I update it regularly so that I can recall all I have done (and not done) during the year.

Ive been with the same co. for 8 years now. One thing I have learned is to keep track of every little detail of your day to day happenings. So many things go overlooked but in the end make a world of difference. Staying 15min later but not getting paid, voulenteering for assingments, showing up early by just 5 min a day sets you apart frm the rest. Its the extra mile that gets you the raise. You might get a good raise as long as you achive standards but what if you exceed them. Ive moved from mechanic to advertising rep in the 8yr stretch. Not a big deal huh? In Jan I start a new job as a web/network engineer for a company I handled accounts for. If I didnt bust my tail I would have never met them.

Just to update (albeit a bit late), my review went swimmingly. It's almost that time again, and I'm pretty sure that things are going well.

On the plus side - I'm no longer on probation (we have a 12 month probationary period here), so firing me would be a bitch. Heehee

In a management seminar, I heard a very good suggestion regarding keeping a log of your accomplishments. On a weekly basis (end of the day on Friday or first thing Monday probably works best), give your boss a brief report on what you accomplished that week. That way, he is constantly aware of your accomplishments as they happen. Of course you can refresh his memory at review time.

I asked my staff to give me a report each week, but after a week or two they forgot all about it.

I can tell you from a manager's point of view, many things your staff does is easily missed or forgotten. These weekly reports would have certainly made it much easier to conduct my employees' reviews each year. I know they were doing a good job, but being able to state their accomplishments on their review form would make it much easier to justify a raise. After all, managers have a boss to report to, also.

You know, I used to do this at another job several years ago. At my last job I tried doing it, but since no one seemed to be paying attention, and there were never any reviews, I got out of the habit.

You're right though, it is a great way to not only summarize your accomplishments for your boss, but for you as well.