Performance Appraisal Interview

This week I interviewed Tamra from First American Title-Branch Manager, Escrow Officer.

1. How often do you do performance appraisals? Are the employees notified in advance or is it a surprise?

 Anually. Yes the employee knows – The employee fills out their own evaluation online first then we review and discuss their performance

2.     Do you use the same set of questions for every employee?

The online questions are the same – the personal review is different based on the employee evaluation comments

3. What scale do you prefer to use for performance appraisals? (unsatisfactory-satisfactory-outstanding, poor-below average-average-above average-excellent)

Needs improvement / Meets expectations / Exceeds Expectations

4. Do you offer pay for performance incentives?

No – raises are given but not necessarily based on the review.

5. How long does each evaluation take? Is there a certain time frame you like to keep it within?

The face to face evaluation is approximately ½ hour.  Can differ based on the individual.

6. Do you use a third party to evaluate performance or does your company do it internally?

The online evaluation is done by a third party company. Face to face review is done in person.

7. In your time doing performance appraisals, have you noticed that incentives tend to yield better results with your employees?

Not necessarily

8. What are your main objectives that you like to achieve when holding performance appraisals?

Acknowledge what the employee is doing well and see where they can make improvements.

To let them know they are appreciated and valued.

9. Do you set goals with employee during interview?

Yes - goals are an important part of the interview.

10. What do you do to create an environment that allows open and honest communication?

Ask for their ideas as to what process and procedures could be changed to make things better.

I really enjoyed conducting this interview and learned that it is important to set goals with employees and help them feel valued and appreciated as well as comfortable. I also like that she asks the employees what they feel could be changed for a better workplace. I think this helps build the relationship. Overall, I would feel very comfortable having a performance interview done at this company and feel they value their employees and it shows.