Rating Scale
Define numeric or descriptive levels (e.g., 1–5 or Exceeds/Meets/Needs Improvement) and include criteria so scores are consistent across reviewers.
A standard evaluation ensures fair, documented assessments that support promotions, coaching, and legal defensibility. Uniform forms reduce bias, make expectations clear, and create a reliable record for HR decisions.
Supervisors, HR professionals, and department managers typically complete or review the evaluation; employees receive feedback and may sign to acknowledge it.
Use formal routing and signatures to document that feedback was delivered and to maintain an auditable personnel record.
Define numeric or descriptive levels (e.g., 1–5 or Exceeds/Meets/Needs Improvement) and include criteria so scores are consistent across reviewers.
List job-specific competencies such as communication, teamwork, technical skills, and problem solving with space for a short evaluator comment for each.
Require concrete examples or metrics that support each rating to reduce subjectivity and create defensible documentation.
Include specific, time-bound goals, required training, and actions the employee and manager will take before the next review.
Provide a concise narrative assessment, recommendation for promotion or salary adjustment, and any performance improvement requirements.
Fields for supervisor, employee acknowledgement, and HR reviewer with dates to document receipt and review.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Type | Email link with audit trail or authenticated eSignature |
| Authentication | Email verification or SMS code for employee signers |
| Routing Order | Supervisor -> Employee -> HR reviewer |
| Retention | Store final PDF with audit trail and backups |
Choose a platform that supports standard formats, an audit trail, and required compliance features for employee records.
Ensure your chosen platform can deliver signed PDFs, store audit trails, and meet any industry-specific privacy or retention requirements.
Commonly a calendar or fiscal year cycle; set start and end dates clearly
Schedule interim reviews to update goals and correct course
Require supervisor and employee signatures within a set period after the meeting
Finalized evaluations should be uploaded to HRIS within a defined timeframe
Retention typically begins at date of finalization or employee separation
Collect evidence and prior goals before drafting the evaluation
Supervisor completes ratings and draft commentary
Conduct discussion and capture employee response
Signatures obtained and final document archived in HRIS
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
A mid-size firm standardized evaluation templates to reduce manager variance.
A property management company moved reviews online for remote supervisors.