By ANITA BRUZZESE
Gannett News Service

Too many employees are cavalier about performance appraisals, somehow imagining any report on them goes into the deep, dark recesses of human resources, never to see the light of day again.

But performance appraisals should be taken seriously -- they are sort of like a living epitaph.

See them as written in stone, and following you throughout career eternity.

You should prepare for a performance appraisal, being ready for anything.

Your input -- both written and oral -- should focus on the great things you have done in the last year, positioning you as an invaluable member of the workforce team.

Here are some ways to get started:

•  Keep a record. Write down your accomplishments, no matter how small. Maybe you only lent a hand for a day or two in another department, but this shows your willingness to pitch in, learn new skills, be an enthusiastic worker. By jotting down your day-to-day activities, you'll not only start to track your strengths and skills, but provide solid evidence of your capabilities.

•  Get compliments in writing. If a supervisor, or co-worker or customer appreciates your efforts in writing, hang on to those letters to take to your performance review. If kudos are given orally, try to accurately as possible write those down, noting the date and circumstances and person involved to show how your involvement was appreciated by your colleagues.

•  Study the field. Who is going to be involved in your performance review? What kind of forms will be used? This helps you develop a "game plan" that looks at what subjects will be reviewed, how your performance will be judged, and who will provide input.

•  Stay cool. If you worry you may get angry, practice with a trusted friend or family member to work on staying calm and focused. Also work on your body language don't assume a defensive or hostile stance. Maintain eye contact, and try to keep your body relaxed, but attentive.

•  Use it as a road map. The performance appraisal process should be a clear indicator of where you need to go in the next year. If a supervisor fails to make this clear, ask for it in writing, or if this doesn't work, write your own review of the information, and ask a supervisor to review it. This way, you can refer to this map all year long, noting the progress you have made, and making it a key part of your next appraisal.

Write to Anita Bruzzese c/o: Business Editor, Gannett News Service, 1000 Wilson, Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22229-0001. For a reply, include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.