APRIL is one of the most popular months for Swindon employers to appraise their staff.

Appraisals can strike fear into the heart into any employee.

Fortunately, recruitment specialist, Blue Arrow, based in Commercial Road has put together some helpful hints and turns the tables on a bad appraisal.

Simone Makepeace, head of Blue Arrow's Office division, said: "Many businesses conduct staff appraisals and forward planning in April to coincide with submission of year-end accounts which are also linked to the end of the tax year.

"However all too often, employees and their managers miss the point of what the appraisal is really designed to achieve and may end the process without addressing the matters that should be discussed."

Among the tips offered by the recruitment firm are:

Plan ahead, ask your manager for a list of the topics to be discussed.

Make notes beforehand, so you can refer to them if you get distracted.

Decide what you want from your appraisal promotion, responsibility or extra duties. You should not go into a meeting expecting a pay rise, as you could be disappointed.