How to reply to a performance review invitation

Updated November 12, 2026

Reply within a day to confirm the time or suggest another, and ask what to prepare. Say you are looking forward to it, and offer to send a short self-review if they want one. This is a good moment to show you are organized. Keep your tone calm even if you feel nervous.

Reply

Within 1 day. Reviews are often scheduled for many people at once, so a prompt reply keeps your slot. It also gives you time to prepare.

What your reply should say

1. Confirm the date, time and place, or offer two other times.
2. Ask whether you should prepare a self-review or bring anything.
3. Ask who else will be there, if it is not clear.
4. Say you are looking forward to the conversation.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the invitation. [Day, date] at [time] works for me.

Should I prepare a self-review or bring any examples of my work? I am looking forward to the conversation and to hearing your thoughts.

If it helps to share a short list of my main results ahead of time, tell me and I will send one.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thanks for setting this up. I have a conflict on [date] because of [short reason].

Could we meet on [day, time] or [day, time] instead? I want to give the review proper attention, so I would like a time when I am not rushed.

I will make sure I am ready.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Name],

Thank you for the invitation. I will be there on [day, date].

Could you tell me how the review will run? For example, is there a form to fill in, and will it cover goals for next year as well? I would like to prepare.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are a couple of days late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Hi [Name],

Sorry for the delay in answering your invitation to my review. I can attend on [date] at [time]. If that slot has gone, I am free on [day] and [day].

Please tell me if I should prepare anything beforehand.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

• Asking if the review is bad news. Reviews are routine and the question sounds anxious.
• Accepting without checking your calendar, then asking to move it again.
• Skipping preparation. Write down your wins and one thing you want to improve.
• Sending your goals or complaints in the reply. Save them for the meeting.

Questions people ask

Should I write a self-review before the meeting?

If they ask for it, yes. If not, writing a half page of your main results and goals still helps. Bring concrete examples, because they make the conversation easier for both sides. Many managers appreciate seeing a short list ahead of time. Keep the facts specific and honest, and do not worry about sounding perfect.

What if I am nervous about the review?

That is normal. Ask what the format will be, since knowing helps. Prepare a few examples of your work and one area you want to grow in. Then go in expecting a conversation, not a trial. If you do not hear what to prepare, ask a colleague how reviews usually go.

More reply guides

• How to reply to a weekend email from your boss
• How to reply to your manager asking you to take on extra work
• How to reply to an email moving your deadline up
• How to reply to your manager cancelling your one-on-one
• How to reply to a new team member's introduction email
• How to reply to a coworker's farewell email

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.