Job appraisal is the process by which a manager or consultant examines and evaluates an employee's with performance by comparing it with preset standards, documents the results of the comparison, and uses the results to provide feedback to the employee to show where improvements are needed and why. Basically it consists of ratings or comments for key criteria of behaviour and performance.

Appraisals are a part of career development and consist of regular reviews of employee performance within organizations. Performance appraisals are employed to determine the training one needs and who will be promoted, demoted, retained, or fired. It also provides a basis for pay increases. They are also important to help staff members improve their performance and as an avenue by which they can be rewarded or recognized for a job well done. Hence, the job appraisal is a personnel tool that helps the organizations its targets.