Hiring managers and employers ask a lot of different types of questions as they try to determine whether you have any weaknesses that would interfere with your ability to perform the job you've applied for. It can feel a little like you're walking a minefield when you're engaged in an interview where questions are hurled at you one after another. Show
One question you might be asked is, "What was the biggest criticism you received from your boss in your last job?" To say that answering this one might be tricky is an understatement. Here are a few things to keep in mind. What Interviewers Want to KnowInterviewers have a few goals in mind with this question. First, this is another way to ask about your weaknesses. While employers want to know what you're good at, they're also curious about areas where you're less skilled. This question is also a good way to get a sense of your character. Does criticism make you defensive or angry? Finally, interviewers will also be looking for your long-term response, and the types of adjustments you make in response to feedback. How to Answer Questions About Criticism You've ReceivedYou should be ready to share an issue or an incident or two that have surfaced over time, but pick a performance area that's not central to the job you're applying for. Try to select an issue that you've addressed and improved upon but that you don't have to excel at in order to be superb in the position being offered. For example, if your supervisor once critiqued your public speaking skills, you can mention this and explain that it led you to take steps to enhance those skills. But again, this approach works best if excellent public speaking skills are not crucial to the new position you're applying for. You don't want to raise a red flag that you might once have had trouble with this particular skill. NoteIf you can't think of anything right away, take some time to reflect. That's good because it shows that you're taking the question seriously. You can even use this tactic if you've actually considered the question in advance and already know the answer you want to give. Be careful about supplying glib, clichéd answers here, too. Don't bother pointing out that a particular weakness also can be interpreted as a strength. A good interviewer will already realize this, and most interviewers will be turned off by statements like, "I'm a perfectionist and I put too much pressure on myself." Although you don't want to mention a deal-breaker criticism, you also don't want to mention something very minor, like a critique of your filing skills when you are applying for an executive-level position. This type of response will make you seem like you're not truly engaging with the question. Examples of the Best AnswersExample Answer #1My manager pointed out that during meetings, I seemed more absorbed in my computer and phone than people speaking. I'd been using my devices to take notes, but it was easy to get distracted by the ping of arriving emails. Now, I disconnect my device from the internet in meetings so I can't get distracted by the ping of new emails and messages from colleagues. Why It Works: This is a very honest, relatable response. (Many of us find ourselves distracted by our phones buzzing and beeps.) The candidate shows how they responded to negative feedback by adjusting their habits. Example Answer #2After sharing a draft of a planned presentation with my manager, I received a lot of feedback about tiny errors. I'd had typos and mislabeled charts on several slides. My manager really called me out on it. At first, I felt a bit defensive: I work in sales, not as a writer or editor. But I realized the importance of these details, and how they can make a poor impression. Now, I leave myself enough time to review my work in depth, and seek out feedback from colleagues prior to sharing presentations with higher-ups. Why It Works: In this answer, the candidate shows how they adjusted their behavior in response to negative feedback. And, they're honest about having a poor reaction to it initially, but then moving beyond that defensive response. Tips for Giving the Best ResponseKeep these strategies in mind as you come up with your response:
What Not to SaySome answers to this question will work against you. Here's what to avoid.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
Key Takeaways
How should you respond to constructive criticism?
Why should you listen to constructive criticism?Constructive criticism refers to any feedback that is designed to help you instead of put you down. At work, constructive criticism is important because it gives team members direction without damaging the morale or culture at your workplace.
How to respond to the interview question?To respond to an interview request, follow the steps below:
How to provide employees with constructive criticism?Tips on How to Give Constructive Criticism
How do you answer Tell me about a time you received constructive criticism?Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:. Explain a situation where you improved your performance after receiving constructive criticism.. Talk about how you listened and made changes when a boss. ... . It can also be insightful to describe a time when your work was unfairly criticized, and how you were able to.. What is a good example of constructive criticism?Describe the specific situation. For example: “It is really frustrating because you don't understand your role on the team. All you care about is doing your job; it doesn't matter to you that other people are struggling because they aren't getting enough help from us!” Avoid judgmental language.
How do you answer criticism Questions?Tell the interviewer when and why the situation occurred and who was involved. Task: Next, tell the interviewer what the criticism was. This is the improvement that the person who gave the feedback tasked you with making. Action: Now, explain what steps you took to improve based on the criticism you received.
Can you describe a time when you face criticism and how do you respond to it?So, whenever someone criticized my work I never feel bad because they are telling me the mistake and it give me to improve my knowledge. Actually, I learned a lot from the mistake. As being a responsible employee I did my all job with honesty and utmost responsibility so it had been never criticised.
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