Tell me about a time when your performance rating differed from what you expected.

Question Analysis

This behavioral interview question seeks to understand how you handle situations where there is a discrepancy between your expectations and reality, particularly concerning performance evaluations. The interviewer wants to assess your self-awareness, ability to receive feedback, and how you address and improve from such experiences. It's crucial to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your willingness to grow from constructive criticism.

Answer

Situation: At my previous job, during my annual performance review, I received a "Meets Expectations" rating. I had anticipated a "Exceeds Expectations" rating based on my contributions to a major project that significantly increased the team's productivity.

Task: I needed to understand why there was a discrepancy between my expectations and the evaluation, and determine how I could improve my performance and align more closely with the company's evaluation criteria.

Action: I scheduled a follow-up meeting with my manager to discuss the evaluation in detail. During the meeting, I asked for specific examples and feedback about areas where I could improve. I learned that while my project contributions were strong, there were areas in collaboration and communication that needed work. I then created a personal improvement plan with actionable steps to enhance these skills, such as attending workshops and seeking feedback from peers after team meetings.

Result: Over the next six months, I implemented these improvements, which not only enhanced my teamwork and communication skills but also positively impacted our team's performance. In my subsequent review, I received a "Exceeds Expectations" rating, reflecting my growth and commitment to continuous improvement. This experience taught me the importance of seeking feedback and being proactive in personal development.