Tell us about some unpleasant feedback that you received?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle criticism and feedback—especially when it's not positive. Employers want to understand your ability to receive, process, and act on feedback in a constructive manner. They are looking for candidates who can demonstrate self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to personal and professional growth.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was responsible for overseeing a team working on a critical client project. During a mid-project review meeting, my supervisor provided feedback that my communication with the client was not as clear as it could be, which was causing some confusion.

Task: My task was to ensure that all communications were clear and concise, and to maintain a strong relationship with the client to prevent any misunderstandings.

Action: I took the feedback seriously and scheduled a follow-up meeting with my supervisor to gain more specific insights into where my communication was lacking. I also reviewed all past communications and identified areas for improvement. I implemented a new protocol for client communication, which included more structured updates and regular check-ins. Additionally, I sought feedback from the client after each interaction to ensure clarity and understanding.

Result: As a result of these changes, the client's feedback became more positive, and we were able to complete the project on time and meet all expectations. My supervisor noticed the improvement and praised my proactive approach to handling the feedback. This experience taught me the importance of addressing feedback head-on and continuously improving communication skills.