Tell me about a time when you got a performance rating you disagreed with.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle feedback, especially when it is not favorable. It evaluates your ability to manage disagreements professionally and constructively. The interviewer is looking for evidence of your self-awareness, communication skills, and how you handle workplace conflict. It's important to demonstrate that you can accept feedback, reflect on it, and take appropriate action without becoming defensive.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project coordinator, during my annual performance review, I received a rating that was lower than I anticipated. This was attributed to an issue with a project that faced delays.

Task: I felt that the rating did not fully reflect my contributions and the circumstances that led to the delay. My task was to address this feedback constructively and seek clarity on specific areas for improvement.

Action: I scheduled a follow-up meeting with my manager to discuss the performance review. During the conversation, I expressed my appreciation for the feedback and sought to understand the specific reasons behind the rating. I provided context about the project delays, highlighting the unforeseen challenges we encountered, such as supplier issues. I also emphasized the proactive steps I had taken to mitigate these problems, like arranging alternative suppliers and adjusting timelines. I asked for specific examples of areas where I could improve and requested additional feedback on how I could exceed expectations in the future.

Result: My manager appreciated my initiative to seek clarification and acknowledged the external factors impacting the project. We agreed on an action plan that included more frequent check-ins and additional training on project management tools. This experience taught me the importance of open communication and adaptability, and I was able to improve my performance in subsequent projects, ultimately achieving a higher rating in the next review cycle.