Can you share a situation when you felt that your performance was evaluated unfairly?

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle perceived injustices and navigate difficult conversations related to performance evaluations. The interviewer is interested in your ability to reflect on the situation, identify potential solutions, and demonstrate resilience and professionalism. It is important to show that you can handle such situations constructively and maintain a positive working relationship.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I received a performance review that I felt did not accurately reflect my contributions to a major project. The feedback suggested that I had not met certain project milestones, which was surprising to me as I had documented my progress and communicated regularly with my team.

Task: I needed to address this discrepancy with my manager to ensure that my performance was evaluated fairly and to maintain my motivation and engagement in my role.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss the review. In the meeting, I came prepared with detailed documentation of my work on the project, including emails, timeline updates, and meeting notes. I calmly expressed my concerns and presented the evidence that supported my contributions and achievements. I also asked for specific examples where they felt I had not met expectations to understand their perspective better.

Result: After reviewing the information I provided, my manager acknowledged the oversight and agreed to update my performance evaluation. They appreciated my proactive and professional approach to resolving the issue. As a result, I felt more valued and motivated, and I continued to maintain a strong working relationship with my manager. This experience taught me the importance of clear communication and documentation, and it reinforced my belief in addressing issues constructively.