Describe a time when you disagreed with a performance rating you received.

Question Analysis

This question seeks to understand how you handle feedback, especially when you disagree with it. It assesses your ability to respond professionally to criticism, your conflict resolution skills, and your capacity for self-reflection. When answering this question, it's essential to show that you can remain calm, articulate your perspective respectfully, and work towards a constructive outcome. The STAR method will help you structure your response effectively by detailing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a marketing coordinator, I received my annual performance review and was surprised to see that I was rated as "meets expectations" in project management, despite having led several successful campaigns.

Task: It was important for me to understand the reasoning behind this rating and to ensure my efforts and contributions were accurately recognized.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss the performance review. During the meeting, I remained calm and open-minded. I asked for specific examples and feedback on how I could improve my project management skills. I also took the opportunity to highlight instances where I successfully managed projects, such as a recent campaign that exceeded its targets by 20%.

Result: My manager appreciated my proactive approach and clarified that the rating was based on a single instance where a deadline was narrowly missed due to unforeseen circumstances. She acknowledged my overall strong performance and agreed to reassess the rating. This conversation not only improved my performance rating but also strengthened my relationship with my manager and provided me with valuable feedback for future improvements.