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

Question Analysis

This question is designed to evaluate how you handle feedback and disagreement, particularly in a professional setting. It assesses your ability to reflect on your performance, communicate effectively, and take constructive actions in response to criticism. The interviewer wants to see if you can maintain professionalism and a positive attitude even when faced with negative feedback.

Answer

Situation: At my previous job, during the annual performance review, I received a performance rating that was lower than I expected. My manager highlighted areas where they felt I needed improvement, particularly in time management and prioritizing tasks.

Task: I needed to address this feedback constructively, not only to improve my performance but also to ensure my contributions were properly recognized.

Action: I scheduled a follow-up meeting with my manager to discuss the feedback in detail. I prepared by reviewing my past projects and accomplishments to understand the context better. During the meeting, I asked for specific examples where my performance didn’t meet expectations and sought advice on how to improve. I also shared my perspective on some of the challenges I faced and proposed a plan to enhance my productivity, including prioritizing tasks more effectively and setting clearer deadlines.

Result: This discussion clarified the expectations and opened a channel for ongoing feedback. Over the next few months, I implemented the improvements and regularly checked in with my manager to track my progress. By the next review cycle, my performance rating improved significantly, and I received positive feedback for my proactive approach and development in the areas previously highlighted.