Tell me about a time when you received a performance review that you felt was unjustified.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle feedback, especially when it seems unfair. The interviewer is interested in your ability to manage emotions, communicate effectively, and take constructive actions even in challenging situations. They want to see if you can maintain professionalism, learn from experiences, and grow from feedback, justified or not. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure a clear and impactful response.

Answer

Situation: During my annual performance review at my previous job, I received feedback indicating that I was not collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. This feedback surprised me, as I believed I had been actively engaging with colleagues across departments.

Task: I needed to address this feedback constructively and understand the basis for it. My goal was to gain clarity, improve my performance, and rectify any actual issues.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my manager to discuss the review. I approached the conversation with an open mind, asking for specific examples and clarifications. I also reached out to team members I worked closely with to gather their perspectives on my collaboration efforts. Based on the feedback, I implemented regular check-ins with cross-functional teams and actively sought their input on projects.

Result: Through these efforts, I strengthened my relationships with team members and improved our collaboration. In subsequent reviews, my manager noted significant improvements in my teamwork and acknowledged my proactive approach to addressing the feedback. This experience taught me the importance of seeking clarity and being open to growth, even when feedback seems unjustified initially.