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 you perceive it as unfair. The interviewer is looking to understand your ability to remain professional, your communication skills, and your approach to resolving conflicts. It is important to demonstrate self-awareness and the ability to reflect on feedback constructively. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a helpful framework to answer this question effectively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I received a performance review that highlighted concerns about my communication with stakeholders. The feedback suggested that I was not providing timely updates, which I felt was not accurate given my consistent communication efforts.

Task: I was determined to address these concerns professionally and to clarify any misunderstandings regarding my communication practices.

Action: I scheduled a meeting with my supervisor to discuss the review in detail. During the meeting, I calmly expressed my perspective and shared specific examples of my communication efforts, such as regular email updates and meetings with stakeholders. I also asked for specific instances where my communication was perceived as lacking to better understand the feedback. Additionally, I requested constructive suggestions on how I could improve my communication skills.

Result: My supervisor appreciated my proactive approach and acknowledged that some of the feedback might have been based on a few isolated incidents. We agreed on a plan to improve communication further, including setting up more frequent check-ins with stakeholders. This experience taught me the importance of seeking clarity and working collaboratively to resolve misunderstandings. As a result, my communication with stakeholders improved, and I received positive feedback in subsequent reviews.