Please tell me about a time when you disagreed with your performance rating.

Question Analysis

This question is designed to assess how you handle disagreements, particularly in sensitive situations like receiving feedback. The interviewer is interested in understanding your ability to communicate effectively, manage conflict, and demonstrate self-awareness and professionalism. They want to see how you approach a situation where you felt your efforts were not accurately recognized, and how you worked towards a resolution. Using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) will help structure your response in a clear and organized manner.

Answer

Situation: At my previous job, during an annual performance review, I received a rating that was lower than what I had anticipated. I had worked on several key projects and felt that my contributions were significant, so I was surprised by the feedback.

Task: I needed to understand the reasoning behind this rating and communicate my perspective to my manager. My goal was to have a constructive discussion and, if possible, ensure that my contributions were accurately reflected.

Action: I scheduled a follow-up meeting with my manager to discuss the review. During the meeting, I calmly expressed my understanding of the rating and provided specific examples of my work, emphasizing the successful outcomes and any additional responsibilities I had taken on. I asked for feedback on areas where I could improve and sought clarity on the criteria used for the rating.

Result: Through this conversation, I gained valuable insights into my manager's perspective and understood the areas where I could further develop. Additionally, my manager acknowledged the contributions I highlighted and agreed to reevaluate my performance in the next quarter. This open dialogue not only improved our working relationship but also helped me focus on specific areas for growth.