Interview Questions Answers

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Tell me about a time when your work was criticized

1. Justified criticism - you were off target or falling short
2. Unjustified criticism - you were on target, but challenged about it

In our quest to do our jobs well, we sometimes fall short or make an error in judgment. In this case, we deserve to receive appropriate criticism.

Justified examples might include:

• Impatience with a demanding customer or difficult co-worker
• Over planning and not enough action to move things forward
• Demanding too much of others or ourselves
• Being too lenient or tolerant
• Being over-analytical on a project which caused delays

What your interviewer really wants to know about you is:

Can you accept criticism and manage your attitude accordingly?

There is no better way to test your character than by asking you to share a time when your work was criticized...and then observing your reaction.

Someone who is flexible and secure will have no problem sharing a shortcoming, and how they grew from it. In this case, you send a clear message to your interviewer that you are easy to manage and willing to accept criticism.

The best way to answer this question is by sharing a criticism that could also be perceived as a strength. For a broader understanding of this, go to my page, What are your weaknesses?

But there is the flip side to interview questions-answers of this nature if a company is experiencing lots of problems, changes, or chaos.

In this environment, you could experience a lot of criticism or push back by co-workers or managers if you suggest sweeping changes to benefit the company.

So, perhaps the company your interviewing with is looking for a Change Agent with a thick skin who isn't afraid to rock the boat despite resistance or complaining.

Examples might include:

• A turnaround company with lots of systemic problems
• A company with a reputation of poor quality requiring uncomfortable changes
• A change in company ownership with aggressive new goals
• A bold new project or product that requires pushing people to get outside their comfort zones
• Cost cutting measures to drive out waste and inefficiencies within an organization

This is why it's important to do your homework in preparing for a job interview. Your research about this company will give you keen insights into interview questions-answers of this nature.

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