Tell us about a time when you received constructive feedback. How did you respond?
When working as an Intern for KPMG, it's essential to be ready to receive feedback from your direct managers, engagement team members, and others. This constructive feedback will help you grow, learn, and develop the emotional intelligence required to succeed in a Big 4 firm. The way you receive and respond to feedback is critical to KPMG. Show the interviewers that you react to constructive feedback open-mindedly rather than becoming defensive or engaging in conflict.
To deliver an answer to this behavioral-based interview question, try using the STAR answer method, an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. Using STAR, tell a story of when you received constructive feedback, responded maturely, and took action to apply the feedback and create improvements.
"Last fall, during my first-year internship, I noticed some of the senior leaders were dressing more casually on Fridays. They weren't in suits yet still looked professional. On my first Friday, I arrived at the office in business casual clothing. My manager called me into their office and let me know immediately that my dress code was not up to the formal business standards of the organization. Rather than give my reasoning and explaining that I dressed in a way that reflected what I had observed, I took the feedback professionally. The firm outlined the proper dress code in my contract and that I was in breach of it, regardless. My manager and I agreed that, in the future, if I were unsure, I would ask them for clarification. I apologized for my mistake and, from then on, was sure to dress in a manner that reflected the firm more formally. I am always open to hearing feedback and applying the changes necessary to grow and improve. As an Intern, I must absorb as much as I can from my leaders and those around me who offer helpful feedback."
