How do you handle criticism?
This question is layered. Your interviewer wants to assess how you respond to feedback, constructive or negative. They want to know if you are easily offended or defensive. They are also curious if you take responsibility for your actions or are quick to re-assign blame, whether justified or not.
Understanding that not everyone communicates the same requires empathy and the ability to not internalize someone else's reactions. If someone delivers negative feedback in an unprofessional manner, that is a reflection of their mood or outlook and not you. Consider this when answering this question.
"I've never had any issues taking ownership of my mistakes and learning from them. I'm usually the first to recognize and admit my mistakes. I used to be my own worst critic, but I've learned we're all human, and to make mistakes is human. If someone offers criticism, I'll take what they have to say to heart. If the criticism doesn't feel constructive, I won't take it personally. When the timing is right, and that person isn't feeling defensive, I might offer them some constructive feedback on how to more effectively communicate their message non-defensively."
Some keywords, taglines, and terms on NBC's website to consider when formulating your answer are confidence in your written and oral communication skills, kindness, and empathy towards yourself and others. Ownership of your experience includes learning from mistakes and asking questions.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I've never had any issues taking accountability for my mistakes and learning from them. I'm usually the first person to recognize and admit my mistakes. I used to be my own worst critic, actually, I still am my own worst critic. But I've learned that we're all human, and to make mistakes is human. So if someone offers criticism, I'll take what they have to say to heart. If the criticism doesn't feel constructive, then I won't take it personally. I know at the end of the day, I still have to get the job done and can’t dread that mistake. I just have to take into account that going forward I can’t make the same mistake twice.
Jaymie's Feedback
This is a really good attitude to have. Interviewers want to hear that you can be open-minded and receptive to feedback, and it sounds like you welcome feedback, digest it, and try to learn something from it.
