How to Answer: Workday believes in a transparent workplace. How do you respond to unsolicited feedback?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Workday job interview.
21. Workday believes in a transparent workplace. How do you respond to unsolicited feedback?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Under their code of conduct, they frequently touch on their commitment to being open and transparent, especially concerning their core value of integrity, "We say what we mean, and mean what we say. We stick to our commitments, treat everyone equitably, and communicate openly and honestly." So, your interviewer would like to know whether you respond professionally to unsolicited feedback and pivot your approach when needed. It is one thing to take the input, but it is more impressive to show that you can implement the suggestion if required, regardless of how the message is delivered.
Written by Rachelle Enns
What You Need to Know
It's easy to feel defensive when you receive unsolicited advice, in part because it can feel like the other person doesn't trust you to handle things themselves. Receiving feedback well doesn't mean you have to implement it. Yet, portraying you are seeking growth opportunities conveys emotional intelligence. Being good at receiving feedback means you receive it, hear it, and work to understand it. Talk about how you appreciate unsolicited feedback because it helps you learn, grow, and consider another perspective.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on June 27th, 2022
1st Entry Level Example
"I think it is important to listen carefully to all feedback, especially when it isn't constructive. If you are adept at communicating non-defensively, you should be equally adept at nondefensive listening. Every bit of feedback anyone gives is a growth opportunity. I want to fast-track my career to the best of my ability. So whatever the feedback, I'll be grateful for it."
Written by Kevin Downey on May 3rd, 2023
1st Answer Example
"When I receive unsolicited feedback, I will take a step back and assess whether I believe the person had my best interest in mind. If I determine they intend to help me, I will approach them and ask for them to elaborate and perhaps suggest a way for me to implement change. If they are only trying to hinder my performance, I go about my day."
Written by Rachelle Enns
2nd Answer Example
"I have very thick skin, so if I receive unsolicited feedback, I can take it with a grain of salt. Customers will complain about our set pricing, the color of our packaging - anything you could think of. If my boss recommends that I have a better organizational system, I will take that to heart and take a good hard look at my organizational methodology. I am always open to change and workplace improvements."
Written by Rachelle Enns
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About the Author
When I started my career in business management, branding, and marketing, I believed in the company I worked for. The company was growing, they operated with integrity, and it was truly a fun place to work. They had a great brand; people loved shopping there. I was popular just because I worked there. To this day, I am grateful for everything the company gave me and how it changed my life for the better. That’s the kind of place you want to work - a place that feels like a good fit for you. This should be the mutual goal of both the interviewer and the interviewee. I knew that going into my interview for that job, and I knocked it out of the park. When I was recruited into management, I had no idea what I was getting into. I assumed the harder I worked, the faster I’d rise through the ranks. But I had no idea how much I had to grow and develop personally and professionally to get there. I accepted the challenge, but it was an uphill battle, nonetheless. Not too many people helped me out, either. There was a lot of competition, and I was just thrown to the wolves. And there were not only wolves but sharks in that tank. Talk about tough. So I learned most of my leadership skills the hard way, and the journey was long.
Conducting interviews is an art form. As a leader, my favorite parts of the job were interviewing, recruiting, building the perfect team, and mentoring and coaching those on my team. Every single individual I mentored advanced far ahead of their peers. But it all starts with that interview and making sure the job was the right fit for them.
I love coaching so much that I later volunteered my services at career fairs and trade schools. I left my management career behind me and am now a full-time writer. Yet, I still love coaching others to succeed, and I love writing for mockquestions.com for this very reason.
Not everybody knows their way around crafting the perfect CV and resume, the secrets to delivering a flawless interview, or how to negotiate a decent raise. It’s hard to navigate that terrain without a map, and I enjoy giving people directions. Here’s what I said to a friend I mentored long ago: “Every single thing you do, at every stage, can alter the perception others have of your professional worth. My goal is to make you look like an asset worth fighting for.”
Learn more about Kevin Downey