How do you respond to feedback and criticism in your work? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?

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2nd Answer Example
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During the coming years of medical school, your classwork and clinical rotations will put you in front of faculty and preceptors that can be very critical of your work. You need to be able to take feedback on your work and put it to good use in a learning environment. Your medical school interviewers want to see that you are confident and mature enough to accept feedback and criticism positively, even when it is unsolicited.

Not all feedback you will receive as a medical student will be delivered in a friendly, easy-to-absorb manner. Think of a time you received feedback or criticism that was hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted productively. Describe how you were able to take the criticism and learn from it. Talk about how you successfully implemented change.

"Last year, I received a low grade on a chemistry project. When I approached my professor about the low grade, he said, 'You can do better. I expected more from you.' I was taken aback at first, but once I had time to absorb what was said, I realized that he expected more from me because he had high expectations. It was a compliment and a challenge rolled into one! I re-did the assignment with more passion the second time around. My grade improved significantly, and I thanked that professor for holding me to a higher standard."

"Receiving criticism can be challenging. For instance, during high school my piano performance was often criticized by peers and music teachers. Students did not care for my favorite music genre and teachers critiqued my technical abilities. At the time I assumed that people did not like to hear me play the piano and I stopped for a brief period of time. However, I recognized that criticism generates opportunity for growth. Criticism is often not a personal attack. Therefore, I broadened my repertoire and worked with my professors to become a more technical pianist."

Anonymous Answer

"I think feedback is necessary to be successful at whatever you are trying to learn. Without it, you could be making mistakes that you were never aware of. While criticism can feel personal and even scary, I try to think logically about the situation and understand that the feedback is there to help me improve. I was criticized for putting too much emphasis on grades and therefore falling behind in my research, but rather than being upset, I used the opportunity to ask my PI tips on time management."

Rachelle's Feedback

You're off to a strong start. I recommend fleshing your story out further using the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This approach will ensure that you include all of the important information while providing a result. I have included a guide to STAR below.

Last, if you move your intro to be your conclusion, your answer will sound more direct. When the interviewer asks a behavioral-based question, and you begin with a 'lesson' for the interviewer vs a direct story, you're likely to lose their attention.

Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method