How do you respond to feedback and criticism? Describe a situation where your work was criticized. What was your immediate reaction to the situation?
The interviewers want to see that you are confident and mature enough to accept feedback and criticism in a positive way, even when it is unsolicited.
Not all feedback will be delivered in a friendly, easy to absorb manner. Think to a time when you received feedback or criticism that was bit hurtful or surprising. Discuss how you reacted in a productive way.
It is important that you highlight for the interviewers that 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 to me '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 of what I was capable of doing. It was a compliment, and a challenge, all rolled into one! I re-did the assignment with more gusto and passion the second time around. My grade improved significantly and I did thank that professor for holding me to a higher standard."
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
During one semester, due to family responsibilities, I couldn't perform as strongly as I would have liked. I emailed my advisor to seek counseling, and she told me to move on with next semester's studies. She had confidence that I would perform better.
Rachelle's Feedback
Solid start to your story example. When asked questions such as, 'Describe a situation...' the interviewer is looking for a full story example. If you'd like help learning how to frame an answer in this way, we have a helpful guide here: https://www.mockquestions.com/articles/Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method/
Anonymous Answer
I invite criticism. I am always looking for feedback on how I can improve on what I’m doing, if I can do something better, I want to know.
During my undergrad, I received a low grade on a lab report. It was the first lab report I had done at a university level so while I expected the grade to be a little lower than my average I was taken aback that it was significantly lower. At first, I was quite disheartened but I approached my tutor who took the time to review it with me. I took on all her feedback and applied it to my subsequent reports which greatly improved the quality of my work and thus my grade.
Marcie's Feedback
You have done a great job here of using the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) to structure your response, and it's great that you are so open to feedback. What kind of feedback did your tutor give you when you approached them about your low grade? Being more specific will make your answer even stronger. Great job!
Unlock all 30 Optometry School questions
Master questions that admissions committees use to evaluate future optometrists.
Get Started