Respond to Negative Feedback About Your Work

Tell me about a time you received negative feedback on your work. What was the criticism, how did you decide which parts were fair, and what did you do afterward?

Share an actual example and describe what you did. Cover your first reaction, the conversation with the person who gave the feedback, the behavior or decision you adjusted, and any sign that the adjustment made a difference. You don't have to reveal confidential information or pretend the story ended with full agreement.

What a Strong Answer Covers

• The actual criticism and enough work context to make sense of it, not a strength in disguise.
• A clear separation between how you felt at first and the steps you took to examine the feedback.
• Tangible follow-up, including pushing back respectfully when part of the criticism wasn't backed up.
• Proof of whether the change had an impact, plus a takeaway that shaped your later work.

Follow-up Questions

• What would you have done if you still disagreed after the conversation?
• How did you ensure the change stuck after that initial discussion?

Overview: For a negative-feedback interview question, use a specific example, careful evaluation, real follow-through, evidence of change, and reflection.

Read the full interview experience this question came from.