Why interviewers ask this

This question assesses genuine openness to feedback, since candidates who cannot accept criticism gracefully are often harder to manage and slower to grow. Interviewers are listening for a real example of receiving feedback well, not just a general claim of being "open to feedback."

Choosing the right example

Pick a genuine piece of feedback you received, ideally one that was at least somewhat difficult to hear, and be honest about your initial reaction before describing how you processed and acted on it constructively. A too-easy or trivial example undermines the credibility of the answer.

How to structure your answer

Briefly describe the feedback and the context honestly, including any initial discomfort, then focus most of the answer on how you reflected on it and what you concretely changed afterward. Ending with a genuine, specific improvement resulting from the feedback makes the answer land well.

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Frequently asked questions

Is it acceptable to admit criticism initially stung or felt uncomfortable?
Yes, and honest acknowledgement of this is usually more convincing than claiming complete emotional neutrality, as long as the answer clearly shows you processed it constructively rather than staying defensive or discouraged.
Should I choose an example of criticism from a manager specifically?
A manager example works well, but feedback from a peer, client, or mentor is equally valid, as long as it is genuine and you can speak clearly to how you responded to it constructively.

Before your next interview, it helps to have the fundamentals down. Our complete guide to preparing for a job interview covers the basics, and the STAR method is a reliable way to structure almost any answer under pressure.

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