Interview Question: How Well Do You Handle Criticism?

Somewhere into your job interview the interviewer may turn to you — maybe look you sincerely in the eyes — and ask “How well do you handle criticism?” Or some variation of that like “Does criticism bother you?”

This is a behavioral interview question. As great as your skills may be, a company wants to get a feel for who you really are. What you’ll be like on a daily basis. And how you’ll handle working with others.

So how do you handle criticism?

Odds are you’re not especially a fan of criticism and definitely don’t look forward to it at work. But before any job interview, it’s worth thinking about how you’d answer this question if asked.

First, take any honest look at yourself and remember how you really handled being told you did something badly. Or said the wrong thing. Or weren’t a team player.

Don’t whitewash it for yourself. Just try to objectively review your part in the discussion. Did you really listen and think about it. Maybe even acknowledge / show respect for the person telling you this. Or did you immediately go into defense mode? Or negate it totally?

Not every bit of criticism has value. Or is motivated by sincere helpfulness. But odds are it offers some feedback worth paying attention to, even if only a cue that you are rubbing people you work with the wrong way.

But what an interviewer is after is how you handle things that are not comfortable. Do you show respect, even if you disagree? Can you listen without your temper rising? Or are you ready to put your verbal dukes up and prove the person wrong.

How to handle the criticism question

Although perhaps tempting to simply smile and say “Oh, I love criticism. I learn from it.” most interviewers are looking for a little more. Something revealing about who you are, how you  behave, and your thought processes.

So this is a good chance to be mostly honest. If you normally rage against the wind, I’d leave that out of the interview. And out of your work self going forward, if I may offer that suggestion.

But you can say that you might be surprised depending on how it’s offered and possibly need to take a moment. Even if at first you don’t agree, you try your best to listen and then take time later to reflect. And think about any things that you realize you could improve.

You may also add that if the situation permits you ask for more information to better understand. Not that you love criticism, but if offered as constructive you try your best to find value. And, as with most interview questions, cement your answer with a real-life example.

In this case, prepare a real-life story that shows how you grew from something a coworker or boss pointed out. Kind of like “Oh, I love criticism. I learn from it.” but adding more depth, memorability, and believability to your answer!

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