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Describe a situation in which you received negative feedback from a client. How did you handle it and make improvements to meet their expectations?

Ghostwriter Interview Questions
Describe a situation in which you received negative feedback from a client. How did you handle it and make improvements to meet their expectations?

Sample answer to the question

In a previous project, I was working with a client who provided negative feedback on my initial draft. The client felt that the content did not align with their vision and was not engaging enough. To handle this, I first took the feedback positively and thanked the client for their input. I then initiated a discussion with the client to understand their expectations more clearly. We had a detailed conversation where I asked specific questions about their preferred writing style, tone, and the specific elements they wanted to be included. Based on this discussion, I made revisions to the draft, enhancing the storytelling and incorporating the client's suggestions. The final result was well-received by the client, and they praised the improvements made. This experience taught me the importance of open communication and actively seeking feedback to deliver a product that exceeds expectations.

A more solid answer

During a recent project, a client expressed dissatisfaction with the initial draft I had provided. The client felt that the content lacked the engaging storytelling they were looking for. To address this, I scheduled a meeting with the client to discuss their feedback in detail. I actively listened to their concerns and asked for specific examples of the style and tone they had in mind. By understanding their expectations more clearly, I was able to make targeted revisions to the draft. I focused on enhancing the narrative, incorporating their suggested changes, and injecting more creativity into the content. The client appreciated the collaborative process and the improvements made. By being adaptable and willing to adjust my writing style to match their vision, I was able to turn the negative feedback into a positive outcome.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer includes specific details such as scheduling a meeting, actively listening to the client, asking for specific examples, and making targeted revisions based on their feedback. It also emphasizes the evaluation areas mentioned in the job description, highlighting the candidate's strong communication and interview skills, ability to work collaboratively, and adaptability in writing various voices and styles. However, it can still be improved by providing more specific examples of the revisions made and the positive outcome achieved.

An exceptional answer

In a recent project, I encountered negative feedback from a client regarding the initial draft I had submitted. The client expressed dissatisfaction with the tone of the content and felt that it didn't capture their voice effectively. To address this, I took a proactive approach by immediately reaching out to the client and requesting a sit-down meeting to discuss their concerns in depth. During the meeting, I actively listened and asked insightful questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of their expectations. I took thorough notes to ensure I captured every detail accurately. With this clarity, I embarked on the revision process, meticulously reviewing each section of the draft. I made substantial changes to the tone, rewriting passages to better align with the client's vision. Additionally, I conducted extensive research to incorporate fresh ideas and anecdotes that would resonate with the client's target audience. The revised content surpassed the client's expectations and received high praise. This experience reinforced the importance of open communication, adaptability, and a commitment to meeting and exceeding client expectations.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer includes specific details such as immediately reaching out to the client, requesting a sit-down meeting, actively listening, asking insightful questions, taking thorough notes, and making substantial changes to the content to align with the client's vision. It also highlights the candidate's commitment to meeting and exceeding client expectations by conducting extensive research and incorporating fresh ideas. The answer showcases the candidate's strong communication and interview skills, adaptability, and willingness to go above and beyond. The improvement in this answer lies in providing more specific examples of the changes made and the precise feedback received from the client.

How to prepare for this question

  • Reflect on past experiences where you received negative feedback and focus on the steps you took to address it.
  • Practice active listening skills and asking insightful questions to gather comprehensive feedback.
  • Research different writing styles and familiarize yourself with various genres to demonstrate adaptability.
  • Highlight experiences where you collaborated with clients or team members to achieve the desired outcome.
  • Be prepared to discuss situations where you met or exceeded client expectations through effective communication and revisions.

What interviewers are evaluating

  • Strong communication and interview skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Adaptability and willingness to write in various voices and styles

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