How do you handle feedback and criticism on your writing?
Medical Writer Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
When it comes to feedback and criticism on my writing, I always approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn and improve. I understand that feedback is valuable and can help me grow as a writer. I take the time to carefully consider the feedback and evaluate how it can enhance the clarity, coherence, and quality of my writing. I am not defensive or dismissive of criticism, but rather see it as an opportunity to refine my skills. I appreciate constructive feedback that provides specific suggestions for improvement, and I am proactive in implementing those suggestions in my work. Overall, I strive to maintain a positive and professional attitude when receiving feedback on my writing.
A more solid answer
As a Medical Writer, I understand the importance of constructive feedback and criticism in honing my writing skills. I actively seek feedback from colleagues and supervisors to ensure the accuracy and clarity of my medical documents. When receiving feedback, I carefully analyze it to identify areas of improvement and implement the necessary changes. For example, if a colleague points out a section in my document that could be more concise or coherent, I immediately revise it to enhance readability. I also make use of the track changes feature in Microsoft Office to incorporate feedback efficiently. Additionally, I am familiar with the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, which enables me to align my writing with industry standards. Overall, I approach feedback and criticism with a growth mindset and use it as an opportunity to continually enhance my writing skills.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer addresses the specific skills and knowledge required for the Medical Writer position, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. It also provides specific examples and details that demonstrate the candidate's abilities in these areas. However, the answer could be improved by including more information on the candidate's critical thinking and problem-solving skills in handling feedback and criticism.
An exceptional answer
Handling feedback and criticism on my writing is a crucial part of my growth as a Medical Writer. I actively seek feedback from colleagues, clients, and subject matter experts to ensure the accuracy, validity, and clarity of my medical documents. For instance, after drafting a research article, I proactively request feedback from a senior medical writer who specializes in the same therapeutic area. This not only helps me identify any gaps or inconsistencies in the content but also allows me to learn from their expertise. Additionally, I utilize critical thinking skills to evaluate feedback objectively and determine its relevance to improving the overall quality of my writing. If multiple sources provide conflicting feedback, I proactively seek clarification to ensure I address the underlying issues effectively. Moreover, I approach criticism with professionalism and a growth mindset, viewing it as an opportunity to enhance my writing skills further. I take ownership of my weaknesses and actively seek resources and learning opportunities to address them. By continuously welcoming feedback and criticism, I strive to deliver medical documents that meet and exceed industry standards while showcasing my ability to think critically and problem-solve effectively.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer demonstrates a strong understanding of the skills and knowledge required for the Medical Writer position, including the ability to actively seek feedback from diverse sources and utilize critical thinking skills in evaluating and implementing feedback. It also showcases the candidate's professionalism and growth mindset in handling criticism. The answer provides specific examples and details that highlight the candidate's ability to think critically and problem-solve effectively. However, to further improve, the candidate could include specific instances where they have put their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to use in resolving feedback and criticism.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with the Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines. Understanding these guidelines will help you align your writing with industry standards and demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
- Practice actively seeking feedback and criticism on your writing. Seek input from colleagues or join writing groups where you can receive constructive feedback and utilize it to enhance your writing skills.
- Highlight specific instances in your past experience where you have implemented feedback and improved your writing. This could be through revisions based on feedback or learning from subject matter experts.
- Demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving skills by discussing how you have addressed conflicting feedback or used feedback to improve the overall quality of your writing. Provide concrete examples to showcase these skills.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Strong writing and editing skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and document management systems
- Understanding of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Related Interview Questions
More questions for Medical Writer interviews