JUNIOR LEVEL

How do you handle feedback and criticism on your work? Can you give an example?

Sample answer to the question

When it comes to feedback and criticism on my work, I always prioritize a growth mindset. I welcome constructive feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve. An example of how I handled feedback was when my team lead suggested a more efficient way to structure my code. Instead of taking it personally, I thanked them for their input and made the necessary changes. I understood that their feedback was aimed at helping me become a better developer. I take feedback seriously and actively seek it out, whether it's from my peers, team lead, or even through code reviews. This constant feedback loop helps me enhance my skills and produce better quality work.

A more solid answer

When it comes to feedback and criticism on my work, I have developed strong communication skills to handle them effectively. I value open and honest communication, so I actively seek feedback from my peers, team lead, and stakeholders. An example of how I handled feedback was when my team lead suggested a more efficient way to structure my code. Instead of taking it personally, I thanked them for their input and initiated a further discussion to fully understand their perspective. This enabled me to make the necessary changes and improve the overall quality of my work. I am adaptable and open to learning new approaches, so I quickly incorporated the feedback into my development process. This experience taught me the importance of being receptive to feedback and continuously striving for improvement.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer enhances the basic answer by providing more specific details about the candidate's communication skills. It mentions actively seeking feedback from various sources and engaging in open discussions. The example also demonstrates the candidate's adaptability and willingness to learn by incorporating the feedback into their work. However, it can still be improved by providing additional examples and showcasing the candidate's continuous learning mindset.

An exceptional answer

I believe handling feedback and criticism is essential for personal and professional growth. While receiving feedback, I remain open-minded and listen attentively to understand the perspective being shared. An example of how I handled feedback was during a code review. My peer pointed out potential performance improvements in my code. Instead of getting defensive, I thanked them for their valuable feedback and expressed my interest in learning more. I proactively researched the suggested improvements, implemented them, and then engaged in a follow-up discussion with my peer to solicit further input. This experience not only improved the performance of my code but also strengthened my relationship with the team through collaborative problem-solving. Through these experiences, I have developed a continuous learning mindset, actively seeking opportunities for professional development, such as attending workshops and online courses. I believe that feedback is crucial for growth, and I am committed to using it as a stepping stone towards becoming an exceptional software engineer.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by emphasizing the candidate's active listening skills and their willingness to research and further discuss feedback. It showcases the candidate's ability to collaborate with peers and their commitment to continuous learning and professional development. The candidate's proactive approach in implementing the suggestions and their commitment to growth make this an exceptional answer. The only area for improvement would be to provide more examples of how the candidate has actively sought feedback and incorporated it into their work.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you received feedback or criticism on your work and think about how you handled it.
Consider specific examples where you took feedback positively and made improvements based on the feedback received.
Practice active listening skills to ensure you understand feedback accurately before responding.
Highlight your commitment to continuous learning and growth by mentioning any professional development initiatives you have taken, such as attending workshops or completing online courses.
Research common feedback or criticism related to software engineering and prepare thoughtful responses on how you would handle them.

What interviewers are evaluating

Communication
Adaptability
Continuous Learning