How do you handle criticism and feedback on your work?

Technical Writer for Aerospace Interview Questions

Sample answer to the question

I handle criticism and feedback on my work by maintaining an open mindset and seeing it as an opportunity for growth. When I receive criticism, I take the time to understand the feedback and reflect on how it can help me improve my work. I don't take it personally but rather see it as valuable input that can contribute to delivering better results. I always appreciate when others take the time to provide feedback because it shows that they care about the quality of our work. I also proactively seek feedback by regularly checking in with my colleagues and supervisors to ensure that I am meeting their expectations. Overall, I believe that embracing criticism and feedback is essential for personal and professional development.

A more solid answer

In handling criticism and feedback, I prioritize maintaining an open-minded and receptive approach. For instance, in my previous role as a Technical Writer, I actively sought feedback from subject matter experts and end-users by conducting regular review meetings and usability testing sessions. This helped me to gather valuable insights and identify areas for improvement in my documentation. When receiving criticism, I listen attentively, ask clarifying questions, and make sure to understand the specific areas that require improvement. I then incorporate the feedback into my work by revising and updating the documentation accordingly. Additionally, I've also collaborated with cross-functional teams to facilitate the feedback process, such as organizing feedback sessions and implementing a centralized feedback tracking system. Overall, my approach to handling criticism and feedback is to view them as opportunities for growth and continuous improvement.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific examples from past experiences, demonstrating how the candidate actively sought and incorporated feedback into their work. It also mentions collaboration with cross-functional teams to facilitate the feedback process. However, it could be improved by including more details on the candidate's receptiveness to feedback and their ability to handle criticism in a professional and constructive manner.

An exceptional answer

Handling criticism and feedback on my work is an integral part of my professional growth and commitment to delivering high-quality documentation. To ensure an open-minded and receptive approach, I actively seek feedback by collaborating with cross-functional teams. For example, in my previous role as a Technical Writer, I established a feedback committee consisting of representatives from engineering, product, and customer support teams. We met regularly to review and discuss documentation drafts, gather feedback, and address any concerns or suggestions. This collaborative approach not only encouraged a culture of continuous improvement but also strengthened relationships between teams. When receiving criticism, I maintain a calm and professional demeanor, focusing on understanding the underlying issues and seeking clarification if needed. This allows me to leverage feedback as a learning opportunity and adapt my work accordingly. Additionally, I regularly engage in self-reflection, seeking opportunities to enhance my skills through training and professional development initiatives. By embracing criticism and feedback, I consistently strive to deliver documentation that exceeds expectations and meets the needs of diverse audiences.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes beyond the solid answer by providing additional details on how the candidate collaborated with cross-functional teams to establish a feedback committee. It also emphasizes their ability to handle criticism in a calm and professional manner. Furthermore, the answer highlights the candidate's commitment to personal growth through self-reflection and professional development. The exceptional answer demonstrates a strong alignment with the evaluation areas of open-mindedness, continuous improvement, receptiveness, and collaboration.

How to prepare for this question

Familiarize yourself with the importance of receiving and handling feedback in a professional manner.
Reflect on past experiences where you received criticism or feedback. Identify the lessons learned and how you applied them to improve your work.
Practice active listening skills to show receptiveness and understanding when receiving feedback.
Think of ways you can collaborate with others to gather feedback, such as setting up regular review meetings or usability testing sessions.
Research industry-standard feedback processes and tools to demonstrate your familiarity with effective feedback management.
Consider professional development opportunities, such as training courses or workshops, to enhance your ability to handle criticism and feedback.

What interviewers are evaluating

Open-mindedness
Continuous Improvement
Receptiveness
Collaboration