Why Does Interviewer Ask This Question?

An interviewer may ask “What do people most often criticize about you?” to gain insight into a candidate’s self-awareness and ability to handle constructive feedback. The interviewer is likely trying to understand how the candidate perceives their own strengths and weaknesses, and how they handle criticism.

By asking this question, the interviewer may be able to gauge the candidate’s level of self-awareness, honesty, and humility. They may also be interested in understanding how the candidate deals with difficult situations and criticism, which can be important in any role. Additionally, the interviewer may be looking for specific areas where the candidate may need to improve in order to better fit the position or company.

It’s important to keep in mind that this question is not designed to trip you up or catch you off guard, but rather to provide a deeper understanding of how you work and how you handle feedback. Thus, it’s recommended to be honest, and humble and shows that you are willing to learn and improve.

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5 Tips To Answer This Question

1. Be Honest: Be honest about any areas where you may need improvement and provide specific examples of how you have been working to address those criticisms. It is important to remember that this question is not designed to trip you up or catch you off guard, but rather to provide a deeper understanding of how you work and how you handle feedback.
2. Show Self-Awareness: Show that you are aware of your own strengths and weaknesses and are actively working to improve in areas where you may struggle. Highlighting your self-awareness and willingness to learn and improve will demonstrate that you are a proactive and self-motivated individual.
3. Provide Context: When discussing criticisms, it is important to provide context. Explain the circumstances that led to the criticism and how you have learned from it. This will help the interviewer understand that criticism is not a consistent behavior but rather a specific situation that you have learned from.
4. Highlight Your Strengths: While discussing criticisms, it is also important to highlight your strengths and how they outweigh any criticisms. This will show the interviewer that you are not only aware of your weaknesses but also the value you bring to the table.
5. Be Specific: Avoid giving generic or vague answers. Instead, be specific about the criticism and how you have addressed it. This will show that you have given the criticism thoughtful consideration and have taken steps to improve.

Things To Avoid While Answering This Question

1. Being Defensive: Avoid being defensive or making excuses for your weaknesses. Being defensive can make you appear uncooperative and unwilling to take responsibility for your actions.
2. Lying: Never lie about the criticism you’ve received. If the interviewer finds out that you’re not being honest, it could harm your chances of getting the job.
3. Being Overly Negative: Avoid being overly negative when answering the question. Instead, focus on how you’re working to improve and what you’ve learned from past criticism.
4. Being Too Vague: Avoid being too vague when answering the question. Be specific about the criticism and avoid generalizations. Be specific about the context and the situation that led to the criticism and what you have learned from it.
5. Being Too Critical Of Others: Avoid being too critical of others when answering the question. This could make you appear to be unprofessional and uncooperative.

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How To Answer “What Do People Most Often Criticize About You” In An Interview?

Answering the question “What do people most often criticize about you” in an interview can be challenging, but it is important to approach it in a strategic and honest way. Here are some tips on how to do so:

1. Reflect On Your Past Performance: Before the interview, take some time to think about past feedback you’ve received from supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates. Identify any patterns in the criticism that you’ve received and try to understand why those criticisms were made.
2. Be Honest: It’s important to be honest when answering this question. Being honest will demonstrate that you’re aware of your weaknesses and that you’re willing to work on them.
3. Frame It Positively: When answering the question, try to frame your response in a positive light. For example, instead of saying “I’m often criticized for being too slow to make decisions,” say “I’ve been told that I’m thorough and take the time to consider all options before making decisions.”
4. Show That You’re Taking Steps To Improve: If there’s an area where you know you need to improve, be sure to mention the steps you’re taking to do so. This will show that you’re proactive and dedicated to self-improvement.
5. Be Specific: Be specific about the criticism and avoid generalizations. Be specific about the context and the situation that led to the criticism and what you have learned from it.
6. Show How It Makes You Better: Show the interviewer how the criticism and feedback you received helped you to become a better worker and how it will help you in the future.

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Example

1. Answer: “I’ve been told that I can be a bit of a perfectionist at times. I’ve learned to recognize when it’s necessary to put in extra effort to ensure a task is done right, and when it’s more important to move on and prioritize other tasks. I’ve been working on finding a balance and being more efficient in my work.”
2. Answer: “I’ve been criticized for being too detail-oriented. I’ve learned that while it’s important to pay attention to detail, sometimes it can slow down the process. I’ve been working on finding a balance and focusing on the bigger picture while still ensuring that the small details are not overlooked.”
3. Answer: “I’ve been criticized for not being assertive enough. I’ve learned that it’s important to communicate my ideas and opinions effectively, especially in a team setting. I’ve been working on developing my assertiveness skills and being more confident in expressing my thoughts.”
4. Answer: “I’ve been told that I can be a bit of a workaholic. I’ve learned that it’s important to find a balance between work and personal life. I’ve been working on setting clear boundaries and making sure that I take the time to recharge and focus on my personal life.”
5. Answer: “I’ve been criticized for being too impatient. I’ve learned that it’s important to be patient and take the time to understand others’ perspectives. I’ve been working on developing my empathy and being more understanding of others.”