So you landed your big interview...

So far everything is going well! You and your interviewer are hitting things off. Then boom! Your interviewer asks:

"Tell me about a time you had to give someone difficult feedback. How did you handle it?"

You're probably thinking...this interview question is too much to handle.

Don't worry! A technique called the "sandwich method" will help you nail this question.

When interviewers ask this question, they are trying to assess:

• Your ability to address issues in the workplace

• Your ability to motivate others through challenges

• The effectiveness of your communication skills

Follow the "sandwich method" to give feedback:

1. Begin with something positive

2. Proceed to the negative feedback

3. End with something positive

Positive = the bread

Negative = the meat and cheese

Photo by amirali mirhashemian on Unsplash

• Being too vague

• Toning down feedback

• Showing that you're uncomfortable giving feedback

• Choosing scenarios that most people would find easy to handle

Scenario

Your coworker delivered a report early, but it was full of errors.

Interview Answer

Begin with something positive

"I told the staff member that I appreciated her completing the report before the deadline."

Proceed to the negative feedback

"I showed her a copy of her errors on the report. I told her that it would be helpful for her to take a little more time to check for errors so she could spend less time on corrections after the deadline."

End with something positive

"The next month, I saw fewer errors on her reports and complimented her progress and dedication to the team!"

Take a deep breath and relax!

Now go nail your interview!