Describe a time you received constructive criticism. How did you respond?

How to answer

STAR example: 'After my first client presentation (S), the engagement manager told me my slides were data-rich but insight-poor—I was presenting numbers without a clear so-what and the client had lost interest during my section (T). My initial reaction was defensive, but I paused and asked for specific examples. She showed me two slides where I had charts without action titles and data tables without interpretation. I asked her to review my next draft before presenting and spent a weekend studying McKinsey's slide-writing guidelines (A). In my next presentation, I restructured every slide with an action title summarizing the insight, moved supporting data to the appendix, and told a story with each chart. The client asked follow-up questions—a sign of engagement—and the manager said it was 'night and day' improvement (R).' Show you seek feedback and act on it quickly.

Key idea: Show you received the feedback gracefully, took specific action, and improved measurably.