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NHS5 min read

How to Answer "How Do You Respond to Feedback" in an NHS Interview

How to answer feedback questions showing reflective practice and growth, with a worked example.


**TL;DR.** Feedback questions test self-awareness and growth mindset. Strong answers describe a specific piece of critical feedback (not a compliment), the action you took in response, and what changed.

Worked answer (90 seconds)

*"At my 18-month appraisal my preceptor told me that my SBAR handovers were technically accurate but lacked a clear recommendation — I was listing information but not saying what I thought should happen. Initially I was disappointed because I'd thought the handovers were strong. I asked her for a worked example of what she meant — she replayed a recent handover where I'd described an unwell patient thoroughly but hadn't concluded with 'I think this patient needs doctor review within 30 minutes'. I spent two shifts consciously framing each SBAR with a specific recommendation at the end. I asked her to observe two handovers in the following month — she confirmed the change had landed. Since then I'm more confident making recommendations at handover, and my next appraisal noted the change specifically."*

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Frequently asked questions

Should I describe critical feedback or positive feedback in a feedback NHS interview question?

Critical feedback. Panels are testing growth mindset and self-awareness. Positive feedback answers sound like self-promotion; critical feedback answers show you can learn from difficulty.