Describe a Time You Gave Someone Feedback

Quick Overview

Build a specific behavioral answer about giving someone feedback. Explain the observed behavior, delivery and timing, the recipient's response, and how you assessed whether the conversation led to a useful change.

Describe a Time You Gave Someone Feedback

Company: OpenAI

Role: Software Engineer

Category: Behavioral & Leadership

Difficulty: hard

Interview Round: Onsite

Tell me about a time you gave another person feedback. Explain what prompted it, how you delivered it, how the person responded, and what happened afterward. ### Constraints & Assumptions - Use a real interaction and protect the other person's identity. - Separate behavior you observed from assumptions about the person's motives. - Do not claim that the feedback worked unless you can explain what changed or how you followed up. ### Clarifying Questions to Ask - Would an example involving a peer be useful, or would you prefer a mentoring or management situation? - Would you like the emphasis on delivering difficult feedback or on the follow-up afterward? ```hint The important moment may be the other person's response. Include how you listened and adapted, not only the words you planned to say. ``` ### What a Strong Answer Covers The response should identify a specific behavior and its impact, explain why feedback was appropriate, and show how timing and language supported a productive conversation. It should include the recipient's perspective, any agreed next step, and evidence or uncertainty about the outcome. ### Follow-up Questions - What would you have done if the person disputed your observation? - How did you decide whether to give the feedback privately or in the moment? - Did the conversation reveal a mistake in your own interpretation?

Overview: Build a specific behavioral answer about giving someone feedback. Explain the observed behavior, delivery and timing, the recipient's response, and how you assessed whether the conversation led to a useful change.

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OpenAI
Oct 18, 2026
hardSoftware EngineerOnsiteBehavioral & Leadership
0
0

Tell me about a time you gave another person feedback. Explain what prompted it, how you delivered it, how the person responded, and what happened afterward.

Constraints & Assumptions

  • Use a real interaction and protect the other person's identity.
  • Separate behavior you observed from assumptions about the person's motives.
  • Do not claim that the feedback worked unless you can explain what changed or how you followed up.

Clarifying Questions to Ask Guidance

  • Would an example involving a peer be useful, or would you prefer a mentoring or management situation?
  • Would you like the emphasis on delivering difficult feedback or on the follow-up afterward?

What a Strong Answer Covers Guidance

The response should identify a specific behavior and its impact, explain why feedback was appropriate, and show how timing and language supported a productive conversation. It should include the recipient's perspective, any agreed next step, and evidence or uncertainty about the outcome.

Follow-up Questions Guidance

  • What would you have done if the person disputed your observation?
  • How did you decide whether to give the feedback privately or in the moment?
  • Did the conversation reveal a mistake in your own interpretation?