I was recently asked to rate myself, on a 1-10 scale, on how well I perform as a member of a team and also how well I work individually. I tried to dance around it at first by saying "I'd like to say that I'm a 10 because of....." and then listed some of the teams that I've been a part of and the success I've had on teams, but I was then asked for a specific number and I said 10. Then for the second question I also said 10. I didn't want to come off as cocky, but I also wanted them to know that I am confident in my abilities.
Any way I could have handled that better?
I probably would have said "8, even though I've enjoyed these successes example I feel there is always room for improvement and I've taken these specific steps to realize that improvement example"
That way you get your examples across, don't appear overly cocky, and show a willingness to learn and improve. The number isn't the important part--although I would avoid anything too low or too high.
Agree with panther2k, the number is less important. The safe route is to say a relatively high number, such as eight, and give an example why. The "there is always room for improvement" is a great line. You don't need to point out any character/ability flaws, but you still appear modest and confident.
I agree, I would not go with "10" in the future only because it makes you seem like you think you know everything and are perfect with regards to the specific quality - it's similar to when students put on their resume "expert in Excel" and then can't even run a simple 2-tier graph or the like. Rank yourself highly, 8 or 9, then show a quick example or 2 to support your claim, and then close with your knowledge that there is always room to improve. I would stay away from the negative of the 8 or 9 in that it is not a 10, and instead focus on the notion that the 8 or 9 isn't because of something that you lack, but rather knowing that there is always something new to learn, a new experience to have, room for improvement means that you are an 8 or a 9.
I wouldn't worry too much about your response in this case since you used supporting examples and, at least, didn't want to appear cocky - the number is just a number - they really just want to see that you are capable and competent in the skills, yet still realize that there is indeed room to build upon it and continue to improve.
I made it to the next round of interviews, so they either liked my answer or it didn't matter much
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