Here are some tips for making the most of an uncomfortable situation:

• Listen closely. It's tempting to start preparing your "defense" while someone is critiquing your work, but try to listen actively to what's being said. If you are busy interjecting responses -- or formulating them in your mind -- valuable information will be lost. 
  
  
• Explain your rationale. When faced with significant constructive criticism, always explain why you chose to do something a certain way -- just be sure your explanation is centered on the project and doesn't become personal. 
  
  
• Ask questions. If you're uncertain of what someone is trying to say to you about a job you've done, don't nod and pretend to understand -- ask questions. 
  
  
• Be aware of body language. Try to make eye contact, unfold your arms and sit up straight -- you'll seem less defensive and more professional and confident. 
  
  
• Avoid procrastination. It's easy to postpone implementing the requested revisions when you feel a bit defeated by someone's suggestions. But the faster you make those changes, the faster you'll bounce back and be ready to move on to other projects.
  
  
• Keep things in perspective. It's easy to forget all of your successes when you've just been told to scrap your work and start from the beginning. Remind yourself of your previous achievements and you'll be able to approach the current project with more confidence.

Accepting criticism is par for the course in business, but that doesn't make it easy. Even those with the thickest skins may sometimes feel stung by candid feedback. But if you trust your abilities, listen closely and make yourself open to suggestions, your work will improve -- and so will your professional reputation.

ACCOUNTEMPS is a specialized temporary staffing service for accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals. Accountemps provides support throughout an accounting department. Headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., Accountemps and has more than 270 offices in North America, Europe and Australia. Accountemps' Career Counselor column, a SmartPros staple for over four years, is refreshed twice a month.