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Graduated from the University of Texas, Austin’ 2018 Bachelors in computer science and bachelors in mathematics. Currently living in beautiful sunny San Francisco, CA, where the skies are clear and the grass is greener! Outside of work, I like to hike, explore new restaurants, go boxing, spend quality time with friends, and travel the world!
BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING : OBSERVATIONS NOTICED

BEHAVIORAL INTERVIEWING : OBSERVATIONS NOTICED

A Primer

Hi all,

I’ve been working hard on behavioral interviews for senior and senior-plus interviews across companies, and there’s a couple of personal paint points that I’ve observed ( note : n==1 here, this won’t apply to everyone ) ( and as of this writing, dated Wednesday, November 12th, 2025 ).

Let me begin!

Currently Observed Struggles [ TC := The Candidate ][ TI := The Interviewer ]:

  • TC needs to communicate a stronger sense that they took on leadership roles : they led groups of people.
  • TC needs to communicate a strong sense of ownership. That they owned systems end-to-end.
  • TC can refine thought communication : currently communicates in a non-structured, non-linear manner with tangents. They can communicate in a more structured, linear fashion.
  • TC needs prompting by interviews to highlight (A) Their specific roles and responsibilites
  • TC needs TI prompting to highlight their impact across folks – within teams and across teams – not just themselves.

Tips for Leader of Group Settings :

  • The groups need not be “explicitly labeled” and lasting as permanent positions. The groups can be for multi-quarter or multi-week projects lasting 1-18 months, compromised of 5-15 individuals, within teams and across teams, and across careers : engineers, Product Managers, Designers, and Program Managers.

Commonly Encountered Questions ( what’s been asked of a lot )

  • Tell me about the most challenging project you worked on?
  • Tell me about a time when you took on something significant outside your area of responsibility / went above-&-beyond expectations?
  • Tell me about a time you disagreed with someone?
  • Tell me about a time when you were able to deliver an important project under a tight deadline?
  • Tell me about a time you had to delegate a task?
  • Describe a time when you made a mistake. How did you handle it?

The practice Questions I want to Target

  1. Tell me about a time you worked with someone difficult to get along with. What constructive steps did you take to address the situation?”
  2. Tell me how you work with your PM
  3. Tell me about a time you dealt with limited information and a fast & upcoming deadline.
  4. Can you tell me about a time you gave constructive feedback to a coworker.
  5. Can you tell me about a time you delivered negative feedback to a coworker.
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