Master Behavioral Interviews (for Software Engineers)

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Published 2023-12-21
Learn the essential skills and insights to succeed in behavior-based interviews. While many developers focus on preparing for technical interviews, you should also prepare for the other parts of job interviews. This course will help you navigate behavioral interviews with ease.

✏️ Course developed by ‪@DestinationFAANG‬

⭐️ Resources ⭐️
▶ PPT deck with all the content: docs.google.com/presentation/d/16DNAiuCC_UohosO61I…
▶ Books:
- Cracking The Coding Interview
- 101 Great Answers to the Toughest Interview Questions
▶ Online Courses: LinkedIn learning, Coursera, Udemy
▶ Reddit: r/jobs, r/interviews, r/cscareerquestions
▶ Websites: Levels.fyi, Glassdoor,
▶ Other important resources:
- www.levels.fyi/blog/amazon-leadership-principles.h…
- www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life-hacks/p…
- www.tryexponent.com/blog/the-complete-google-behav…

⭐️ Contents ⭐️
⌨️ (0:00:29) Course outline
⌨️ (0:02:38) Understanding different types of interviews
⌨️ (0:04:03) Behavioral interview fundamentals
⌨️ (0:10:34) Master of the STAR method
⌨️ (0:19:59) Self-assessment and researching companies
⌨️ (0:32:38) Case study 1: Netflix
⌨️ (0:39:01) Case study 2: Amazon
⌨️ (0:42:12) Behavioral interview question categories
⌨️ (0:50:09) Top 50 behavioral interview questions
⌨️ (2:01:20) How to deal with tough questions
⌨️ (2:06:19) Non-verbal communication
⌨️ (2:08:19) Strategies for preparation and useful Resources

🎉 Thanks to our Champion and Sponsor supporters:
👾 davthecoder
👾 jedi-or-sith
👾 南宮千影
👾 Agustín Kussrow
👾 Nattira Maneerat
👾 Heather Wcislo
👾 Serhiy Kalinets
👾 Justin Hual
👾 Otis Morgan
👾 Oscar Rahnama

--

Learn to code for free and get a developer job: www.freecodecamp.org/

Read hundreds of articles on programming: freecodecamp.org/news

All Comments (21)
  • @DestinationFAANG
    I hope you enjoyed this course, the purpose for this course is to help everyone progress in your careers. This is important for tech and non tech jobs. Also, I would really appreciate if you can follow my channel as well: youtube.com/destinationfaang I will keep on making more tech related videos, and hope they will be helpful to you. Also, Thanks Beau and @freecodecamp.org , for giving me a chance to be part of this an amazing community.
  • @Heyjaybird
    Wow I love this channel Thank you so much
  • @samserious1337
    Lets all be working slaves and adapt to the market continuously.
  • @ispovedduraka
    Thank you for this video! I wonder what would you suggest in case I'm switching my career from running small business and operations to IT? I don't have any relevant stories to demonstrate how I applied my tech knowledge and skills to solve various tech-related problems. I've never been an SWE in my life but I hired multiple developers for my small business and managed them. So I'm a bit skeptical that my HR people won't be excited about my non-tech experience. Thanks.
  • @shreeabraham
    🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:28 🚀 Introduction to Behavioral Interviews - Overview of the course outline and expectations. 01:09 🌟 Key Components of Behavioral Interviews - Understanding and implementing the STAR method. 01:38 📚 Focus on 50 Behavioral Interview Questions - In-depth coverage of 50 behavioral interview questions. 03:32 💡 Importance and Focus of Behavioral Interviews - Definition and focus of behavioral interviews. 06:35 🎯 Significance of Behavioral Interviews in Hiring - Explanation of why behavioral interviews matter in the hiring process. 08:13 🔄 Mutual Benefits of Behavioral Interviews - The cost-effective and resource-efficient nature of behavioral interviews for companies. 10:16 ⚽ STAR Method: Situation, Task, Action, Result - Introduction and breakdown of the STAR method. 13:17 🌐 STAR Method Example: Dealing with Disagreement - Application of the STAR method to a specific example. 18:32 🚴‍♂️ Importance of Practicing STAR Method - Encouragement for consistent practice using the STAR method. 19:40 🧠 Self-reflection for Behavioral Interviews - Identify personal strengths and weaknesses. 23:15 🌟 Reflect on Relevant Past Experiences - Document and organize experiences to recall during interviews. 27:09 🎯 Deep Dive into Job Requirements - Understand the specific requirements and seniority level of the job. 29:26 🏢 Consider Company Culture and Values - Research and align personal values with company culture. 32:45 📺 Case Study: Netflix's Elite Sports Team Culture 39:16 🚀 Case Study: Amazon's Leadership Principles - Amazon follows leadership principles as a unique cultural framework. 39:44 🛠️ Teamwork and Collaboration - Main Content: - Discussion on the importance of leadership principles at Amazon. - Recommendation to prepare for Amazon interviews by understanding and providing examples for their 16 leadership principles. 41:20 🧠 Behavioral Interview Preparation - Main Content: - Emphasis on preparing for behavioral interviews by understanding strengths, weaknesses, and reflecting on experiences. - Highlighting the simplicity of the preparation process, emphasizing the common qualities sought by companies. 42:17 📚 Categories of Behavioral Interview Questions - Main Content: - Introduction to different categories of behavioral interview questions: Teamwork, Problem Solving, Adaptability, Communication, and Leadership. - Brief explanation of what each category aims to assess in candidates. 43:37 🤝 Teamwork and Collaboration Questions - Main Content: - Deep dive into the category of Teamwork and Collaboration questions. - Key points include the importance of cooperation, open-mindedness, empathy, collaboration with various team members, and leveraging collective efforts. 44:18 🧠 Problem Solving Skills Questions - Main Content: - Exploration of Problem Solving questions, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and rigorous analysis. - Discussion on adapting to new situations, resilience, and handling unexpected challenges. 45:13 🔄 Adaptability Questions - Main Content: - Focus on Adaptability questions, assessing flexibility, resilience, and the ability to adjust to new scenarios. - Examples of dealing with changes, learning new skills, and coping with unexpected situations. 46:37 🗣️ Communication Skills Questions - Main Content: - Examination of Communication Skills questions, highlighting the importance of clarity, conciseness, and specificity. - Emphasis on active listening, articulate communication, and being mindful in interactions. 49:10 🏆 Leadership Questions - Main Content: - Discussion on Leadership questions, indicating qualities such as responsibility, accountability, team motivation, and the ability to take initiatives. - Note on the relevance of leadership qualities at higher experience levels. 50:18 📋 Introduction to 50 Behavioral Interview Questions - Main Content: - Introduction to the main focus of the course: 50 Behavioral Interview Questions. - Guidance on understanding the categories and expectations for comprehensive answers. 53:37 🛠️ Teamwork and Collaboration Questions (Sample) - Main Content: - Explanation and guidance on responding to "give an example of a challenging and successful team project." - Emphasis on providing context, detailing responsibilities, and addressing challenging aspects for a well-rounded response. 56:51 🤝 Dealing with Difficult Clients or Coworkers - Main Content: - Insight into handling challenging situations with clients and coworkers. - Suggestions on understanding concerns, effective communication, and resolution strategies for both scenarios. 58:55 🔍 Dealing with a Team Member Not Pulling Weight - Always seek to understand before judging in scenarios where a team member is not performing. 01:02:48 🤝 Handling Disagreement with Supervisor - Understand the reasons behind the disagreement, defining the areas of conflict. 01:05:20 🎯 Leading a Team and Team Leadership Abilities - Describe a scenario where you had to lead a team, emphasizing understanding team dynamics. 01:07:12 🤹 Coordinating with Different Departments for a Project - Emphasize effective communication strategies with various departments. 01:08:49 📊 Using Presentation Skills to Influence Opinion - Illustrate the ability to tailor presentations based on the audience's technical understanding. 01:10:52 ⚖️ Resolving Interpersonal Conflict at Work - Emphasize understanding the root cause of conflicts before attempting resolution. 01:11:04 🌍 Approaching Work in a Diverse and Inclusive Environment - Stress the significance of diverse and inclusive teams for better decision-making. 01:14:46 🚀 Motivating Others: Leading by Example - Share a scenario where you motivated others through a collaborative project. 01:16:52 💡 Utilizing Problem-Solving Skills in a Project - Define the specific problem or challenge that required problem-solving skills. 01:17:19 🤔 Handling Tricky Situations in Interviews - Discussing how to approach questions about handling tricky situations. 01:17:45 🙌 Handling Mistakes Effectively - Explaining a time when you made a mistake and how you handled it. 01:18:43 🕵️‍♂️ Being Attentive to Details in a Work Situation - Describing a situation where attention to detail was crucial. 01:20:06 🗣️ Persuading Others and Effective Communication - Narrating an experience where persuasion skills were essential. 01:21:11 🚀 Taking Initiative at Work - Providing examples of showing initiative, both socially and technically. 01:22:36 🚀 Taking the Lead on a Project - Explaining situations where taking the lead was necessary. 01:23:30 🌟 Going Above and Beyond Job Duties 01:25:05 💡 Innovation in Problem Solving - Describing instances where innovation was required to solve unique problems. 01:26:38 🤔 Making Tough Decisions Quickly - Providing examples of tough decision-making, like layoffs or critical issues. 01:27:49 📚 Approach to Learning New Skills or Technology - Sharing an approach to continuous learning in the ever-changing tech landscape. 01:28:17 🔄 Adapting to Significant Changes in the Workplace - Illustrating the need to adapt to significant changes, such as transitioning to CI/CD. 01:29:55 🧩 Gathering Information from Multiple Sources - Addressing the challenge of gathering information from various sources. 01:30:51 ⏰ Working Under Pressure 01:32:01 🚨 Handling Tight Deadlines 01:32:42 🚀 Learning Something New in a Short Period 01:33:24 🎭 Adapting Communication Style to Suit the Audience 01:34:36 🔄 Adapting to Limited Resources 01:35:32 📅 Project Management 01:36:55 🚧 Balancing Competing Priorities 01:38:18 ⏳ Patience in Achieving Goals 01:39:14 🗣️ Communication Skills for Conflict Resolution 01:39:55 📣 Giving Critical Feedback 01:41:03 🎨 Creative Problem Solving 01:41:32 🔄 Juggling Several Projects 01:43:06 📊 Strategies for Prioritizing Work 01:43:37 🤝 Negotiation Skills 01:44:56 ⚖️ Managing Conflicting Priorities 01:45:53 🧠 Handling Constructive Criticism 01:46:38 📢 Communicating Complex Information 01:48:01 👂 Active Listening 01:49:24 🚀 Setting and Achieving Goals 01:50:46 🔄 Handling Unpopular Decisions 01:51:58 🚫 Learning from Project Failures 01:52:40 🚨 Handling High-Stress Situations 01:53:37 🔗 Taking Responsibility for Others' Errors 01:54:17 🚀 Accountability and Leadership Impact 01:55:13 📈 Assessing Project Success 01:56:49 ⚖️ Decision-Making in High-Stress Situations 01:57:59 📊 Data-Driven Decision Making 01:59:05 🤔 Handling Ethical Dilemmas 02:00:57 🌐 Calculated Risks and Successful Outcomes 02:03:14 🧘‍♂️ Dealing with Difficult Questions 02:04:20 🧠 Applying Emotional Intelligence 02:06:23 🗣️ Non-Verbal Communication Strategies 02:08:28 📝 Preparation Strategies 02:10:56
  • Finding a job can be really hard these days. You keep applying for positions, but often, you get turned down. The software industry has become very complicated, with lots of people applying for the same jobs. Some people send out 50 to 60 job applications every day, and some have even sent out as many as 700 applications in total. This constant rejection can be tough on people and make them feel discouraged.
  • @codeindia2024
    Please make a video on Spring and Spring boot complete tutorial beginning to advance 🙏🙏
  • @CamdenBloke
    This isn't a criticism of you but of interview questions. So many of these seem like the same question with different wording. Describe a time you had to innovate to solve a problem. Describe a time you used problem solving skills. Describe a time you took a creative approach to solve a problem. If someone asked all three questions in an interview I'd be thinking, "How many times do you want me to describe scenarios where I had to think through a problem without an obvious solution?"
  • Detailed Summary for [Master Behavioral Interviews (for Software Engineers)](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY) [00:00](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY&t=0.08) This section introduces the outline and topics covered in the course on mastering behavioral interviews. - The importance of behavioral interviews and why they matter in the interview process. - The STAR method for answering behavioral interview questions. - Strategies for preparing, researching, and presenting answers. - Different categories of behavioral interviews. - 50 different behavioral interview questions and expected answers. - Dealing with difficult questions and understanding non-verbal communication cues. - Resources and follow-ups for behavioral interview preparation. [16:33](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY&t=993.72) The importance of using the STAR method in behavioral interviews and providing a detailed answer. - Use the STAR method to break down every component and explain the pros and cons. - Walk the interviewer through the scenario and explain the specific actions taken. - Assess the situation, consider long-term implications, and prioritize what is best for the company. - Frame your answers by laying out the situation first and then building on top of it. [33:09](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY&t=1989.639… Netflix values teamwork and expects all employees to perform at their best, providing honest feedback and pushing them forward. - Netflix used to have only one level throughout the company, but now they hire recent graduates as normal employees. - They pay the highest salary among all companies in the US, with an average of $565,000 for every engineer. - Netflix does not believe in giving bonuses and instead focuses on providing enough compensation and benefits. - Employees have the option to receive their salary in cash or as stocks, with the flexibility to choose the percentage of stocks they want. [49:45](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY&t=2985.92) This section introduces the importance of leadership qualities and discusses the structure of the upcoming 50 behavioral interview questions. - Leadership qualities are important for taking initiatives, being responsible and accountable, promoting and motivating others. - The 50 behavioral interview questions cover five main categories: mindset, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. - It is encouraged to create your own answers for each question based on your experiences and understand the intent behind the question. [01:06:18](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY&t=3978.44) The section discusses scenarios in behavioral interviews for software engineers, including tasks, coordination with different departments, and presentation skills. - Describes a scenario where the interviewee had to complete a task in the absence of a senior coworker and explains how they convinced others, reached out to different teams, and communicated the results to stakeholders. - Asks about a time when the interviewee had to coordinate with different departments to complete a project, emphasizing the need for communication, collaboration, trust-building, and managing conflicting priorities. - Inquires about a situation where the interviewee relied on their presentation skills to influence someone's opinion, such as selling a product or explaining technical issues to stakeholders. [01:22:56](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY&t=4976.6) Taking initiative and going above and beyond in job duties can demonstrate problem-solving skills and leadership abilities. - Taking initiative and rising up to a situation instead of passing responsibility to someone else. - Going above and beyond by putting extra focus and attention to ensure a successful production launch. - Being cautious about defining "above and beyond" to avoid burnout and maintain work-life balance. [01:39:32](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY&t=5972.56) The section discusses approaches to giving critical feedback, taking a creative approach to problem-solving, and juggling multiple projects. - Giving critical feedback: Use emotional intelligence and communication skills, provide specific examples, and ensure the person doesn't feel discouraged. - Creative problem-solving: Explain a project where you took a creative approach, considering different aspects of the problem. - Juggling multiple projects: Set clear priorities and define them based on available resources and work schedule complexity. [01:56:06](www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hpSMnCwCxY&t=6966.88) In this section, the speaker discusses the parameters of a legendary project, making decisions without all the information, and analyzing data to make recommendations. - The speaker mentions that constant feedback and the potential for the project to become a framework for future projects are important parameters for a legendary project. - They advise giving examples of successful projects when discussing past work experiences. - When making decisions without all the information, the speaker suggests finding a balance between efficiency and caution. - Analyzing data and making recommendations require understanding the type of data being dealt with and the specific decision that needs to be made.
  • @coderprakash
    Please make a project video covering Frontend reactjs and back-end springboot ❤
  • @Kevin-jc1fx
    Thanks for the course. Is this method relevant for people out of the US ?