Behavioural or Introductory Guide

Guide to answer the Behavioural or Introductory questions being asked during the interview.

About

This guide helps you prepare for the crucial but often underestimated non-technical rounds. It covers:

• Self-introduction frameworks that are both memorable and concise.

• Behavioral questions based on the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

• Tips to convey emotional intelligence, leadership, and decision-making skills.

• Common pitfalls, such as over-sharing or vagueness, and how to avoid them.

Many interviews are lost not due to a lack of skills but because of poor articulation. This section prepares you to connect your experiences to the role with authenticity and clarity.

How to answer commonly asked question i.e. "Tell me about yourself"

Points to Cover

1. Brief Personal Introduction:

• A quick personal note can create a connection (e.g., where you're from, hobbies, or interests related to the tech field).

2. Future Aspirations:

• Mention your future career aspirations and how the role you're applying for fits into these goals.

3. Current Position and Experience:

• How long you’ve been at your current company.

• Your current role and responsibilities.

• The team you’re in and what that team does.

4. Departmental Interaction:

• How the engineering departments work together at your company.

• Your contributions to cross-team projects or collaborations.

5. Career Journey:

• Your career before your current position, including previous roles and significant projects.

• Why you joined your current company (motivations, goals, etc.).

6. Current Role Experience:

• How your experience is shaping your career goals and personal growth.

• Significant achievements or learnings in your current role.

Sample Answer

Frontend Engineer Role

Hi, my name is <Your Full Name>. I've always been passionate about creating visually appealing and user-friendly web interfaces. In my free time, I enjoy experimenting with new frontend frameworks and contributing to open-source projects.

Currently, I’m a Senior Frontend Engineer at XYZ Corp, where I’ve been for the past three years. My primary responsibilities include designing and implementing responsive web applications, optimizing performance, and ensuring a seamless user experience. My team focuses on developing the front-end components for our main SaaS product, which serves thousands of users daily.

At XYZ Corp, our engineering departments work closely together. I regularly collaborate with backend engineers, UX/UI designers, and product managers to bring new features to life. This collaboration has given me a deep understanding of the entire product development process and how to align our work with user needs and business goals.

Before joining XYZ Corp, I worked at ABC Tech as a Frontend Developer, where I gained extensive experience in building complex single-page applications using React and Redux. I was part of a team that developed a highly interactive dashboard for data visualization, which received positive feedback from clients for its usability and performance.

I joined XYZ Corp because of their commitment to innovation and their strong design-driven approach. This role has allowed me to work on challenging projects and continuously improve my skills. I’ve also had the opportunity to lead frontend projects and mentor junior developers, which has been incredibly rewarding.

Looking ahead, I aim to further specialize in modern frontend technologies and contribute to large-scale, high-impact projects. The Senior Frontend Engineer position at your company aligns perfectly with my aspirations, and I’m excited about the possibility of bringing my expertise to your team.

Backend Engineer Role

Hi, my name is <Your Name>. I’ve been passionate about technology and problem-solving since my college days when I first started programming as a hobby. Outside of work, I enjoy contributing to open-source projects and staying updated with the latest trends in backend development.

Currently, I’m a Senior Backend Engineer at XYZ Corp, where I’ve been for the past three years. In my role, I’m responsible for designing and implementing scalable backend services. My team focuses on building robust microservices that support our e-commerce platform, ensuring high availability and performance.

At XYZ Corp, the engineering departments collaborate closely. I regularly work with frontend developers, DevOps, and product managers to deliver seamless and efficient solutions. This collaboration has been crucial for successful project delivery and has given me a comprehensive understanding of the entire development lifecycle.

Before joining XYZ Corp, I worked at ABC Tech, where I started as a Junior Developer and grew into a Lead Backend Engineer. During my time there, I contributed to several key projects, including the migration of a monolithic application to a microservices architecture, which significantly improved system reliability and scalability.

I joined XYZ Corp because I was excited about their innovative approach to e-commerce and their commitment to using cutting-edge technologies. This move has been incredibly fulfilling, as I’ve had the opportunity to lead impactful projects and mentor junior developers.

Looking ahead, I aim to further hone my skills in cloud-native technologies and distributed systems. I’m particularly interested in roles that allow me to drive architectural decisions and work on large-scale systems. The Senior Backend Engineer position at your company aligns perfectly with my aspirations, and I’m excited about the possibility of contributing to your team’s success.

Mobile Engineer Role

Hi, my name is <Your Name>. I have a strong passion for mobile app development and a keen interest in creating seamless user experiences. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring new mobile technologies and contributing to open-source mobile projects.

Currently, I’m a Senior Mobile Engineer at XYZ Corp, where I’ve been for the past three years. My role involves designing and developing high-performance mobile applications for both iOS and Android platforms. I lead a team that focuses on building features for our flagship mobile app, ensuring they are intuitive and performant.

At XYZ Corp, our engineering departments work together closely. I frequently collaborate with backend engineers, UX/UI designers, and QA testers to deliver high-quality mobile features. This collaborative environment has allowed me to understand the importance of integrating backend services with mobile interfaces and ensuring consistent user experiences across platforms.

Before joining XYZ Corp, I worked at ABC Tech as a Mobile Developer, where I specialized in developing native iOS applications. I played a key role in launching a successful app that was featured in the App Store for its innovative design and functionality.

I joined XYZ Corp because of their dedication to cutting-edge mobile technologies and their user-centric approach. This position has provided me with numerous opportunities to tackle complex challenges and lead impactful projects. I’ve also enjoyed mentoring junior developers and contributing to our mobile development best practices.

Looking ahead, I aspire to further my expertise in cross-platform development and scalable mobile architectures. The Senior Mobile Engineer position at your company is an exciting opportunity to leverage my skills and contribute to your innovative mobile projects.

"Do you have any questions for us"

It is common for interviewers to give you a chance to ask questions at the end of the interview. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows your interest in the role and the company but also helps you determine if the company is the right fit for you.

Points to Cover

Questions About the Role

• Can you tell me more about the day-to-day responsibilities of this job?

• What does a typical day look like for someone in this position?

• What are the key challenges someone in this role would face?

• What are the most important skills and qualities for someone to excel in this role?

Questions About the Team

• Can you tell me more about the team I would be working with?

• How does the team handle collaboration and communication?

• What are the backgrounds and expertise of the team members?

Questions About the Company

• What are the company’s goals for the next year, and how does this team contribute to those goals?

• Can you tell me more about the company culture?

• How does the company support professional development and career growth?

• What are the company’s most important values, and how are they reflected in the workplace?

Questions About Performance and Expectations

• What are the expectations for the first three months for someone in this role?

• How is success measured for this position?

• Can you provide examples of how this role has grown or changed over time?

Questions About the Interviewer’s Experience

• What do you enjoy most about working here?

• How long have you been with the company, and what has your career progression been like?

Final Questions

• What are the next steps in the interview process?

• Is there anything else you need from me to help make your decision?

• Do you have any reservations about my fit for the role that I could address?

"Why do you want to work for [Company Name]?"

Sample Answer 1

I've always been passionate about technology and have long admired how [Company Name] builds products that are both innovative and widely impactful. Recently, I've been using [Company's Product] and have been really impressed with its [specific feature or quality]. It’s inspiring to see how [Company Name] continuously pushes the boundaries of technology, and I would love the opportunity to contribute to that mission

Sample Answer 2

What excites me about [Company Name] is its commitment to cutting-edge technology and solving real-world problems at scale. The way [Company] tackles challenges in [industry, e.g., AI, cloud, security] aligns with my interest in [specific domain]. I’m eager to work in an environment where I can grow alongside some of the best minds in the industry.