What Behavioral Questions Do Top Companies Ask?

I like this recent Inc. article listing common behavioral questions asked by top companies like Google, Apple, Amazon, Facebook, and Dropbox. I recommend reviewing the questions and my guidelines below on how to respond so you can comprehensively prepare for any interview, even if it’s not with one of these companies because smaller companies often follow leaders in the field.

1. Amazon: Describe the project that you had the most trouble with. What would you have done differently?
2. Apple: Talk about a time where you had to make a decision in a lot of ambiguity.
3. Dropbox: What was the biggest takeaway from your current job that you’ll carry with you throughout your career?
4. Facebook: Give an example of how you set goals and achieve them.
5. Google: Tell me about a time when you solved a conflict at work.
6. IBM: Why do you want to change jobs? Why now?
7. LinkedIn: Share an example of how you were able to motivate employees or co-workers.
8. Microsoft: What do you do when the requirement from the stakeholder is vague?
9. Netflix: How do you make a case for your vision and opinion?
10. Salesforce: What do you do if you don’t know the solution for a certain problem and nobody can help at the moment?
11. Slack: Have you handled a difficult situation with a coworker? How?
12. TripAdvisor: What websites do you spend a lot of time on?
13. Uber: What do you do if you disagree with your boss?
14. VMware: Talk about a time that you failed.

See here for the complete list.

My December post lists the top behavioral questions lawyers face and explains what interviewers are getting at. In a nutshell, expect questions addressing challenges faced, disagreements handled, cross-functional teams you’ve worked with, and examples of leadership. Interviewers are assessing if you show good legal and business judgment, how your experience is relevant to the company, if you have grown and resolved issues, how strong your relationship with others is, and if you communicate well, so tailor your answers accordingly!