How to Nail Big Tech Behavioral Interviews as a Senior Software Engineer

In this conversation, Austen McDonald and Gregor Ojstersek break down modern behavioral interviews and how they’ve changed with AI and shifting expectations in Big Tech. Based on his experience as a former Senior Engineering Manager at Meta, Austen shares practical advice on how to succeed, focusing on clear scope, strong ownership, effective communication, and adaptability. Learn the strategies to perform better in Behavioral Interviews and land your next tech role in Big Tech as a Senior Software Engineer. Key takeaways from the conversation: Behavioral interviews focus on understanding past behaviors to predict future success. AI is reshaping the expectations for engineers and managers in interviews. Scope and ownership are critical aspects assessed in behavioral interviews. Effective communication is a key differentiator in senior roles. Handling ambiguity and demonstrating perseverance are vital skills. The CARL method is a useful framework for structuring interview stories. Understanding the cultural expectations of big tech is crucial. Behavioral interviews are essential for securing senior roles in tech. 0:00 Introduction Austen McDonald 2:50 How AI is changing what FAANG companies look for in Behavioral Interviews 8:23 Why senior engineers need to focus on behavioral interviews 12:35 Step-by-step guide preparing for senior behaviorals at FAANG 17:03 CARL method for sturcturing the answers 19:52 CARL method vs STAR method 22:25 Common senior behavioral interview pitfalls 39:00 How to break into FAANG 48:35 Additional tips for having successful behaviorals 58:42 Closing thoughts and where to find Austen McDonald Get the book Mastering Behavioral Interviews: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G6CM9T87 More info about the book Mastering Behavioral Interviews: https://thebehavioral.tech/ Join Engineering Leadership newsletter (180k+ subscribers): https://newsletter.eng-leadership.com/ Subscribe:    / @engleadershiphq   Find Gregor Ojstersek on: LinkedIn:   / gregorojstersek   Twitter/X:   / gregorojstersek   Instagram:   / gregor_ojstersek   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@gregor_ojste... Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gregorojster... Github: https://github.com/gregorojstersek Find Austen McDonald on LinkedIn:   / austenmc