Part of that is that I haven't done much to talk about. I've done fairly standard work for the last few years: completed what was asked of me, but haven't sought any challenging work. No side projects either. I never thought that would be an impediment to my career. For now, it's still okay—I have a stable, well paying job, but I can see this becoming more of an issue in the years to come.
I'd like to know what I could be doing better, what interviewers expect from a behavioral round, how I should approach my work. It's usually tough to get feedback, but when I've got any feedback (once or twice), it's usually been that I talked too fast and rambled a bit. I'm working on that too, hopefully a bit better at that now. :)
If you are doing behavioral interviews, what are you looking for in a candidate? Or, if you've been particularly good at these types of interviews, do you have any tips?
- Is this guy a habitual liar? Can he give a straight answer or he is a horrible communicator? If I am in a jam, can I rely on him to help me or he will wind up wasting my time? - Does he know what he is talking about or he just memorized a bunch of interview questions? If I ask an open ended question, does he tell me exactly what was going on in his mind and all the minutiae & surprises that happened to him? - Do I trust him? Will he make work life easier? Will he pro-actively talk to the right people and figure out what the real ask is? Will he pro-actively try to figure out a solution and handle it himself? Or will he dump everything in my lap and consume more of my time when I am already at my wits end?
You have the answer to your own question right there: go out and learn something (preferably several things), either technical or business related, that improves you professionally and point to that during your behavioral interview questions. Go out and find some way (again, preferably several of them) to improve your team's or your employer's success that was not "asked of you" or take on challenging work and point to that during your behavioral interview questions.
I'll add that the sentence you wrote would be viewed as serious red flag by a FAANG interviewer, IMO.
One of my worst was when I was called by a head hunter to interview for a position I applied for 2 years before. I also may have embellished my resume a bit when I applied, then 2 years later I was sitting infront of 3 people all reading my resume and me not knowing what the heck I put in the thing. So yeah thats an important one, when they say that your application will be kept on file, sometimes they do, so best to be honest.
Another time I guess I was nervous or maybe a bit under the weather but for some reason I started sweating profusely, unfortunately that day I was also wearing a silk shirt and before the interview even started I had huge pit stains, my hair was a mess and I looked like I just came off a three day bender. The interviewer was nice and didn't bring it up but I know I made a terrible impression. So I would say put some time and thought into your personal grooming and apperence.
I would also say it is important that you have answers ready for the most common questions that you know they are going to ask. Eg. So you say you have been with your company for 3 years, why do you want to leave? Probably best not to say, I just dont feel like im growing or learning much anymore (even if thats true, Im sure you can come up with a better way to put it that is both true and positive!) Eg. I have learned and grown a lot working for xyz and have enjoyed working for them but I feel your company is offering me a great opportunity to showcase and build upon my skills and past experiences.
Doing well in an interview comes down to self confidence, chances are you would be a great employee that most companies would be lucky to have. Just keep telling yourself that, having hired many people myself I can tell you that if you can do what your asked to do without arguing, show up on time and get along with your co-workers, then you are already in the top 90% of all candidates, so keep your chin up and You will do fine on the next interview!
Finally if you have been told you rambled or that you talked too fast, a lawyer once told me to count to 5 in my head before answering any question. Sometimes when you are nervous giving yourself a short pause before opening your mouth can be just what is needed.
Good luck!
Seriously, though, the best thing I learned to do in interviews was to relax. Don't emulate the Big Labowski, but try to channel his essense. Unless you're the godword in your field (or one of the other candidates), they're going to take time to think about it. You have to be the one they see themselves working with. Best o Luck