Top 30 Most Common Google Behavioral Interview Questions You Should Prepare For
Written by
James Miller, Career Coach
Introduction
Preparing for a Google behavioral interview is a critical step in securing your dream job at one of the world's most innovative companies. Google's interview process is renowned for its rigor, often combining technical assessments with in-depth behavioral questions designed to understand your past performance and future potential. These google behavioral interview questions delve into your experiences, how you handle challenges, collaborate with others, lead projects, and solve problems. Mastering responses to common google behavioral interview questions demonstrates your alignment with Google's culture and values, showcasing practical skills and resilience. This guide covers thirty essential google behavioral interview questions and provides strategies using the STAR method to help you craft compelling answers and ace your interview.
What Are google behavioral interview questions
Google behavioral interview questions are structured inquiries about how you've handled specific situations in the past. The premise is that past behavior is the best predictor of future performance. Unlike hypothetical questions, these questions ask you to share concrete examples from your professional or academic history. They focus on a range of competencies important at Google, including leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, dealing with failure, adaptability, and communication. By asking for specific stories, interviewers gain insight into your thought process, decision-making skills, and interpersonal abilities when facing real-world scenarios. Preparing for google behavioral interview questions involves reflecting on your experiences and framing them effectively.
Why Do Interviewers Ask google behavioral interview questions
Google interviewers ask google behavioral interview questions to assess how you embody the company's core principles and whether your working style fits their collaborative and dynamic environment. They want to see how you navigate complex situations, learn from mistakes, and contribute to team success. These questions reveal soft skills that are essential alongside technical expertise. By using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), candidates can provide structured, clear narratives that highlight their skills and contributions. Interviewers look for patterns in your responses to understand your strengths, weaknesses, and how you might fit into a Google team. Preparing strong answers to google behavioral interview questions is key to demonstrating your readiness for the role and the company culture.
Preview List
Tell me about yourself.
Why Google?
Why do you want this position?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Tell me about a time you had to change.
Tell me about a time you created something from nothing.
Tell me about your biggest achievements in your past work.
Tell me about the last time you failed, and what happened.
What makes a good [job title]? What makes a bad [job title]?
If you had coffee with Sundar Pichai, what would you talk to him about?
Tell me about the skills that you possess that will help you succeed in this role.
Why are you leaving your former position?
Tell me about a time you led a team.
Tell me about a time you influenced others without authority.
Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult team member.
Tell me about a time you collaborated with someone from a different department.
Tell me about a time you had to communicate complex information to a non-technical person.
Describe two specific goals you set for yourself and how successful you were in meeting them.
Tell me about a time you failed to meet a deadline. What did you learn?
Tell me about a decision you made that was unpopular with others.
Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision with limited information.
Describe a time when you had to prioritize tasks under pressure.
Tell me about a time when you had to come up with a creative solution to solve a problem.
Tell me about a time when you took on too much work and how you handled it.
Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it.
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with ambiguity.
Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you correct it?
Tell me about a time you had to adapt to new technology or processes.
Tell me about a time when you effectively delegated tasks to others.
Tell me about a time you received feedback and how you used it to improve.
1. Tell me about yourself.
Why you might get asked this:
This common opening question helps the interviewer get to know you, assess your communication style, and find connections to the role and Google.
How to answer:
Provide a concise summary of your background (past), relevant experience (present), and future goals (future), linking them to the specific role.
Example answer:
I'm a marketing professional with 5 years focusing on digital strategy. In my last role, I increased lead generation by 20%. I'm excited about this role's potential to impact global users at Google, leveraging my skills.
2. Why Google?
Why you might get asked this:
They want to gauge your interest in Google's mission, values, and impact. It shows you've done your research and are genuinely motivated.
How to answer:
Connect your values and career goals to Google's mission, products, or culture. Be specific about what attracts you.
Example answer:
I've long admired Google's commitment to organizing the world's information and making it universally accessible. The scale of impact here aligns with my passion for building products that serve millions.
3. Why do you want this position?
Why you might get asked this:
This question checks your understanding of the role and how it fits your career aspirations.
How to answer:
Explain how your skills, experience, and interests align with the specific responsibilities and challenges of this role.
Example answer:
This role's focus on [specific duty] excites me because it directly leverages my experience in [relevant skill]. I believe I can make significant contributions to your team's objectives.
4. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests self-awareness and honesty. They want to see if you understand where you excel and where you need to grow.
How to answer:
Mention a relevant strength backed by an example. For a weakness, choose something genuine but not critical for the role, and discuss how you are working to improve it.
Example answer:
My strength is problem-solving; I enjoy tackling complex issues. A weakness is sometimes being too critical of my own work, but I'm improving by setting clear review checkpoints.
5. Tell me about a time you had to change.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses adaptability and resilience in response to unexpected circumstances or new information.
How to answer:
Describe a situation requiring you to adapt to a change (process, team, project), your actions, and the outcome, emphasizing your flexibility. Use STAR method.
Example answer:
When my team's project direction abruptly changed due to market shifts, I quickly learned a new tool critical for the pivot. I helped onboard others, ensuring we met the revised deadline.
6. Tell me about a time you created something from nothing.
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates initiative, creativity, and ability to start projects or processes without existing structure.
How to answer:
Share an experience where you initiated and built a project, process, or system from scratch. Highlight your thought process and actions. Use STAR.
Example answer:
Seeing a gap in our onboarding process, I proposed and built a new internal knowledge base using existing tools. It reduced onboarding time by 30% and became a standard resource.
7. Tell me about your biggest achievements in your past work.
Why you might get asked this:
Identifies what you consider significant success and the impact you've made.
How to answer:
Describe one or two key accomplishments, focusing on the challenge, your specific actions, and the measurable results. Use STAR.
Example answer:
My biggest achievement was leading a cross-functional team to launch a new product feature. We delivered on time and the feature resulted in a 15% increase in user engagement within the first month.
8. Tell me about the last time you failed, and what happened.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses self-awareness, honesty, ability to learn from mistakes, and resilience.
How to answer:
Discuss a genuine failure (not a trivial one), explain what went wrong, take responsibility, and focus heavily on what you learned and how you've applied that lesson since. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I once underestimated the complexity of a project, leading to missed deadlines. I learned better project scoping and now implement more detailed planning and buffer time, which improved subsequent projects.
9. What makes a good [job title]? What makes a bad [job title]?
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your understanding of the role's requirements and expectations, and your professional standards.
How to answer:
Define the key attributes, skills, and behaviors that lead to success in the role, and conversely, those that hinder performance. Align with Google's values.
Example answer:
A good project manager is organized, communicates effectively, and proactively identifies risks. A bad one lacks foresight, avoids conflict, and fails to update stakeholders on progress.
10. If you had coffee with Sundar Pichai, what would you talk to him about?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your strategic thinking, understanding of Google's direction, and professional curiosity.
How to answer:
Propose discussing topics related to Google's future, challenges in the industry, or leadership lessons, showing you've thought about the company's strategic landscape.
Example answer:
I'd ask him about the strategic balance between fostering innovation and maintaining regulatory compliance globally, and how Google navigates that complex landscape.
11. Tell me about the skills that you possess that will help you succeed in this role.
Why you might get asked this:
Allows you to directly link your qualifications to the job description and demonstrate your fit.
How to answer:
Highlight 2-3 key skills mentioned in the job posting or critical for success in the role, providing brief examples of how you've used them.
Example answer:
My strong analytical skills will help interpret complex data for decision-making. My collaborative nature ensures effective teamwork, and my adaptability allows me to navigate changing priorities.
12. Why are you leaving your former position?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your reasons for seeking a new opportunity and identifies potential red flags.
How to answer:
Keep it positive. Focus on forward-looking reasons like seeking new challenges, growth opportunities, or a better alignment with your career goals, rather than complaining about your previous role or employer.
Example answer:
I'm looking for an opportunity to work on projects with a larger scale and global impact, which aligns more closely with my long-term career aspirations and the scope of work at Google.
13. Tell me about a time you led a team.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your leadership potential and experience, even if the role isn't explicitly managerial.
How to answer:
Describe a situation where you took initiative to guide a group towards a goal, explaining your approach, challenges faced, and the positive outcome. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I led a volunteer team to organize a community event. I delegated tasks based on strengths, mediated disagreements, and motivated the team, resulting in a successful event with high attendance.
14. Tell me about a time you influenced others without authority.
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your ability to persuade, build consensus, and drive change through informal leadership.
How to answer:
Share an instance where you convinced colleagues or stakeholders to adopt an idea or change a course of action through communication and rationale, without being their direct manager. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I saw an opportunity to improve a workflow and presented my case with data to stakeholders from other departments. I addressed their concerns proactively and ultimately convinced them to adopt the more efficient process.
15. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult team member.
Why you might get asked this:
Tests your interpersonal skills, conflict resolution abilities, and professionalism in challenging team dynamics.
How to answer:
Describe the situation objectively, focus on your actions to address the behavior constructively (e.g., direct conversation, seeking mediation), and the resolution or steps taken. Use STAR.
Example answer:
A team member consistently missed deadlines, impacting others. I had a private conversation to understand their challenges, we agreed on clear checkpoints, and I offered support, improving their accountability.
16. Tell me about a time you collaborated with someone from a different department.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your ability to work cross-functionally, navigate different perspectives, and achieve shared goals.
How to answer:
Describe a project requiring collaboration across teams. Explain the challenges of working with different priorities or communication styles and how you effectively partnered to achieve a result. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I collaborated with the Sales team on a marketing campaign. We had differing views on targeting, but I initiated meetings to align goals and shared data, leading to a highly effective campaign.
17. Tell me about a time you had to communicate complex information to a non-technical person.
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your communication clarity, ability to tailor your message, and patience in explaining technical concepts simply.
How to answer:
Describe a situation where you needed to explain technical or complex details to someone without the same background. Explain how you simplified the information and ensured understanding. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I presented technical project progress to executive leadership. I focused on key outcomes, used analogies, and prepared clear visuals, ensuring they understood the impact without getting lost in jargon.
18. Describe two specific goals you set for yourself and how successful you were in meeting them.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your goal-setting ability, ambition, planning skills, and follow-through.
How to answer:
Share two clear, measurable goals. For each, describe the steps you took to achieve it, any obstacles faced, and the outcome. Discuss what you learned from the process. Use STAR.
Example answer:
Goal 1: Learn Python. I used online courses and daily practice, completing it in 3 months. Goal 2: Lead a new initiative. I proposed a project, built a team, and successfully launched it within budget and timeline.
19. Tell me about a time you failed to meet a deadline. What did you learn?
Why you might get asked this:
Similar to the failure question, but specifically focused on time management and project execution.
How to answer:
Choose a genuine instance of missing a deadline. Explain the reasons honestly, take responsibility, and articulate concrete lessons learned about planning, communication, or resource allocation that you now apply. Use STAR.
Example answer:
We missed a project deadline due to scope creep. I learned the importance of rigorous scope definition upfront and proactive communication with stakeholders about potential timeline impacts when changes arise.
20. Tell me about a decision you made that was unpopular with others.
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your decision-making under pressure, conviction, and ability to handle dissent or negative feedback professionally.
How to answer:
Describe a situation where you made a decision knowing it wouldn't be universally popular. Explain your rationale clearly, how you communicated it, and how you managed the reaction or aftermath. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I decided to cut a feature deemed non-essential but popular with some team members to meet the launch deadline. I explained the data-driven rationale and the long-term benefit, managing the disappointment professionally.
21. Tell me about a time when you had to make a difficult decision with limited information.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your ability to make sound judgments in uncertain or ambiguous situations.
How to answer:
Describe a situation where you lacked complete data but had to make a choice. Explain your process for gathering available information, assessing risks, making the decision, and the outcome. Use STAR.
Example answer:
Facing a production issue with minimal data available, I analyzed potential causes based on symptoms and prior incidents. I made a calculated decision on the most likely fix to implement quickly, which resolved the issue.
22. Describe a time when you had to prioritize tasks under pressure.
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your organizational skills, ability to manage competing demands, and performance in high-stress situations.
How to answer:
Describe a period with multiple urgent tasks. Explain how you assessed priorities (e.g., impact, deadline), organized your work, and managed the pressure to successfully complete the most critical items. Use STAR.
Example answer:
During a critical product launch week, several bugs were reported simultaneously. I quickly assessed their severity and impact, prioritized fixes based on user disruption, and coordinated the team efficiently to address the most critical issues first.
23. Tell me about a time when you had to come up with a creative solution to solve a problem.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your innovation, ability to think outside the box, and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.
How to answer:
Describe a problem where standard solutions weren't effective. Explain your creative approach, how you developed the unconventional solution, and the positive results achieved. Use STAR.
Example answer:
We needed user feedback quickly but had no budget for formal testing. I created a simple online prototype and recruited users through social media, providing valuable insights at almost no cost.
24. Tell me about a time when you took on too much work and how you handled it.
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your ability to manage workload, set boundaries, communicate effectively, and potentially delegate.
How to answer:
Describe a situation where you felt overwhelmed. Explain how you recognized the issue, communicated with your manager or team, reprioritized, or sought help to manage the workload effectively. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I overcommitted to several projects. Realizing I couldn't deliver high quality on all, I spoke to my manager, explained the situation, and we jointly prioritized tasks and delegated some work, allowing me to focus and succeed.
25. Describe a time when you faced a challenge at work and how you overcame it.
Why you might get asked this:
A broad question to assess your problem-solving skills, perseverance, and resilience.
How to answer:
Choose a significant obstacle you faced. Describe the challenge, the steps you took to analyze and address it, any resources you used, and the successful outcome. Use STAR.
Example answer:
Our team's project was blocked by a technical issue no one could solve. I dedicated extra time to research, consulted external experts, and finally identified a workaround that allowed us to proceed and complete the project on time.
28. Tell me about a time you had to adapt to new technology or processes.
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your willingness and ability to learn new tools, systems, and workflows, crucial in a fast-evolving tech company.
How to answer:
Describe a specific instance where you had to quickly learn and adopt new technology or a different process. Explain your learning approach, how you integrated it into your work, and the positive impact. Use STAR.
Example answer:
Our team migrated to a new project management software. I proactively took online training, experimented with features, and became a go-to resource for colleagues, facilitating a smooth team transition.
26. Tell me about a time when you had to deal with ambiguity.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your comfort level and effectiveness in situations lacking clear direction or complete information.
How to answer:
Describe a time you worked on a project or task with unclear requirements or outcomes. Explain how you approached the uncertainty, sought clarification, made assumptions, and moved forward productively. Use STAR.
Example answer:
Starting a novel project, requirements were vague. I broke it down into smaller parts, defined initial hypotheses, sought frequent feedback from stakeholders, and iterated, gradually clarifying the path forward.
27. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake. How did you correct it?
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates accountability, problem-solving under pressure, and learning from errors.
How to answer:
Share a mistake, explain its impact, what you did immediately to mitigate the damage, how you corrected it, and the steps you took to prevent recurrence. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I made a data error in a report presented to management. I immediately notified my manager, re-ran the analysis, corrected the report, and implemented a peer-review process for all future data reports to prevent similar mistakes.
29. Tell me about a time when you effectively delegated tasks to others.
Why you might get asked this:
Evaluates your ability to trust, empower others, manage workload, and understand team strengths, particularly relevant for leadership roles.
How to answer:
Describe a situation where you assigned tasks to team members. Explain your reasoning for delegating, how you ensured they had the necessary resources and support, and the successful outcome for the team. Use STAR.
Example answer:
Leading a busy project, I delegated specific research tasks to team members with relevant expertise. I provided clear instructions and support, freeing up my time to focus on strategy, which resulted in a more efficient project completion.
30. Tell me about a time you received feedback and how you used it to improve.
Why you might get asked this:
Assesses your coachability, humility, and commitment to personal and professional development.
How to answer:
Describe a specific instance where you received constructive feedback. Explain the feedback, how you processed it, the specific steps you took to act on it, and the positive results of your improvement. Use STAR.
Example answer:
I received feedback that my presentations were sometimes too detailed for the audience. I practiced simplifying my message, focused on key takeaways, and incorporated visuals, leading to more engaging and effective presentations.
Other Tips to Prepare for a Google Behavioral Interview
Beyond mastering responses to common google behavioral interview questions, holistic preparation is key. "Practice articulating your experiences clearly using the STAR method," advises many career coaches. Reflect deeply on your past projects, challenges, and successes, identifying specific examples that align with Google's values like 'do good', 'focus on the user', and 'innovate'. Structure your stories using Situation, Task, Action, and Result to provide concrete, impactful narratives for each of the google behavioral interview questions. Prepare specific examples for different competencies like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and handling failure. To hone your delivery and structure, consider practicing mock interviews. Tools like Verve AI Interview Copilot (https://vervecopilot.com) can provide realistic practice sessions, giving you feedback on your responses to google behavioral interview questions and helping refine your STAR method application. Consistent practice with tools like Verve AI Interview Copilot can significantly boost your confidence and readiness for your Google behavioral interview. Regularly reviewing common google behavioral interview questions and practicing your structured answers will ensure you're prepared for a wide range of topics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long should STAR answers be? A1: Aim for 1-2 minutes per answer. Be concise but provide enough detail to showcase your role and results clearly using the STAR method.
Q2: Should I only use work examples? A2: Professional examples are preferred, but academic or volunteer experiences are acceptable if they demonstrate relevant skills for google behavioral interview questions.
Q3: How can I avoid sounding rehearsed? A3: Practice your stories but focus on the structure (STAR) and key points, allowing for natural conversation flow rather than memorizing scripts.
Q4: What if I don't have an example for a specific question? A4: Think broadly about similar situations. If truly stuck, you can briefly explain why you don't have direct experience but discuss how you would approach such a situation based on transferable skills.
Q5: Is asking questions at the end important? A5: Yes, it shows engagement and interest. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, or Google culture.
Q6: How much detail is needed in STAR answers? A6: Provide enough context (Situation) and specific actions (Action), but keep the narrative focused and highlight the Result.
