Behavioral Interview Prompt: 5‑Minute Self‑Introduction + Challenge (STAR)

Context

You are interviewing for a Software Engineer role and have an HR screen focused on behavioral and leadership competencies.

Task

1. Give a five-minute self-introduction that covers:
   • Background and experience level
   • 2–3 key projects or achievements with measurable impact
   • Core strengths (technical and behavioral)
   • Career goals and what you’re looking for next
2. Describe one significant work challenge using STAR:
   • Situation and Task: Brief context and the goal/constraints
   • Actions: Your specific, concrete contributions (focus on I-statements)
   • Result: Outcomes with metrics and trade-offs
   • Reflection: What you learned and how you’ve applied it since

Guidance

• Keep it concise, structured, and free of confidential details.
• Use clear metrics (latency, cost, reliability, growth, quality) where possible.
• Minimize jargon; explain acronyms once.
• Time-box: aim ~5 minutes for the intro; 2–3 minutes for the challenge story.