Critique a Recent Engineering Project and Explain What You Would Redo
Last updated: July 17, 2026
Quick Overview
The candidate is asked to critique a recent engineering project they worked on and explain what they would do differently if given the chance.
Robinhood
July 17, 20266
0
58 solved
The candidate is asked to critique a recent engineering project they worked on and explain what they would do differently if given the chance.
This question is typically asked during the technical screen to evaluate the candidate's ability to reflect critically on their past work. Interviewers are looking for insights into the candidate's problem-solving skills, ability to learn from mistakes, and their approach to continuous improvement. This helps assess not only technical knowledge but also the candidate's capacity for self-reflection and growth in a collaborative environment.
What the Interviewer Expects
- Provide a clear overview of the project and its objectives.
- Identify specific areas of improvement and articulate why they are important.
- Discuss alternative approaches or solutions that could have been implemented.
- Reflect on the impact of the changes on the project's success and team dynamics.
- Demonstrate a mindset of learning and adaptability.
Key Topics to Cover
How to Approach This
- Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Be specific about YOUR actions, not just the team outcome.
- Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced latency by 40%").
- Prepare stories for: conflict, failure, ambiguity, leadership, and technical trade-offs.
- Show growth mindset. Explain what you learned and how you changed your approach.
Possible Follow-up Questions
- Can you describe a specific challenge you faced during the project?
- How did your team react to the changes you propose?
- What metrics would you use to measure the success of your proposed changes?
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