Describe a situation where you had to choose between options

Last updated: December 13, 2025

Quick Overview

Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Waymo, your actions, and measurable outcomes.

Waymo
Behavioral & Leadership
Software Engineer
Waymo
December 13, 2025
Software Engineer
Behavioral Round
Behavioral & Leadership
Easy

44

6

541 solved


Use the STAR method to answer. Be specific about the situation at Waymo, your actions, and measurable outcomes.

Behavioral questions at Waymo are weighted heavily in the hiring decision. This question appears in the Behavioral Round and is designed to assess your past experiences and how they align with Waymo's leadership principles and culture.

What the Interviewer Expects
  • Provide a clear, structured response using the STAR method
  • Share a genuine example from your professional experience
  • Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn
  • Show how the experience shaped your current approach
Key Topics to Cover
Handling ambiguity and making decisions with incomplete information
Leadership and influence without authority
Project management and prioritization
Mentoring and team development
STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
Growth mindset and learning from failure
How to Approach This
  1. Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.
  2. Be specific about YOUR actions, not just the team outcome.
  3. Quantify your impact whenever possible (e.g., "reduced latency by 40%").
  4. Prepare stories for: conflict, failure, ambiguity, leadership, and technical trade-offs.
  5. Show growth mindset. Explain what you learned and how you changed your approach.
Possible Follow-up Questions
  • How did you measure the success of your actions?
  • How did you get buy-in from stakeholders who disagreed?
  • How did this experience change your leadership style?
  • How did you support your team through this situation?
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Sample Answer
What the Interviewer is Really Asking

The interviewer is evaluating your decision-making skills, particularly in ambiguous situations where information is incomplete. They want to see how you prioritize tasks, manage competing options, an...

Strong Answer Structure
  1. Situation: Briefly describe the context and the specific options you faced.
  2. Task: Explain your responsibility in making the decision and the stakes involved.
  3. Action: Detail th...

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