Behavioral Matrix
First, write out your script for “Tell me about yourself”. This question is unique and does not follow the SAR (situation, action, result)
format. Learn more about writing your elevator pitch here.
The Matrix
Common Question Project Name/ Situation Action Result
Likelihood
Interview Reference
Question
This row will review N/A Sample Format Start by describing where/when the Describe the most significant, End with a positive note on the
the SAR format project took place (ie for a personal meaningful work at a high level. result, what you enjoyed about
project, in school, or during an internship For example: working with other people, and/or
or work experience). Describe the ● Any significant something that you learned from the
project at a high level - what was the responsibilities you had experience, even if the experience
goal? What were you trying to that you were responsible didn’t end successfully.
accomplish? for
● Metrics around what you
built, and what the
purpose was
● Meaningful contributions
that showcase your hard
skill sets
Highlight any significant or
interesting challenges you solved
at a high level.
EXAMPLE N/A Pathrise Software Last summer, I worked at Pathrise, an Since Pathrise is a small startup, I I helped launch the web app to over
QUESTION: Tell me Engineering Intern online career coaching platform for got to take on more responsibility 200 students in the program, and
about a project you students. While there, I worked directly than I would’ve anywhere else. For due to my trend analysis, the team
with the CEO and founding team to build example, I worked on building a was able to launch new content that
are proud of?
tools to analyze data about each centralized online course web app helped increase fellow placement.
student’s job search. using Javascript for all the content
*For additional and logistics like presentations and The web app also saved us 5 hours
sample question scheduling sessions. a week per student in scheduling
and answers, click and operation costs, which basically
here I also contributed to lots of data- made the team 2x more efficient
entry automation like for email than before.
tracking using mySQL, which led to
the tracking of 1000s of emails and
analyzed trends.
Tell me about a 75% Project: Situation: Action: Result:
recent project you
worked on?
Tell me about a 75% Project: Situation: Action: Result:
recent, significant
challenge you had to
solve? What made it
difficult?
Tell me about a time 50% Project: Situation: Action: Result:
you had a conflict,
debate, or
disagreement with
someone you worked
closely with. What
was the situation and
how did you resolve
it?
What would a former 20% Project: Situation: Action: Result:
professor or manager
say your strengths
and weaknesses are?
Tell me about a time 10% Project: Situation: Action: Result:
you made a mistake
and what you learned
from it.
Other Questions that do not follow the SAR format
Question Likelihood Format/ Information Your Answer
Why are you 80% Share a personal story, or personal interest in why you’re pursuing
interested in this field. It can be related to a love for problem solving, the
[field/role]? industry, personal reasons (ie family), growth, learning, impact,
social good, collaboration, solution finding, or other skills you are
interested in growing.
Why are you 90% Pick a few values that are mentioned on the company’s about
interested in page, and speak to why they are important to you. You can also
[company]? talk about the company’s mission or product and why it’s
compelling for you to contribute to it.
What are your 50% We never recommend giving recruiters or hiring managers salary
compensation expectations in advance. This is to protect you later in the process
expectations? when it comes time for negotiation. Some sample answers include:
“I haven’t had a chance to fully consider this yet. In general, I would
expect comparable market rate compensation for this role in this
location, but this is something I can do more research on and get
back to you as I progress in the process! Right now I’m really
excited to learn more about [company] and focus on getting to
know the team”
"Salary is not the most important part of a role to me. I really care
about company fit and culture. I am sure we can find something
agreeable in the market rate"
"I see the typical market wage is (give a range). I am sure we can
find some common ground around there."
What are you 50% Pick a few values that are important to you in your search. For
considering most example: growth and learning opportunities, training/mentorship,
when evaluating solving interesting problems, working with a motivated team, etc.
opportunities? Compensation, benefits, and location are also fine to mention but
you don’t want your answer to solely focus on those.
Additional Resources:
Final Round Interview Prep
How to Ace a Behavioral Interview
The Interview Checklist & Strategies for When You Are Stuck
