This one is sneaky because your instinct is to prove yourself, and the whole question is asking you to describe a time you didn't do that.
Choose a specific instance where you intentionally deferred to a stakeholder's or hiring manager's direction, even though you had deeper technical knowledge. Walk through how you assessed the situation, adjusted your communication style, and contributed value without overstepping. End by tying it back to why this made you a stronger candidate for Figma.
Pro tip: Emphasize that holding back wasn't about hiding your expertise, but about strategically timing and framing your input to align with the stakeholder's goals—this shows emotional intelligence and team-first mentality.
Briefly describe the project, your role, and the stakeholder's position. Make it clear why their lead mattered and what was at stake.
Explain the cues you picked up—tone, body language, priorities—that signaled you should hold back. Show you're observant and empathetic.
Detail how you adjusted your communication: simplifying jargon, asking questions instead of asserting, or offering suggestions indirectly.
Describe how you still contributed—e.g., by asking insightful questions, offering a small pilot, or supporting their decision while noting risks.
Share the outcome and what you learned. Connect it to why this skill makes you a great fit for Figma's collaborative, user-centric culture.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.