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Netflix·Software Engineer·Onsite - Behavioral / Leadership·Senior

Senior
Apr 2026

Summary

Netflix behavioral round for a software engineering role, focused entirely on feedback situations. Two questions, both probing how you handle uncomfortable conversations, either giving or receiving criticism. The bar felt high for specificity.

Questions Asked (2)

Q1

Describe a time you gave constructive feedback to a teammate or a cross-functional partner like a PM, data scientist, or designer when something wasn't going well. What was the situation, how did you approach it, and what came of it?

Conflict ResolutionCross-functional AlignmentStakeholder Management
Author's notes

This one is trickier than it looks because Netflix culture is pretty direct and they want to see that you actually said something hard, not that you scheduled a meeting and danced around it.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Choose a specific, real example where you gave feedback to a teammate or cross-functional partner, focusing on the situation, your approach, and the positive outcome. Emphasize how you made the feedback constructive, actionable, and tailored to the recipient, and how you followed up to ensure improvement. Highlight the impact on the project and relationships, aligning with Netflix's culture of candor and high performance.

Pro tip: Frame the feedback as a shared problem to solve, not a personal critique, and show that you invited the other person's perspective first. This demonstrates empathy and collaboration, which are highly valued at Netflix.

1. Set the Context

Briefly describe the project, the teammate's role, and the specific issue that needed addressing, including why it mattered for the team or product.

2. Explain Your Approach

Detail how you prepared and delivered the feedback: timing, setting, framing it as a shared goal, using specific examples, and inviting dialogue.

3. Describe the Outcome

Share what changed after the feedback: the teammate's actions, improved results, and any positive impact on the working relationship.

4. Reflect and Learn

Conclude with what you learned about giving feedback and how it has shaped your approach to collaboration and conflict resolution.

Key Points to Mention

  • Specific, observable behavior rather than personal traits
  • Empathy and respect for the other person's perspective
  • Focus on impact and shared goals, not blame
  • Actionable suggestions for improvement
  • Follow-up and support after the feedback
  • Positive outcome for the project and relationship

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.

Q2

Tell me about a time you received critical feedback. How did you react, and what did you actually change as a result?

Adaptability & AmbiguityConflict Resolution
Author's notes

Went with a code review story where a senior eng basically said my approach was wrong in front of the team.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Choose a specific instance where feedback was both critical and actionable, and narrate it using the STAR method. Focus on your emotional maturity in receiving the feedback and the concrete, measurable changes you implemented afterward. Emphasize how this experience made you a more effective engineer and aligned with Netflix's culture of candor.

Pro tip: Netflix values 'selflessness' and 'candor'—show that you not only accepted the feedback but actively sought more by asking clarifying questions and following up with the person who gave it. Quantify the impact of your change to demonstrate that you turned criticism into a growth opportunity.

1. Set the Context

Briefly describe the project, your role, and the situation that led to the feedback. Keep it concise to focus on the feedback and your reaction.

2. Describe the Feedback

State the critical feedback you received, who gave it, and why it was important. Be honest and avoid downplaying it.

3. Show Your Reaction

Explain how you initially felt and how you managed your emotions to respond constructively. Highlight your openness and curiosity.

4. Detail the Change

Describe the specific actions you took to address the feedback, including any new processes, skills, or habits you adopted.

5. Share the Result

Conclude with the positive outcomes of your change, such as improved performance, project success, or better team dynamics. Quantify if possible.

Key Points to Mention

  • Specific, actionable feedback (e.g., code quality, communication style, architectural decisions)
  • Your emotional response and how you remained professional and open-minded
  • Concrete steps you took to improve (e.g., pair programming, code reviews, courses, seeking mentorship)
  • Measurable results or impact of the change (e.g., reduced bugs, faster delivery, improved team collaboration)
  • How you followed up with the feedback giver to show accountability and growth
  • What you learned about yourself and how it aligns with Netflix's culture of continuous improvement

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.