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JP Morgan Chase·Software Engineer·Onsite - Behavioral / Leadership·Senior

Senior
Apr 2026

Summary

Behavioral round at JP Morgan Chase for a data engineer role. One question, but it had some real teeth to it.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

How do you influence people when you have no direct authority over them, and how does that change depending on whether you're working with someone above or below you in the org?

Stakeholder ManagementCross-functional AlignmentConflict Resolution
Author's notes

This tripped me up a bit because I kept conflating the two directions.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by defining influence without authority as building trust, credibility, and alignment around shared goals. Then contrast how you adapt your approach for senior stakeholders (focus on strategic alignment, data, and risk) versus junior colleagues (focus on mentorship, context, and empowerment). Use a concrete example to illustrate both directions.

Pro tip: At a bank like JPMorgan Chase, emphasize how you tailor your communication to different audiences—executives care about risk, compliance, and ROI, while engineers care about technical clarity and autonomy. Show you understand the regulatory and hierarchical context without being paralyzed by it.

1. Establish shared objectives

Identify common goals and frame your request in terms of mutual benefit, whether it's project success, risk reduction, or team efficiency.

2. Build credibility and trust

Demonstrate expertise, follow through on commitments, and show you understand the other person's pressures and priorities.

3. Adapt communication style

For senior stakeholders, lead with data, strategic impact, and risk; for junior colleagues, provide context, explain the 'why,' and offer support.

4. Use influence tactics appropriately

Employ logical persuasion, consultation, and inspiration; avoid pressure or exchange unless necessary, and be transparent about your intent.

5. Reflect and adjust

Seek feedback, monitor outcomes, and refine your approach based on what works with different individuals and situations.

Key Points to Mention

  • Building trust and credibility through expertise and reliability
  • Aligning on shared goals and mutual benefits
  • Tailoring communication: data-driven for executives, context-rich for juniors
  • Using logical persuasion and consultation rather than coercion
  • Understanding organizational dynamics and decision-making processes
  • Providing a concrete example of successful influence without authority

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