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

Senior
May 2026

Summary

Behavioral round for a security engineer role at Uber. Just one question but it took the whole conversation in a direction I wasn't expecting.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Tell me about a time you took ownership of work that wasn't explicitly assigned to you.

Adaptability & AmbiguityStakeholder Management
Author's notes

I had a decent story ready but fumbled the delivery.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Choose a specific example where you identified a gap or problem outside your assigned tasks and proactively addressed it. Use the STAR method to structure your response, emphasizing the actions you took and the impact on the team or product. Highlight how you navigated ambiguity, managed stakeholders, and demonstrated ownership.

Pro tip: Quantify the impact of your initiative (e.g., reduced latency by X%, saved Y engineering hours) and explicitly connect it to Uber's values like 'Go Get It' and 'Be an Owner'.

1. Set the Context

Briefly describe the project, your role, and the unassigned problem you noticed. Explain why it mattered and the potential consequences if left unaddressed.

2. Explain Your Initiative

Detail how you took ownership: what steps you took to validate the problem, who you consulted, and how you decided to act despite it not being your responsibility.

3. Describe Your Actions

Outline the specific actions you took to solve the problem, including any collaboration, technical work, or process changes you implemented.

4. Highlight Stakeholder Management

Explain how you communicated with stakeholders, gained buy-in, and kept them informed throughout the process.

5. Share the Outcome and Learnings

Quantify the results (e.g., time saved, performance improved) and reflect on what you learned about ownership, ambiguity, and teamwork.

Key Points to Mention

  • Demonstrate initiative by identifying a problem not assigned to you
  • Show how you navigated ambiguity and made decisions without clear direction
  • Highlight collaboration and communication with stakeholders
  • Quantify the impact of your actions on the team or product
  • Connect your actions to Uber's cultural values (e.g., 'Go Get It', 'Be an Owner')
  • Reflect on lessons learned and how you've applied them since

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