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

Senior
May 2026

Summary

Behavioral round at Meta for a SWE role. Just one question but it's the kind that trips you up if you haven't actually thought about it before.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

Tell me about a time you had a significant disagreement with someone and eventually came to realize they were right.

Conflict ResolutionAdaptability & Ambiguity
Author's notes

I fumbled this a bit.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Choose a real technical disagreement where you initially held a strong position but later changed your mind based on new evidence or reasoning. Focus on the process of how you came to understand the other person's perspective, emphasizing active listening, data-driven evaluation, and your willingness to admit you were wrong. Conclude with the positive outcome and what you learned about collaboration and humility.

Pro tip: Show that you not only conceded but also advocated for the other person's idea once you were convinced—this demonstrates strong leadership and ego-less collaboration, which Meta values.

1. Set the context

Briefly describe the project, the disagreement, and why it mattered. Keep it concise and focused on the technical or strategic issue.

2. Explain your initial stance and the other person's position

Clearly state what you believed and why, then fairly represent the other person's viewpoint. Avoid making them seem unreasonable.

3. Describe the turning point

Explain the specific evidence, data, or reasoning that made you realize they were right. Highlight how you actively sought to understand their perspective.

4. Show how you responded

Detail how you acknowledged the mistake, changed your approach, and communicated this to the team. Emphasize the positive outcome.

5. Reflect on the lesson

Summarize what you learned about collaboration, humility, or decision-making, and how you've applied it since.

Key Points to Mention

  • Active listening and asking clarifying questions to understand their reasoning
  • Using data or evidence to evaluate both positions objectively
  • Willingness to admit you were wrong and change your mind
  • Communicating the change to stakeholders and aligning the team
  • The positive impact on the project or team dynamics
  • Personal growth in humility and collaboration

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