Amazon Interview Prep
Updated: Aug 13, 2022
During the Amazon interview process, there is an emphasis on the 16 Amazon Leadership Principles. Amazon indicates that they use these leadership principles every day, so you need to articulate your experience and how you can align to their mindset and culture. The recommendations below are based on first-hand experience and discussing the process with those who have gone through the interview process or are employed at Amazon.
Be prepared with 1 - 2 stories for each leadership principle. Don't repeat your stories or situations in the same interview cycle. Interviewers are taking notes and will compare your answers against those in your interview cycle. If you only use one example, you may display limited experience. Remember, your previous experience may predict your future potential. Be sure to use your real-life examples, don't speak to hypothetical situations. If you need help preparing for an interview or running through interview practice, contact me.
While prepping for your interview, gather and practice your responses using the STAR method. During the interview, use the same method to respond to questions in 7 - 8 sentences.
S - Specific Situation. 1 sentence
T - Task. 1 sentence
A - Action. 2 - 3 sentences
R - Result or outcome of what you are describing. 3 sentences, elaborate but don't ramble
Amazon Leadership Principles and Sample Questions
Customer Obsession
Tell the story of the last time you had to apologize to someone
When you're working with a large number of customers, it's tricky to deliver excellent customer service to them all. How do you go about prioritizing your customers' needs?
Ownership
Tell me about a time when you had to leave a task unfinished
Tell me about a time when you had to work on a project with unclear responsibilities
Invent and Simply
Tell me about a time when you had a simple solution to a complex problem
Tell me about a time when you invented something
Are Right, A lot
Tell me about a time when you were wrong
Tell me about a time when you had to work with incomplete data or information
Learn and Be Curious
Tell me about a time when you influenced change by only asking questions
Tell me about a time when you solved a problem through just superior knowledge or observation
Hire and Develop the Best