50 Amazon Interview Questions & Answers
Table of Contents
- 1. Accomplishment Questions
- 2. Ask The Interviewer Questions
- 3. Behavioral Questions
- 4. Career Goals Questions
- 5. Compatibility Questions
- 6. Competency Questions
- 7. Creative Thinking Questions
- 8. Customer Service Questions
- 9. Direct Questions
- 10. Discovery Questions
- 11. Diversity Questions
- 12. Education Questions
- 13. EQ Questions
- 14. Experience Questions
- 15. Leadership Questions
- 16. Operational Questions
- 17. Problem Solving Questions
- 18. Teamwork Questions
Accomplishment
1. Tell me about your greatest work-related accomplishment.
What You Need to Know
When sharing your most significant accomplishment, tailor your answer to your audience. According to Jeff Bezos, a valuable lesson he learned while building Amazon was "the path to success is anything but straight. Success can come through iteration: invent, launch, reinvent, relaunch, start over, rinse, repeat, again and again." So when sharing the story of your greatest accomplishment, let them know why this particular success was so significant, and describe the determination it took to get there.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"The greatest accomplishment in my career was graduating from university as an honors student while working full-time in a related field. I was at the top of my class and working full-time. This accomplishment showed me that I could dedicate myself to my career and reach the goals I set for myself. It felt great to accomplish so much and be recognized for my dedication."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Entry Level Example
"It may sound cliche, but reaching this level of accomplishment in my career and feeling prepared for this opportunity is the greatest accomplishment of my career. And tomorrow will bring my next greatest accomplishment, as will the day after that. I am very competitive with myself, always trying to beat my previous best. My parents taught me at an early age to map out my goals and develop a plan. This later evolved into developing a career plan, and as a result, I have a strong track record for accomplishing my goals."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Experienced Example
"I have many accomplishments of which I am proud. Overall, I would say that my greatest work accomplishment is my positive reputation in the software development industry. Tech is a large industry, with many professionals fighting to find their voice. I'm so proud to have carved a distinct career path for myself despite the challenges."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Ask The Interviewer
2. What questions do you have for me?
What You Need to Know
Come prepared with questions for your interviewer, but be sure to ask the right questions. If you have any questions at the outset, try to answer them yourself before your interview. This will indicate how serious you are about pursuing this opportunity and will ensure you don't ask any questions you could have answered for yourself. The more thoroughly you prepare for your interview, the more you learn and the more questions you'll have. As Jeff Bezos says, asking 'why' is equally as important as asking 'why not.'
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I am interested in growing my career from within Amazon and applying my current and future skills within the company. I am curious how often you promote from within and whether there are any Amazon employees currently in consideration for the position I am interviewing for."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"I would like to ask if there is anything in my background you need me to clarify. Also, after our discussion today, is there any particular reason I would not be the best fit for this executive assistant role?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Experienced Example
"I appreciate you opening the floor for questions. What is your timeline for a decision about this opening? Also, what was the biggest struggle the last developer encountered in this role?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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I'm also very curious about the workflow in Amazon. The companies in Istanbul always try to find the best employee and try to get that employee to do all the work by paying more. For example, I had to manage almost more than 30 people. I am very curious about the workflow here."
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What are your fondest memories of when you began working at AWS? What impressed you?
What do you wish you had done differently during your first 3 months?"
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Behavioral
3. Can you discuss a time you had to be frugal in the workplace?
What You Need to Know
One of Amazon's Leadership Principles is 'Frugality;' they believe you can accomplish more with less. As Jeff Bezos puts it, "I think frugality drives innovation, just like other constraints do. One of the few ways to get out of a tight box is to invent your way out." Show your interviewer how your values already align with theirs by sharing some instances where you accomplished more with less in the workplace.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I'd consider myself incurably frugal. But I don't look at frugality solely from a financial perspective but from every angle. I am frugal regarding time, effort, and how many people should work on a project or team. Whatever the cost, I am frugal and try to find the simplest way of doing everything. The way I see it, if people take shortcuts to do their work, the system or method is flawed. If taking shortcuts is necessary, we should be looking at how to make the shortcut the right way to do the job correctly. Because of that, I would say yes, I am very frugal in everything I do."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"My previous employer had a strict operating budget and decreased our office expenses by 50%. I used to send faxes through our fax machine, and we developed a paper and ink cartridge shortage when costs were cut. I started using a virtual fax system, which cut costs by 75%. That was only one way I was frugal, but it was the most cost-effective."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 20th, 2021
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Behavioral
4. Do you think it is important to have fun at work?
What You Need to Know
Amazon strives to be "Earth's best employer." They've even made this mission one of their leadership principles and encouraged their leaders to lead with empathy, have fun at work, and make it easy for others to have fun. It is not only essential to perform research before your interview but also to rehearse and be able to recall what you learn for your interview. Explain how you identify with this leadership principle, why you think it is important to have fun at work, and how this has allowed you to be an effective and productive employee. As Jeff Bezos puts it, "Work hard. Have fun. Make history. That's going to make it easier for you to make that choice to work hard."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I'd say it's important to have fun everywhere - at work, home, on your commute. They say life is a flexibility test. But it is also a constant attitude test. It's important to approach everything in life with the right attitude, and if you are not having fun, then you have to adjust some things until you are."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I think it is imperative to have fun at work. That's not to say that work is all fun and games, but if employees are happy, they tend to have better morale and are more productive. In my last job, we had Nerf guns that our CEO bought for us. When we wanted to get a coworker's attention in a cubicle, we would shoot a dart over the cubicle, which always got a laugh. That was one of the most fun jobs I have ever had."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
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I was in France for a week putting together a demo for a customer when V6 first came out, before 3DEXPRIENCE. Those were long days and nights. We were exhausted. And we knew it was just the beginning. The following week was the real work when we were traveling to the US and Canada to the customer's sites for the demos.
You know how it is. Late nights. Not regular meals. Whenever someone would get irritable we would play the video of a '60s song which was in French we didn't understand most of it but the chorus repeated the name of the customer so we would all laugh and sing. It really brought us together as a team.
We did win. That was in 2009. And occasionally, we still bring that video up and laugh."
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Behavioral
5. What makes you a good fit for Amazon?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos states, "Many people have unique skills, interests, and perspectives that enrich the work environment for all of us. It's often something that's not even related to their jobs." Bezos has often described his best employees as "mavericks" and a "bit radical, a bit of a rebel." As one of Amazon's leadership principles states, "Leaders think differently and look around corners for ways to serve customers." So consider how you fit this mold. What makes you a maverick or a pioneer? Try to define what is peculiar to your unique approach or the lens through which you view the world. Hone in on that and use it to illustrate what sets you apart from the herd.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"My incurable curiosity. If I go for a walk or a drive, and I look down a road that seems interesting, I will make that turn, not knowing where it will take me. My mind is in constant discovery mode."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I've always viewed myself as an adventurer with a restless spirit. If someone tells me something is impossible or can't be done, I want to defy that. If someone says to me, 'I could never climb Everest,' or 'I could never write a book,' I will always think to myself, why not? The only thing holding anyone back is themselves. And I never hold myself back."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Behavioral
6. Do you consider yourself a calculated risk-taker?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos has built Amazon's culture around calculated risk-taking. This is built on the principle that many decisions and actions are reversible and do not need extensive study. As Jeff Bezos puts it, "I can guarantee you that none of these ideas are guaranteed to work. All of them are gigantic investments and they're all risks. The only way to get above-average returns is to take risks and many won't pay off. Our whole history as a company is about taking risks, many of which have failed and many of which will fail, but we'll continue to take big risks." This is a large part of the culture of Amazon.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Perform research on yourself and examine how you fit this mold. Give an example where you took a calculated risk and describe the result. If it failed, detail what you learned from it and what that failure contributed to your future success.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I think life is all about taking risks. But I am not a gambler. I don't lean too heavily on chance. When you recognize an opportunity and realize you have more than just a chance to succeed, you have to take the time to weigh the odds and examine what you stand to gain and what is leaning in your favor. That's where it becomes a calculated risk. Sure, it might not work out, but if you approach it intelligently, recognize the odds of failure, and determine whether that failure could lead to learning and future success, then it feels like less of a risk as long as something stands to be gained. So in this regard, I would consider myself a calculated risk-taker."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I do consider myself a calculated risk-taker. In a previous job, I led a small team of developers creating a new Android app. Our team knew three competitors were working on a similar release, and we were racing against the clock. We had a few setbacks when two developers became ill, and one of the competitors had a larger marketing and PR budget. If they released their app first, our company would not make it. I decided to skip the beta-testing phase and release the app with an aggressive PR and marketing campaign. My risk paid off, and the company made $400,000 on the release."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 20th, 2021
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Being a risk taker however does not mean that I do not exercise due diligence when approaching a task for which I do not feel 100% prepared. Exercising due diligence is a sign of humility and respect that one does not take the responsibilities and trust that come with them lightly. For example, although I may have the experience to be able to show up at a customer engagement without prior preparation, I will perform some demonstrable preparation and/or research beforehand so the customer has evidence that I arrive invested in engagement outcome. Taking risks results from the fact that there is never enough time or resources to account for all the potential variables, the best we can do is to prepare ourselves so that those risks are based upon intelligence and due diligence. Demonstrating intelligent, due diligence is an avenue to gaining customer trust."
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Behavioral
7. Tell me about someone you admire and why you admire them.
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos has said, "I've always tried hard to work only with people I admire. If you think about people you've admired in your life, they are probably people you've been able to learn from or take an example from. The smartest people are constantly revising their understanding, reconsidering a problem they thought they'd already solved. They're open to new points of view, new information, new ideas, contradictions, and challenges to their own way of thinking."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is a little different from asking who your role model is. Admiring someone doesn't mean you necessarily model yourself after them. Instead, admiring someone means that you respect and approve of their approach. Amazon prides themselves in recruiting innovators and collaborative thinkers who aren't afraid to be challenged or proven wrong. They are looking for that level of emotional intelligence and consider it to be the recipe for success. This question aims to assess how like-minded you are in this regard.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I admire Jeff Bezos and his approach to leadership, innovation, and the impact he has had on the world and the future. I also admire him for the same reasons I admire Warren Buffett. These are two wise individuals whose intentions seem pure. They are also self-made from humble beginnings."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"I admire Gretta Thunberg. She has made a huge impact campaigning for the environment globally and hasn't slowed down one bit. That's a kind of relentless determination you don't see that often."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Behavioral
8. When have you had to change a major component of your project due to new information?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos is known to be stubborn about vision and flexible on the details. He advocates for patience, adaptability, and willingness to take a more difficult path toward success. He says you must be firm on where you want to go but flexible on how to get there. "Leaders are obligated to respectfully challenge decisions when they disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable or exhausting. Leaders have conviction and are tenacious. They do not compromise for the sake of social cohesion. Once a decision is determined, they commit wholly."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Your interviewer is curious about what your answer will say about you as a candidate. When sharing your example, exhibit the attitude and flexibility they are looking for in their ideal candidates. Your answer should indicate emotional intelligence, confidence, and leadership potential.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"My thesis was on the homeless crisis on the West Coast of the United States. As I examined the potential root causes - systemic issues, the opioid crisis, climate, etcetera - a new piece of evidence surfaced that caused me to rethink my entire approach. Someone who had spent significant time on the streets now assisted at-risk youth, trying to get them off the streets before they were institutionalized into that way of life. They'd also created a program designed to reintroduce those who were institutionalized to society. Additionally, they educated me on their personal history and how, since the days of the hippies of the 1960s and the Grateful Dead generation and the 'Dead Heads' who followed them, living that nomadic lifestyle, a system of graffiti tagging was generated to inform those who were used to squatting in abandoned buildings which of those buildings were vacant and were considered safe to squat. I took this information and all the other information I'd already compiled and started my thesis over from scratch. In the end, my thesis was hailed by my professors, and I graduated at the top of my class."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I had a large project last month that was nearly complete when the client called to say that the specs provided were incorrect. Because of this, our team had to redo the entire proposal. It took us an additional four days of work, but, in the end, the client was delighted with our work, and it resulted in new opportunities with them."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
I would say that being in the software and technology business means changing major components of projects regularly. I am accustomed to changing gears at a moment's notice and can adapt very well.
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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I did not have prior experience or knowledge of _____ Pipeline. I asked the customer for examples from other projects to get a better idea of expectations. Using the provided examples as a guide, I modified the project so that the code could be called from _____ Pipeline stages allowing for an audit trail to be generated and thus satisfying the customer requirement. In hindsight, we should have invested more time brainstorming, collecting, and documenting compliance requirements with the client because although a project may seem straightforward to begin with, said project is going to need to comply with pre-existing standards that the customer may forget to mention because it is assumed that the project already knows about these standards."
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Behavioral
9. Culture fit is important to us at Amazon. How would you describe your personality?
What You Need to Know
Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos has called Amazon "the best place in the world to fail." As Amazon states on their website, "Building the future is inspiring and fun, but it's not easy. Amazon employees aren't just encouraged to come up with the next big idea, they're empowered to own and build it. Being a builder comes with an appetite for risk taking." They also refer to themselves as 'peculiar,' saying, "we don't mind being called peculiar. We have our own way of doing things. We're obsessed with customers, we see beauty in simplifying the complex, and we're comfortable being misunderstood. That might sound unorthodox, but our unusual approach and our culture - focused on removing obstacles so builders can build."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Perform as much research as possible to get a firm grasp on their work culture and the kinds of employees they are looking to hire. Explore their blog, where they cover this very topic on occasion. Then closely examine yourself and your professional career and map out how well you are already aligned with their work culture. Amazon prides themselves on finding passionate 'builders' with leadership potential and emotional maturity. These are people who aren't afraid of hard work. Jeff Bezos says they are always looking for builders, and those who are passionate about their work are hard workers who go the distance.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I'd say that I am an oddball that marches to the beat of my own drum. I always look at things sideways or upside down, trying to view things from every angle. I'm not afraid to fail. I count on failing most of the time until I don't, and I live for that 'aha' moment. I am driven, determined, and have a unique perspective that drives my success."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I would describe myself as a customer-obsessed do-er. I like to give and receive feedback, which I implement immediately. I am adaptable and not stuck on particular rules. I believe in flexibility and creativity while remaining considerate to my employer and coworkers."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I believe my personality will fit well with the Amazon culture since I am an independent decision-maker who widely accepts and implements feedback."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Behavioral
10. When starting at a new position, how do you earn your coworkers' trust?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos says, "The way you earn trust, the way you develop a reputation, is by doing hard things well over and over again. It really is that simple. It's also that complicated. Because in order to do hard things well, you must have integrity and competence. That means doing what you said you were going to do, and delivering. I want to live in a place where people can disagree and can still work together. I don't want to lose that." Examine the reputation you have built up for yourself as a professional and how your sense of integrity earned the trust of your teams.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Whether I deliver a strong interview or not, and whether I get hired for this position or not, I'll still have to prove myself - to you and to my teams. Despite what I share about myself, personally or professionally, my actions will reveal who I am and how trustworthy I am. So I would earn that trust, for it must be earned, by living up to my promises, working smarter, working harder, sharing, collaborating, and giving my all. I would do this consistently and prove myself to be dependable, reliable, and trustworthy."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I feel that earning trust is the foundation of any relationship, personal or professional. When starting a new position, I like to get to know my coworkers more personally. I believe asking about a coworker's family shows compassion and kindness. I earn trust by keeping my word and doing what I say I will do. I am dependable and do not call in sick or show up late to work, adding stress to my team. I never talk badly about people behind their backs or participate in office gossip, which is bullying. I think you can earn someone's trust pretty quickly by being an honest, friendly person."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 20th, 2021
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I am not a gossiper. I also believe in consistency, openness, and giving credit to the person/people who deserve it."
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Career Goals
11. We seek to hire highly ambitious people. Where would you like your career with Amazon to take you?
What You Need to Know
Your interviewer expects you to have some vision or trajectory of where you would like to take your career if you are hired for this position. Before your interview, research all the potential opportunities a career at Amazon could offer you and revise your long-term career goals accordingly. Jeff Bezos is a visionary who promotes a culture of visionaries focused on their long-term goals and being adaptable in how to accomplish those goals. "Willingness to be long-term oriented and willingness to be misunderstood, willingness to fail, those cultural traits are important contributors to what we have built at Amazon." Talk to the interviewer about your career ambitions specifically related to this role and their organization.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I would like to work my way up through management, preferable into Human Resources, perhaps in the Cloud Division. There seem to be some great people who work there, and they seem to be doing some amazing things there. It is where Amazon's current CEO came from, after all."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"One of the reasons I was so excited to interview with Amazon is because of the endless growth opportunities you offer your high-performing employees. My biggest ambition is to be awarded a management role in the next three to five years. I am happy to begin at the Tech U level and work my way up until your team believes I am ready."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"What interests me most about your company is that there are so many options for career growth. Ideally, I would like to earn my way into a team lead role, then a division manager position in the software development department. Of course, I understand that this will take many years of dedication and hard work."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Career Goals
12. What are your professional goals for the next five years?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos once hired an employee he was interviewing after only asking her two questions. One of the questions he asked was what her career goals were. She answered that she wanted to be surrounded by ambitious and passionate people to learn from. One of Amazon's Leadership Principles is to 'Learn and Be Curious.' Leaders are never done learning and consistently seek to improve themselves. They are curious about new possibilities and act to explore them. Describe your professional goals in the next five years, including educational advancement, leadership development, and personal development.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I would like to move through the rank in management, being provided many opportunities to showcase my talents and hopefully catch the eye of senior management. I would eventually like to be on a first-name basis with Jeff Bezos and Andy Jassy."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"My professional goals over the next five years include obtaining my master's degree in innovative leadership and putting the new skills I will learn to use with your company. After I gain a few years of experience within the company, I would like to advance to the Senior Continuous Improvement Expert position."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 20th, 2021
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Compatibility
13. Do you have a Prime account? Name two benefits of having an Amazon Prime account.
What You Need to Know
To be an effective representative of Amazon, you'll first need to be a loyal customer. Amazon prides itself on being customer obsessed. So to be obsessed with your customers at Amazon, you also need to be a customer. Therefore, your interviewer wants to know how familiar you are with the full suite of offerings as an Amazon Prime Member. This is where you will not only showcase your familiarity with the perks Amazon Prime offers with shipping, shopping, streaming through Amazon Prime Video, reading through kindle, along with numerous other benefits. How you answer could tell them whether you are looking for any job anywhere or if you specifically want to work for them.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I've been a Prime Member for eight years now. Free shipping is an outstanding perk, especially when it arrives the same day or the next day. Also, the biggest benefit for me is access to Amazon Prime Video. I'm a huge 'Rings of Power' fan. That show is Amazing, as so much of their original programming has proven to be."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have been an Amazon Prime member for the past four months. I order a lot from Amazon, and the free shipping feature will save me a lot of money this year. I also often listen to music at home, so the music streaming service is fantastic, too."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Amazon Prime Video and also the Prime Reading feature are the two benefits that sold me on my membership last year. The fact that I can borrow books from the Prime Reading catalog and read them on my e-reader is amazing. I know there are dozens of benefits to a Prime membership; however, those two are the ones I use most."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
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Compatibility
14. Describe a situation where you had to make a decision without data.
What You Need to Know
"Be resourceful, and navigate through ambiguity." Jeff Bezos has said that he's aimed to recruit candidates who strengthen the organization. "We want to fight entropy. The bar has to continuously go up. I ask people to visualize the company five years from now. At that point, each of us should look around and say, The standards are so high now, boy, I'm glad I got in when I did!" When Amazon interviews candidates, they are known to examine how each candidate would enhance their culture and raise the bar. They assess how each individual measures up to their leadership principles and how well their answers align with their corporate philosophy.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
One of their leadership principles is 'Bias for Action,' which states, "Speed matters in business. Many decisions and actions are reversible and do not need extensive study. We value calculated risk-taking." So think about your career and where you have demonstrated that you already embrace this principle. The more you can exemplify that you are already guided by these and embody these qualities, the more successful your interview will be.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"In a past position, a client with a project we hadn't started yet suddenly needed it fast-tracked, and we needed a mock-up by the end of the day. The supervisor who had all the client data wasn't going to be in for an hour, and our team needed to know whether we should start on the project now without the necessary data on hand or wait until that supervisor came in and risk missing the deadline. So I made the call to get started now. I knew the basics of the presentation and the type of charts and spreadsheets we needed to create, so I tasked the team with building the foundation for everything. This way, when this supervisor came in, they only had to populate the data. We got moving, and when everything was finally built out, it took three hours before our supervisor arrived. They were super impressed and distributed the data. The team populated it, and we sent off the mock-up to the client hours early."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Compatibility
15. What is Amazon's company mission, and what does it mean to you?
What You Need to Know
Early on, Jeff Bezos committed to making Amazon "Earth's most customer-centric company, where customers can find and discover anything they might want to buy online, and endeavors to offer its customers the lowest possible prices." Over the recent years, Amazon has won a multitude of customer service awards, including:
- #1 in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years (ForeSee Experience Index: US Retail Edition)
- #1 on the American Customer Satisfaction Index for 2010 through 2017
- #1 on the Harris poll 2016, 2017, and 2018
- #1 UK Customer Satisfaction Index 2018
- LinkedIn's Top Companies: #1 in the 2018 Top Company US Edition
Amazon describes themselves as being 'customer obsessed.' Before your interview, explore what this means, and find examples where you fit this mold. Discuss what this mission means to you and how you'll serve as an active participant should you be fortunate enough to be the chosen candidate.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I think it is important how Amazon repeatedly places value on Earth when being guided by their principles. Like so many things, there are subtle perspective shifts in how they approach things. Customer obsession rather than competitor focus. Recognizing that invention should be approached with passion. Being committed to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. But most importantly, how Amazon strives to be 'Earth's' most customer-centric company, 'Earth's' best employer, and 'Earth's' safest place to work. Earth is unifying, this approaches things from the perspective of our planet and our humanity. That's what their mission means to me."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"Amazon's mission is to be Earth's most customer-centric company. To me, this means always being a few steps ahead of your customers, delivering more than they expect, and doing so out of pure joy rather than a 'have-to' mentality. This customer-centric mentality also means creating an online experience that they respond to and makes their lives easier every time they visit."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"To be Earth's most customer-centric company is the mission of Amazon. Being customer-centric means that every decision I make here needs to be based on the customer first. I need to think a few steps ahead of their anticipated needs and deliver answers before they know what the question is!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Compatibility
16. Amazon has 16 Leadership Principles. Name three of them and explain how you embody those principles.
What You Need to Know
Amazon's leadership principles have been developed over the last 20+ years. Jeff Bezos stated Amazon's mission was "to be Earth's most customer-centric company" in his first shareholder letter in 1997. Until 2021, there were 14 leadership principles, but two more were recently added, making 16. Familiarize yourself with each principle and how they define each one, as these are considered "an integral part of the fabric of Amazon's culture."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
When answering this question, try to go above and beyond by sharing more than three, showcasing your familiarity with what defines each principle. As they say on their site, "We use our Leadership Principles every day, whether we're discussing ideas for new projects or deciding on the best approach to solving a problem. It is just one of the things that makes Amazon peculiar." The leadership principles are Customer Obsession, Ownership, Invent and Simplify, Are Right a Lot, Learn and Be Curious, Hire and Develop the Best, Insist on the Highest Standards, Think Big, Bias for Action, Frugality, Earn Trust, Dive Deep, Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit, Deliver Results, Strive to be Earth's Best Employer, & Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"Ownership is the first one I readily identify with, as I have a lot of integrity, and take ownership over my responsibilities, my mistakes, all of it. Also, Hire and Develop the Best. I earned the nickname of coach early on, because I am always coaching others and helping them along. Developing my peers and my teams is something that comes naturally to me. Also, Dive Deep resonates with me. If I need answers, I will find them. If there is work to be done, I will set the pace. I love participating, and enjoy getting my hands dirty."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have read through Amazon's leadership principles, and the ones that resonated with me most were earning trust, having a backbone, and delivering results. I wholeheartedly agree that a good leader will treat others respectfully, despite a difference of opinion. I am sure to see setbacks as challenges versus roadblocks. Lastly, I am unafraid to challenge a decision respectfully if I feel passionate about it."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I was pleased to see that Amazon has such solid leadership principles that are so well laid out. The three that stood out to me the most were customer obsession, ownership, and frugality. As a former business owner, I understand the importance of working with tight resources, even if they are not. This practice can encourage a lot of creativity. Customers are everything, so being obsessed with earning their trust will always work out in your favor. Lastly, I agree that a leader should act like an owner in every single way. Long-term thinking is important, as is jumping in wherever needed rather than acting as though it's not your job. Leaders are never above a task."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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1) Invent and simply: When I was at _______, I invented new demos and redesigned existing ones to reduce complexity and simplify the messaging, resulting in intuitive and engaging demos that shortened sales cycles.
2) Hire and develop the best: I built two new teams at _______, hiring primarily for raw talent, then mentoring them to polish their skills. Some of my team members subsequently won global awards for their performance.
3) Earn trust: A key part of trust is shared goals. Life isn't a zero-sum game. So I primarily use a "giver" approach at work, helping others to be successful, even when it isn't my job or doesn't directly benefit me. For example, I helped a colleague unblock a project with a local bank. Some of the bank employees were blocking progress. My colleague came to me because I had helped him previously, even though it wasn't my job. Then I had to build trust with the bank employees, by listening as they described their problems, honestly accepting responsibility, and then committing to actions that would delight them. That project subsequently won an industry award, and a senior executive at the bank publicly thanked me for my contributions."
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Competency
17. Who is the CEO of Amazon?
What You Need to Know
Andy Jassy is the current CEO of Amazon. On May 26th, 2021, at Amazon's annual shareholder meeting, Jeff Bezos announced he would officially step down as CEO on July 5th and move into the position of Executive Chair, where he could focus more efforts on philanthropy and his space company Blue Origin. He chose July 5th because it was the anniversary of Amazon when it was incorporation in 1994.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This question is designed to test how current your knowledge of the company is. Amazon and Jeff Bezos are both household names, and most people are aware of both. However, many people may have taken for granted his role in Amazon and not paid attention to Andy Jassy's promotion to CEO. Before his role as CEO, he was the head of the cloud division at Amazon. Learn what you can about Andy Jassy, what Jeff Bezos is up to today, and where they both feel Amazon is heading in the near future.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"The current CEO of Amazon is Andy Jassy."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"In 2020, Andy Jassy replaced Jeff Bezos as the Chief Executive Officer of Amazon. Prior, Jassy served as the CEO of Amazon Web Services. Jeff Bezos still serves on the board and as Executive Chair of Amazon."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Competency
18. This role with Amazon is highly technical. What is your understanding of this position and the responsibilities that come with it?
What You Need to Know
Assure the interviewer that you understand the technical requirements attached to this particular job. Research the role and thoroughly consume the information provided in its job posting/job description. Keep your answer to the point.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Based on the description and the responsibilities, this role feels very similar to my current position and in the range of my professional experience. I am capable of performing the duties described, and I feel my resume can attest to that. I am primarily interested in the growth opportunities such a position will present within the company shortly. I was attracted to the position and would consider leaving my current position partly because of the growth opportunities and Amazon's company culture, which feels more suited to my personality."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"From our previous conversation, the job description, and the information I found regarding the role online, I feel that the job is best described as a project leader focused on algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented design. The technical requirements that you would like to see are Java and C/C++ in a Linux environment. I am well versed in the tasks and programs you are asking for and am confident that I meet the strict requirements to perform in this role successfully."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I understand you seek a candidate with expert-level skills in C/C++ and Java in a Linux environment who can train junior employees. I am an expert user in these areas. Do you have any questions about my technical expertise?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Creative Thinking
19. We encourage innovation at Amazon. What does innovation mean to you?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos said, "To invent, you have to experiment, and if you know in advance that it's going to work, it's not an experiment. Failure and invention are inseparable twins. That resourcefulness of trying new things, figuring things out, it pays off in everything." Amazon frequently references innovation. 'Invent and Simplify' is one of their leadership principles, touching on leaders needing to expect and require innovation and invention from their teams. Amazon believes that being innovative includes an awareness of new ideas and never being limited by the 'we don't do that here' mentality. Share how you embody this mindset to display yourself as a strong fit for the company.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Innovation is making a macro scale improvement to the way something was previously done. Conversely, kaizen is making small improvements that can collectively produce large results. For something to be innovative, it takes an original approach that has never been tried or done before."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"In my previous role, I was fortunate enough to introduce my company to the idea of a gold-level service which added service options to our general customer service. Our customer base responded positively, and we kept the program running for a few years. To me, innovation is creating new products and services that are useful to customers and also help my company stand out further in their space."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I fully agree with Amazon that innovation means being someone who thrives on change and remains nimble in their work. Innovation can mean creating a new and powerful idea, and it can also mean simplifying an existing one."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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To keep fresh and engaged, requires an innovative mindset that looks for new ways to delight and satisfy the customer."
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Creative Thinking
20. Amazon has over 300 million active customers. How do you think we can attract an even larger customer base?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos wrote a shareholder letter in 1999 where he stated, "I constantly remind our employees to be afraid, to wake up every morning terrified. Our customers have made our business what it is, and we consider them to be loyal to us, right up until the second that someone else offers them a better service." That's why Jeff Bezos says everyone needs to come to work seeing every day as day one. He shares his philosophy of fighting complacency, and committing to "constant improvement, experimentation and innovation in every initiative." Therefore, your interviewer is curious about what kind of attitude you'll bring with you to work and how you will contribute to creating a better service.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"People work from home, shop from home, watch movies from home. Amazon delivers groceries and household goods; they've even partnered with Grubhub. Amazon finds new ways of delivering it all to your door, all while reducing global impact. I think it takes moving along the lines of finding better ways to serve your customers, such as prescription delivery. The more Amazon can do that, the more customers they'll attract."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I recently read that of Amazon's 300 million active customers, about 100 million are Amazon Prime members. I think the fastest, most effective way to gain a larger customer base is to create a fun marketing plan that encourages people to subscribe and then connect it to a reward when they refer a friend who has never subscribed. The 'send a coupon to a friend' method is often quite effective for gaining new leads and subscribers."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"The cost of shipping is a common objection for those opposed to shopping online. Offering free shipping to customers is a great way to entice people to try Amazon for the first time. I know that Amazon has done this in the past, but I imagine its effect makes it worth doing often. Also, gifting Amazon Prime memberships for a short time could be highly effective."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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There can be other benefits as well. Personally, I use the Twitch subscription. More benefits along those lines."
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Creative Thinking
21. Jeff Bezos walks into your office and says you can have a million dollars to launch your best entrepreneurial idea. What is it?
What You Need to Know
This is a common question Jeff Bezos has asked his candidates, and he uses it to identify his superstars. He has stated in interviews that the ideas we come up with are often ideas others have already come up with and are doing well. But those who have original innovative ideas and act on them invent and simplify. This is the core of one of their leadership principles: "Leaders are externally aware, look for new ideas from everywhere, and are not limited by 'not invented here.' As we do new things, we accept that we may be misunderstood for long periods of time." So this question aims to assess how in line you are with this leadership principle and how you would embrace it if given the opportunity.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"An affordable 3D printer model, where instead of having a product shipped to you, you could order it, and it would be delivered right to your 3D printer. If Amazon could offer an affordable desktop printer that was proprietary to their customers, that would be amazing, and that would be the project I would want to spearhead."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"I call it Holoview. It would be like zoom or FaceTime, but a hologram. A person would be recreated in the room with you as if they were there. The AI of the algorithm could use two cameras to make it seem as if this person was hanging out with you while you met with them. Or perhaps another approach would be the screen you were speaking with was a 3D representation of the person you were talking to, so it felt more like you were looking through a window, and the person was really in the room with you."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Customer Service
22. Amazon is known for exceptional customer service. What does excellent customer service mean to you?
What You Need to Know
Amazon believes excellent customer service goes beyond doing precisely as you're expected; it's more than having a smile on your face when the customer is looking. They view excellent customer service as actively seeking out opportunities to deliver more than the standard and thoroughly listening to your customers when they tell you what they need. As Jeff Bezos has said, 'Start with the customer and work backwards. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better. Obsessing over customer experience is the only long-term defensible competitive advantage.' Pay attention to the language of their culture and the keywords they use, and where possible, incorporate those keywords or statements you most identify with in your answer.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"Customer service means exactly what those two words mean when you put them together. If you want someone to be a customer, that means they want to try out your brand or are loyal to it. Otherwise, they are not your customer. Service means tending to one's needs. To serve their needs. So when you put them together, you are saying that you want someone to be your customer, and their patronage is earned. To serve them is to tend to their needs and make sure all of those needs, both conscious and sub-conscience needs are both met."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Experienced Example
"I know that Amazon aims to improve every customer's day by delivering over and above their expectations. I appreciate that Amazon tweets back to every complaint, has a strong team committed to every social platform where customers might leave a comment and that you never have to wait long for a meaningful reply from a customer service agent. If I can change my customer's day for the better, I have done my job delivering exceptional customer service."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Experienced Example
"Kate Zabriskie, the author of Business Training Works, once said, 'The customers' perception is your reality.' To me, this means that if my clients think my team does not care about them, they likely do not. Excellent customer service starts with proper training and setting high standards for my team from the get-go."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Customer Service
23. Have you ever had to contact Amazon customer support? If so, describe your experience.
What You Need to Know
If you are an Amazon Prime member and have talked to a customer service representative, then you have likely been thanked for being a loyal prime member. This simple appreciation for your brand loyalty can go a long way. So, whether you dealt with Amazon Logistics or one of Amazon's other customer service departments, describe your above-average customer experience, highlighting what stood out in your mind about the service you received. Keep your response positive, detailing your issue and how it was resolved, preferably ultimately exceeding your expectations. Share how this customer service model aligns with your philosophy, and detail how you are similarly customer obsessed.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"There have been several times when a package I ordered didn't arrive on time, for whatever reason. Life happens, and it isn't something I am upset about. But on those occasions, I reached out to Amazon Logistics, which has always taken care of me. Whether they refunded my account or took extra measures to get that package to me as quickly as possible, I have had nothing but gratitude for how I was treated and taken care of."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have heard and experienced many incredible things about Amazon customer service. The wait time is usually short, and the agents are knowledgeable and energetic."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"Thankfully, my Amazon deliveries have always been early, and my expectations more than met. I like that you have various support methods, and I hear that the wait time is quite short."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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24. One of Amazon's newest Leadership Principles is 'Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility.' How does this principle resonate with you?
What You Need to Know
One of the most recent additions to Amazon's Leadership Principles is, 'Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility.' This principle states, 'We started in a garage, but we're not there anymore. We are big, we impact the world, and we are far from perfect. We must be humble and thoughtful about even the secondary effects of our actions. Our local communities, planet, and future generations need us to be better every day. We must begin each day with a determination to make better, do better, and be better for our customers, our employees, our partners, and the world at large. And we must end every day knowing we can do even more tomorrow. Leaders create more than they consume and always leave things better than how they found them.'
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
The interviewer is curious whether you identify with this principle and what it means to you. Several articles have been written about how Bezos introduced these two new principles just days before stepping down as Amazon's CEO. Read and study them. Be prepared to discuss how and why it resonates with you professionally since most of Amazon's interview questions are based on the company's Leadership Principles.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I read somewhere that Jeff Bezos is a huge Star Trek fan, which is a source of the inspiration for Blue Origin and Amazon. He is forward-looking and is participating in bringing about the kind of idealistic future Gene Roddenberry conceptualized. When I look at this leadership principle, I see it as that. If you are going to innovate and create something as big as Amazon, you need to make sure it has a positive impact in every regard, and that takes constant vigilance and responsibility."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Amazon's Leadership Principles are the foundation on which the company makes its decisions, including hiring decisions. Knowing this, I have dedicated a lot of learning time to these principles, including one of the newest ones, 'Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility.' I interpret this principle to mean that Amazon had a humble beginning, but now Amazonians are expected to take big action and make a significant impact on the world. Although people are looking to Amazon to pave the way, every Amazonian should remain humble and consider the impact of their actions. This impact means considering the planet as a whole, including our community and future generations. I embody this principle by taking actions that I know will enrich the lives of others. I seek to give back to my community through my volunteer work and strive to make positive decisions that make myself and others proud. I look forward to joining such a thoughtful and mindful organization."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
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25. What does Amazon's Leadership Principle 'Strive to be Earth's Best Employer' mean to you?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos, before retiring as CEO and transferring to the position of executive chairman, added two new Amazon Leadership Principles. The first is, 'Strive to be Earth's Best Employer.' Bezos defines this principle: "Leaders work every day to create a safer, more productive, higher performing, more diverse, and more just work environment. They lead with empathy, have fun at work, and make it easy for others to have fun. Leaders ask themselves: Are my fellow employees growing? Are they empowered? Are they ready for what's next? Leaders have a vision for and commitment to their employees' personal success, whether that be at Amazon or elsewhere."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
When competing to join a company's culture, it holds value to identify with that culture and demonstrate how you are compatible with it. There are many leadership principles, and how Amazon defines each is a lot to memorize. But it boils down to how badly you want the job and how far you are willing to go to earn it. These principles are the foundation of most Amazon interview questions, so understanding them will give you a leading edge.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"This is a great leadership principle, but it is just one part of who Amazon is, where they define themselves as striving to be 'Earth's most customer-centric company,' 'Earth's best employer,' and 'Earth's safest place to work.' So when you look at the combined humanity of these three statements, I think that is what this leadership principle is about. To treat their employees as human beings who they care about as much as they care about humanity and the planet itself. It means they treat the workforce with dignity and respect and create a platform for opportunity and success."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I have performed a lot of research on Amazon's Leadership Principles and was excited to see that Jeff Bezos added two new principles before retiring as CEO of Amazon. This principle that states, 'Strive to be Earth's Best Employer,' is inspiring because it shows that Amazon strives to be an organization that puts its employees first, regardless of if their success comes from Amazon or by moving to a different organization. I appreciate that Amazon's leaders focus on their team members' growth and empowerment. This focus is critical, especially as we see employees demand a new approach to the workplace that many people are calling 'the future of work.'"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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sustainability and the environment
employees to have a work-life balance"
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26. Who founded Amazon?
What You Need to Know
Before any job interview, it is vital to research the history of the company you are competing to work for. When answering straightforward questions such as this, it is worthwhile to go the extra mile and showcase your knowledge. This will demonstrate that you are taking this opportunity seriously and are invested in earning this position. Do your homework. Showcase your knowledge. Demonstrate that you are already immersed in the culture and advertise an exceptional work ethic.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Jeff Bezos founded Amazon out of his garage in Bellevue, Washington, in 1994."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"Jeffrey Preston Bezos founded Amazon in 1994 when he wanted to build a virtual bookstore. He was just 30 years old when he founded Amazon, and now he is the richest person in the world."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
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27. How would you rate your performance in this interview so far?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos views one's ability to admit when they are wrong as an indicator of emotional intelligence. He considers emotional intelligence the foundation of strong leadership and credits this to his success. It is said that he is even-keeled and aware of his limitation, surrounds himself with 'smarter people,' and considers one's self-awareness of one's strengths and weaknesses as integral to these principles.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
This question tests your emotional intelligence, your self-awareness, and how honest you are, not only with the interviewer but also yourself. If you are unhappy with your interview performance, for whatever reason, this question offers you an opportunity to reverse course and put your best foot forward. Be frank, address where you feel you fell short, and contrast that with what you have to offer.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I feel like I could have come in a little less nervous. I feel confident in my experience and abilities, and I'm normally not shy, but I feel a little shy in this interview, probably because of how badly I want the job. So, if I could change anything in this interview, it would be to show my personality and passion. Ironically, it is my passion that caused me to clam up."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I am not sure if I have been able to portray myself 100% accurately in this interview, although I am trying my best. If there is anything more I can clarify for you, I would be happy to do so."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I would rate my performance as an 8 out of 10. I am happy with how I answered most of the questions; however, I stumbled a bit when you asked me about my expertise with Java and Python. Could I further clarify that for you?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Of course, I am nervous and will think of things I should have included after we hang up."
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28. What question did you hope I wouldn't ask today?
What You Need to Know
This question is a stand-in for the common 'What is your greatest weakness' question, yet it is designed to catch you off guard and get you to think on your feet. Jeff Bezos is known for creating a confrontational culture at Amazon, where he constantly challenges his employees. He also takes pride in understanding his weaknesses and admittedly hires people to mitigate them. But the main point is that he is aware of his weaknesses and takes ownership of them. Take advantage of this opportunity to showcase how weakness can be a strength. It's okay to pause and formulate a thoughtful response rather than blurting something out or seeming too rehearsed. So be prepared yet sincere in your reply.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Whether this is the first time I have interviewed with Amazon. This is the fourth interview I have had in five years. When I didn't land the job, I asked my interviewer for advice on what I could do differently or what added experience I should obtain to be more successful next time. Each time I have applied those lessons and come back when I felt I was ready. The truth is, I'm determined. I have a job, but I don't want to work anywhere else. I want to work for Amazon."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I suppose I did not want you to dig into why I applied three years ago and rescinded my application. I feel embarrassed about it because I thought I was ready to leave my current organization and decided that, to be the superstar I want to be at Amazon, I needed a bit more time and experience. I know that in these past three years, I have learned everything I might need to know to shine here, and I can't wait to put those last three years of learning and growth into action."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"I didn't want to discuss why it took five years to graduate college. I was working full-time while attending college and double majoring. Initially, I took the full course load and worked full-time. Eventually, I also switched my major, which added a semester. At that time, I hunkered down and increased the course load while working full-time. So, while it may have taken me longer, I learned a lot both in and outside the classroom, including time management and upping productivity. I know these are important skills that I will bring to any position, and I look forward to leveraging them here at Amazon."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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29. Have you ever broken a confidentiality agreement?
What You Need to Know
Companies will have confidentiality agreements for a variety of reasons. These could be to protect their trade secrets or to ensure that you do not bring clients over if you leave their company. Talk to the interviewer about your thoughts on confidentiality agreements.
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
1st Entry Level Example
"I consider myself a man of my word and pride myself on my integrity. I have never broken a promise or an agreement, written or otherwise, nor would I at any point."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I never have, to my knowledge, broken a confidentiality agreement. Despite my reasons for leaving a position, I would never choose to hurt a previous employer in any way."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"A confidentiality agreement has never bound me; however, I would never knowingly break an agreement."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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30. At Amazon, we take privacy and confidentiality very seriously. Are you willing to sign a non-disclosure agreement if hired?
What You Need to Know
Part of Amazon's culture is a belief that trust must be earned, whether it's the trust of your teams or your customers. As Jeff Bezos said, "Going way back, we just sold books, and then we started selling music and DVDs and electronics and toys and so on, and then we extended into electronic reading with Kindle. The reason customers have been receptive in large part to our new initiatives is because we have worked hard to earn their trust with them. Earning trust with customers is a valuable business asset. And if you mistreat their data, they will know, they will figure it out. Customers are very smart. You should never underestimate customers."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Signing a non-disclosure agreement is standard in the software and technology industry and is required for all Amazon employees. If hired, you will likely become privy to trade secrets, pending patents, and other innovative projects that must remain confidential. Talk to the interviewer about your willingness to sign an agreement. If you are currently under a non-disclosure or non-compete agreement with your present employer, now is the time to discuss that.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I am happy to comply with any necessary measures, NDAs, Non-Competes, Background checks, or E-verify - whatever you need."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have signed non-disclosure agreements in the past, although I am not currently under one. I see the importance of agreements like this and am most willing to comply."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I am happy to review and sign any privacy and confidentiality agreements you have."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Discovery
31. In your opinion, what has been the biggest advancement in video streaming technology this past year?
What You Need to Know
According to Jeff Bezos, Amazon Prime Video's "streaming hours are up more than 70 percent year-over-year." Access to a vast library of streaming content is just one massive perk to being an Amazon Prime member. Display your active interest in streaming technology services by discussing your thoughts on recent advancements. Be sure to include how you stay up-to-date on industry changes and new advances and offerings in streaming.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"OTT is rising fast, and network television, though far behind the curve, is finally breaking free of satellite and cable packages and is more freely available through platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"This year has seen many great advancements in streaming technology. Recently, I read an article on what to watch for streaming this year. The topic of virtual reality and 360-degree video streaming stood out to me. The article discussed how experts believe immersive content is becoming more accessible and more of a focus now."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"A lot of people complained in the past about the latency on live broadcasts and other interactive broadcasts. When streaming, the viewer is often behind a few seconds, which may seem trivial, but it's a real issue for live shows that are audience interactive. In American Idol, for example, the viewers text in their votes. I know there has been a call for internet-delivered content to offer higher speeds. This year alone, we are already seeing latency improvements up to five seconds, which is incredible."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Discovery
32. Do you do any volunteering in your spare time?
What You Need to Know
This is another opportunity to showcase your knowledge of Amazon and their offerings, such as AmazonSmile, which allows you to select your favorite charity to start generating donations at no cost to you. The AmazonSmile program donates 0.5% of every purchase you make on Amazon to a charity of your choice. All you need to do is start your shopping at smile.amazon.com. They donate at no extra cost, and you can choose from nearly one million public charities.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Tips
Also, be sure to showcase your knowledge of the philanthropic efforts of Amazon and its founders. For example, recently, Jeff Bezos gifted 100 million dollars to homeless shelter services. As they say in their leadership principles, Amazon believes that their leaders must "begin each day with a determination to make better, do better, and be better for our customers, our employees, our partners, and the world at large. And we must end every day knowing we can do even more tomorrow. Leaders create more than they consume and always leave things better than how they found them." The company believes that local communities, the planet, and future generations need them to be better every day.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
If you have or are currently volunteering, describe what you do and why. If you have not had the opportunity to volunteer, be honest and give an example of an organization or cause you would like to volunteer with in the future.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I volunteer at Mary's Place, a homeless shelter that assists families. In 2020, when Jeff Bezos worked with Mary's Place to shelter 200 homeless people by housing them in one of their buildings in downtown Seattle on their Amazon Campus, this was a game changer for me. That's when I knew I wanted to work with Amazon, not just in a volunteering capacity, but professionally."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"I started volunteering with my mom at a young age and continue to do so in my spare time. My mom taught me to give back to the community by volunteering my time and energy. I currently volunteer twice a month at an assisted living facility, where I take my retired service dog to visit. She's a Golden Lab, and the residents love how sweet and gentle she is. I love seeing the smiles on everyone's faces, which makes my heart so happy."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 20th, 2021
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Discovery
33. Do you know anyone who works for Amazon?
What You Need to Know
Someone who has an internal referral has a higher likelihood of getting hired at Amazon. If you don't have a genuine referral already, there are tools you can use on platforms such as LinkedIn, which can help you determine someone you may know who already works for the company. Ideally, the person should work in a similar role to the one you are vying for and can vouch for your character.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer would like to see if a friend referred you to this position, a former co-worker, or an industry acquaintance. This question is another way for the interviewer to ask where you heard about the role and if you have any connections from within. You can keep your answer brief and to the point.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"Actually, yes. My uncle works in Amazon Web Services in an upper management position."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I do not personally know anyone who works for Amazon. However, I am connected with a couple of your employees on LinkedIn due to common group interests. I look forward to getting to know your team!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"My former manager works for Amazon now; however, he is in a different department. His name is James Smith. He's a great guy! I would be happy to fill out any referral paperwork if you wish."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Discovery
34. Amazon is a company of pioneers. How are you a pioneer?
What You Need to Know
Amazon frequently uses the word 'pioneer' when discussing their most dedicated employees. Jeff Bezos said in an interview, "Customers are always dissatisfied, even when they don't know it, even when they think they are happy, they actually do want a better way and they just don't know yet what that should be, and that's why I always warn people, customer obsession is not just listening to customers. Customer obsession is also inventing on their behalf, so you need to be an inventor and a pioneer."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
In your research on the company, take some time to read enough of their employee stories on their careers site and learn exactly what makes current employees a pioneer. Try to zero in on those similar qualities in yourself and show the interviewer how you embrace those qualities and are the right fit for the job.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"When something needs to be done, I am normally the first person to take charge, explore the possibilities, and find a way."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I plan to be a pioneer with Amazon by committing to a long-term career, taking advantage of professional development opportunities that come my way, and embracing the change that comes with working for one of the world's most innovative organizations."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I read some of the pioneer stories on Amazon and am prepared to participate as a pioneer by developing myself and those around me, embracing the ideas of others, coming up with great ideas of my own, and fully committing myself to a career path filled with growth and opportunity."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Opportunities are everywhere, we just need to be open to exploring them and be curious enough to get started."
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Discovery
35. What one word would your previous supervisor used to describe you?
What You Need to Know
Before your interview, reflect on some of the words your previous supervisor used to describe you. Then, examine the keywords Amazon frequently uses to describe their ideal employees and work culture, such as passionate, smart, obsessed, innovative, and pioneering. Write down all the keywords they use and any that Jeff Bezos frequently uses, and examine how you are aligned with these descriptives and how you fit the bill and would complement their teams.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"My boss often uses the word 'madman' to describe me. He frequently says that because I work smart, hard, and fast. Normally he asks me to take something on, then the next time he sees me, he asks about my progress. I inform him that I'm done, and he calls me a madman. It's how he introduces me to everyone."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"One word my previous supervisor used to describe me is driven. In a performance review, my supervisor told me that I was one of the most driven employees he had ever worked with and offered me a promotion after six months. When I set my sights on a goal, nothing will stop me from achieving that goal."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 20th, 2021
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Discovery
36. What do you like to do in your free time?
What You Need to Know
Many might try to answer this question by framing themselves as dedicated and organized professionals who commit to projects and see them through even in their spare time. Although there is nothing wrong with this approach, greater research will reveal that Jeff Bezos views prioritizing and building unstructured time into one's schedule as a sign of emotional intelligence. "I like to putter in the morning. I get up early. I go to bed early. I like to read the newspaper. I like to have coffee. I like to have breakfast with my kids before they go to school. So my puttering time is very important to me. That's why I set my first meeting for ten o'clock."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Such interview questions allow your interviewer to learn more about you, your personality, and who the person behind the resume really is. Whatever you choose to volunteer about yourself, keep in mind that Amazon encourages their employees and leaders to have fun, both at work and away. Describe how you like to spend your free time and be strategic in what you want your answer to say about you.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I enjoy being lazy in my spare time. Usually, I sleep in, take things slow, and do whatever I feel like doing at the moment. I have a lot of hobbies, like snowboarding, trail running, and rock climbing, but ultimately, I just enjoy having the opportunity to be bored and do whatever I feel will cure my boredom at the time. I enjoy that unstructured time and the freedom it gives me to do whatever I want to do at the moment."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"In my free time, I like to do several activities. I like all outdoor activities. I enjoy mountain biking, kayaking, camping, and trail running. I recently took a class on acrylic painting and practiced painting wilderness scenes. I also volunteer every Saturday or Sunday at the local animal rescue shelter, where I take the animals for a walk or to play with them."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 20th, 2021
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Family
hiking
beach"
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When I'm not playing video games, I like to go for walks with my fiancee and dog in the Surrey Hills, taking in a pub lunch on the weekend."
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Discovery
37. What is the last thing you purchased on Amazon?
What You Need to Know
This behavioral question is similar to asking what you do in your spare time or what your hobbies are. This question is all about how you answer it. Be calculated in what you want your answer to say about you. You also want to be able to volunteer your answer quickly, which suggests that you are a frequent and loyal customer of Amazon and already embrace the brand you hope to represent.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"The last thing I purchased was chalk for rock climbing. I go to the rock climbing gym at least once a week. The first thing I ever bought from Amazon was my Kindle. Not only do I have an Amazon Prime membership, but I also subscribe to Kindle Unlimited."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I just made an Amazon order last week, and it arrived yesterday! I ordered school supplies for my son. It was so easy to order everything on Amazon, and I loved skipping the back-to-school rush in stores."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"The last thing I purchased on Amazon was a book. I have been buying books from Amazon for many years now. This month, I purchased 'American Like Me' by America Ferrera. It's a collection of essays, and I look forward to diving into it! Have you read it?"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Diversity
38. Amazon believes in a diverse perspective. When have you worked with a diverse group of people?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos wrote, "Diversity at Amazon has always been, and always will be, committed to equal rights, tolerance, and diversity. And we firmly reject and have zero tolerance for, harassment of any kind. We're a company of builders whose diverse backgrounds, ideas, and points of view are critical to helping us invent on behalf of all our customers. But it's not only that diversity and inclusion are good for our business. It's more fundamental than that, it's simply right. These are enduring values for us, and nothing will change that."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Amazon's statement about diversity and inclusion is spelled out on their website, and these are values they have embraced since early on. Amazon has been named one of the best places to work on Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index and LinkedIn's Top Companies; recognized on the NAACP Equity, Inclusion, and Empowerment Index and the Disability Equality Index; and received the 2019 American Foundation for the Blind Helen Keller Achievement Award, among others. Discuss your experience and display your cultural competence working in a diverse work environment.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I grew up in a diverse neighborhood and attended a diverse school. I would say everything about my upbringing was culturally diverse, though it feels weird to me to describe it that way. I feel most comfortable and at home the more diverse my surroundings are."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I have worked with diverse groups of people most of my career, including my time at university. I am most comfortable and happy in this environment because it offers a great learning opportunity."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I have worked in a diverse environment my entire marketing career. A successful company should embrace diversity of all kinds. It's what spurs creative and innovative ideas!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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For example, for one customer project, the customer's corporate headquarters was in Switzerland, the account team was Swiss; the customer's technical staff was Spanish; I'm American/British; the project manager was Indian, and my line manager was Italian. Despite all these cultural differences, we came together to deliver a successful project. I truly loved working with the Spanish who were very warm and friendly whilst also maintaining the high standards set by HQ in Switzerland. It was a joy working on a project that involves people from different cultures coming together."
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Education
39. Can you talk to me about your GPA during undergraduate/graduate school?
What You Need to Know
A significant and defining part of Jeff Bezos' pre-Amazon journey is that he graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University in 1986. Although no formal degree is required company-wide to be considered for employment, many leadership and corporate positions require a bachelor's degree. 51% of their employees are entry-level, 29% are in senior positions, and 14% are managers. When it comes to the level of education of Amazon's employees, 50% have bachelor's degrees, 26% have master's degrees, and 17% of them hold a degree in business administration.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Whatever your level of education, make sure you meet the requirements of the description of the role. Share details that provide deeper context to what you gained from your collegiate experience and any of the more significant successes as a post-secondary student, and what those experiences and what you learn will lend to your experience and have prepared you for this role.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I graduated summa cum laude and had a 4.0 GPA."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I graduated at the top of my class and am very proud of my accomplishments during University. The experience taught me to study hard and set goals for myself."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I had a 3.8 GPA but did strive for a 4.0. I understand where I fell short, but I also achieved a spot on the football team and earned two scholarships."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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EQ
40. How do you find harmony between your professional life and your personal life?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos has stated that he doesn't prefer the phrase "work-life balance." Instead, he argues that work and life are a circle and uses the phrase "work-life harmony" to communicate this concept, suggesting it is not a balance. "I get asked about work-life balance all the time. And my view is, that's a debilitating phrase because it implies there's a strict trade-off. And the reality is, if I am happy at home, I come into the office with tremendous energy. And if I am happy at work, I come home with tremendous energy. It actually is a circle; it's not a balance. And I think that is worth everybody paying attention to it. You never want to be that guy who, as soon as they come into a meeting, they drain all the energy out of the room. You want to come into the office and give everyone a kick in their step."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Describe to your interviewer what you do to foster harmony between your professional and personal life. Often, a person's time management and communication skills can build a strong foundation at home and work. An emotionally intelligent and grounded perspective and a great attitude can contribute to this harmony. Share your approach to striking harmony in that circle.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I enjoy what I do for a living, as well as my personal time. I would say that I am a very happy and content person in general and that one feeds into the other."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I am very organized and forward-thinking. I look at life as playing a game of chess with yourself. When you look at how you are playing the game of life, you always have to be thinking about three moves ahead. So I make sure everything I need for the morning or the week is all laid out. I plan out my morning routine and meals for the week and ensure my responsibilities at work or home are all set up and ready to go when it is time. I believe there is no room for preventable stress in my life, so I prevent it wherever possible. So in this regard, I see myself as a successful person, and being successful makes me happy."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experience
41. What would you consider your technical specialty?
What You Need to Know
Examine your strengths and unique abilities, and be ready to highlight any areas you consider your specialty. Advertise your strengths and any specific skills listed on the company's job posting/job description in which you feel you excel. If there is a related area of interest where you'd like to expand your skills or where you would like to grow within the company, mention those as well. Most importantly, find how you already embrace Amazon's unique brand of innovation. As Jeff Bezos says, 'Many of the problems we face have no textbook solution, and so we happily invent new ones.'
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I'd say my technical specialty is how versed I am in all programming languages. I would consider myself an expert in my field."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Experienced Example
"Algorithms, data structures, object-oriented design, and databases have always been solid areas for me. I am interested in how innovation within software engineering improves our daily lives and overall business efficiency. I see you are looking for team members who are experts in these areas, which caught my eye when I first saw your job posting."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Experienced Example
"I have been focusing my career on becoming a cloud integration specialist, although I also have cross-platform app development expertise."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Experience
42. Tell me about the most interesting project you worked on this year and the biggest lesson you learned from it.
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos described Amazon's work culture as the best place to fail. He expects his pioneers to take risks, and he vows to back them on it, even sometimes when he disagrees. As he puts it, "After you've discussed an idea, you have to make a decision and move forward, and the whole team needs to commit to that. When I really feel strong about something, and the team disagrees with me, I have a phrase that I like to use which is helpful, which is, 'I want you to gamble with me on this.'"
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Discuss with the interviewer one of your recent projects which felt of particular significance. Explain why this project was so impactful and describe the result of your efforts. What did you learn from the experience, and what was your biggest takeaway from that particular project in how it impacted you personally and professionally?
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I find the majority of the projects that I have been working on this past year to be very interesting. If I had to choose one, I would choose to work on the Uber app. Since I am still in my internship, I didn't have any major contributions; however, I learned a lot about on-demand apps and building a friendly user interface."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Entry Level Example
"In college, I worked on a project for a major company whose algorithm was a spaghetti algorithm that needed extensive service and repair. Of course, they weren't willing to replace their app due to the size and scope of their company. So they recruited talent from Penn and found me, and I formed a team of five. It was a lot of fun digging into their app and repairing and untangling it. I learned a lot, but most importantly, I learned the right way and the wrong way to build an app that has the potential of getting big."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Experienced Example
"In my previous role, we worked on multiple projects with fingerprint recognition software. One of the most interesting projects was a fingerprint-based ATM system. It was a test project for a large banking institution. In addition to learning a great deal about fingerprint recognition, I also learned a lot about the critical relationship between software and security."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Leadership
43. Tell me about a time you disagreed with a leader.
What You Need to Know
This question addresses whether you embrace one of their leadership principles, "Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit," which states, "Leaders are obligated to respectfully challenge decisions when they disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable or exhausting. Leaders have conviction and are tenacious. They do not compromise for the sake of social cohesion. Once a decision is determined, they commit wholly." The key words here are "respectfully challenge." Convey your emotional intelligence, and describe how you approached respectfully disagreeing with your leaders. Make sure the example you choose ended amicably, where you respected the chain of command, and discuss what you learned from the experience.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I recently volunteered for a project, but my supervisor gave the project to someone with less experience. I then asked to talk to them privately and debated that I should be given this project rather than Clifton. I suggested that Clifton had little experience, would take three times as long to get it done, and needed hand-holding along the way, spreading our staff even thinner. They retorted that, at one point, I had little experience but accrued that experience by being allowed to learn. They then said if I wanted to help and be a resource for Clifton to lean on, they would accept me as a volunteer. Humbled at that moment, I agreed, and Clifton and I became fast friends."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"Recently, a new directive came down from the top, and my department manager decided we needed to coordinate our staff to get the work done, but didn't want to tell them why. I disagreed and felt that explaining why it was just as important as explaining how they needed to perform the work to be done. So I argued this point. But my boss explained that without having management experience, there was no common point of reference for a solid understanding of the stakes involved. They explained that without that leadership experience, many of the staff would fill in the blanks with misinformation, sow dissent, and respond with fear that their jobs were in jeopardy, despite that not being the case. I hadn't considered this and asked for several case examples. They shared several where this had happened in the past, and I learned something new and followed their directive."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Leadership
44. At Amazon, we seek to hire leaders. Tell me about a time you took the initiative to improve work-related procedures.
What You Need to Know
One of their leadership principles is "Invent and Simplify - Leaders expect and require innovation and invention from their teams and always find ways to simplify. They are externally aware, look for new ideas from everywhere, and are not limited by "not invented here." As we do new things, we accept that we may be misunderstood for long periods of time." Another of Amazon's Leadership Principles is to 'Insist on the Highest Standards.' Amazon believes leaders continually raise the bar, driving their teams to deliver high-quality services, products, and processes.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
Determining how to properly suggest changes requires leadership, creative thinking, and emotional intelligence. Before suggesting change, it is important to understand why things are done the way they are and establish what has been attempted previously. If you have ever taken the opportunity to present your employer with potential change or suggest improvements, describe your experience. Talk to the hiring manager about when you showed such initiative, how you went about it, and how it improved work-related procedures.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I closely examined why our staff kept taking particular shortcuts and roundabout ways of doing their jobs, which frequently resulted in greater discrepancies. I then realized that the training materials were dated and incomplete. So I decided to revamp the methods by which people navigated how to follow the proper procedures, which were faster and easier than the shortcuts they'd implemented. I also created a weekly bulletin informing our staff of these improvements. This increased productivity and reduced the amount of rework substantially."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I was able to present and implement one specific change in the office this past year. It was a recycling program that I felt was very important, even for our small office. We had significantly less waste after my initiative was implemented, and I enjoyed seeing others take pride in helping our environment."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"I recently made suggestions to my manager about the team messaging application we were using. I found a team-based app that offered a lower monthly cost with added features. He took the suggestion, and it has worked well for our team! The company was happy with the cost savings as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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learn by doing
learn by design"
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Leadership
45. We want to hire people at Amazon with the desire to lead others. How many people did you supervise in your last position?
What You Need to Know
Discuss with the interviewer your level of responsibility in your current position. Explore the avenues for growth within Amazon that interest you most and if you are interested in leading and mentoring others as your tenure deepens. If you have managed larger teams in the past than you currently do, take this opportunity to share those experiences highlighting what that part of your work history would lend to you in this role.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"At university, I led a few teams. The largest group was ten, but I preferred that the least. I identify with Jeff Bezos' two-pizza rule. The smaller the group, the greater and more effective the collaboration."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"Although I did not officially supervise anyone in my most recent position, I always had my eye out for opportunities to lead or mentor the more junior staff. I am a good example to others and would uphold Amazon's Leadership Principles every day."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Experienced Example
"I supervise 12 employees with an overall portfolio responsibility of $2M. In a role I held before this one, I managed 23 employees but with a smaller portfolio of $600,000. I can handle a large range of employees and would be very interested in leading others as my tenure with Amazon grows."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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I was working with a total of 4 manufacturers outside of my own company and I was in contact with 20 people from these 4 manufacturers in total. I was also leading the fabric purchasing team of 3 people, an accessory purchasing team of 2 people, a sample sewing team of 10 people, a quality control team of 3 people, and a logistics team of 2 people in my own company."
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I believe in a combination of learning by doing and learning by design. Meaning that some of what a person can do be can self-taught and the rest can be learned through the help of others."
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I think part of a leader's role is to inspire others to be better versions of themselves by living by example. I'm humbled that my colleagues held such a high opinion of me, and I knew that when I spoke my mind at team meetings I was doing so for the team because others were too afraid to do so. So, I may not have officially supervised anyone in my past role, but at the same time, I would say that I lead by example."
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Leadership
46. Name one person in your life that you consider a mentor. What impact have they had on you?
What You Need to Know
This is another question designed to gain further insight into what type of leadership you would stand to bring with you to Amazon. By learning more about a mentor you looked up to, they can determine the type of leader you model yourself after. So consider what it was about that mentor who had such an impact on you, what you learned from them, and how those lessons keep informing your professional growth and the decisions you make as a leader.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I would say my older brother was a mentor. He was as happy-go-lucky as they come. If you had a problem, he would find a solution with determination and wouldn't give up until it was done, often by the most unconventional means. He was disabled and frequently in pain. That never stopped him from laughing, listening, and giving his all. He would give you the shirt off his own back, and he frequently did. Nothing could stop him from being a hero to those who needed one."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"My grandfather has always been my biggest mentor. He instilled in me the value of a strong work ethic and never backing down from a challenge. Instilling these values has allowed me to achieve my master's degree while working full-time and with a young child. Not a day goes by that I don't reflect on something my grandfather taught me."
Written by Krista Wenz on September 20th, 2021
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Strong confident
Nonemotional, pragmatic, always available/approachable
Fair, smart
backs his employees"
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Leadership
47. What qualities do you feel make a leader successful?
What You Need to Know
Familiarize yourself with the different leadership styles and determine which style best describes you. Also, spend time researching the types of leaders Amazon aims to recruit. It has been said that Jeff Bezos has an autocratic leadership style, but he has been quoted as saying he identifies with being a transformational leader. He fosters an environment of pragmatist leaders whose standards are high and expectations even higher. However, when closely examining its leadership principles, Amazon seems to expect its leadership to motivate its teams through inspiration.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
If you are applying for a management position, draw some management qualities from the company's job description that you most identify with and feel you hold. Most inspirational leaders have exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills. What great leaders do you emulate? Share some of the qualities you admire and embrace that seem to complement the culture of Amazon and its leadership principles.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Entry Level Example
"I listen and learn. I learn what makes my team tick and listen to their needs. Sometimes, they have to figure it out on their own, and you coach and guide them and have to be willing to let them make their own mistakes before you can show them the right way of doing things. So you have to guide, advise, and give them the freedom to fail. But you should do this while simultaneously setting them up for success."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I believe the best type of person to work for leads by example at all times. They are approachable, hardworking, and fair. Also, they don't just talk the talk without walking the walk. It is irksome when a leader says that we need to put in the long hours but leaves earlier than everyone else, for instance."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
2nd Answer Example
"In my experience, a leader is only as successful as their investment in their people is strong. A good leader must care for their employees and make sure they are growing to meet expectations. A successful leader will communicate expectations, hold people accountable for achievable goals, and be the shining light that gets everyone fired up to do their best at all times. That means not taking favorites and leading by example at all times."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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1) They earn trust. Without trust, you cannot lead or influence others. That is why it is important to me that I keep promises to others and I'm always honest with them.
2) They think big and set high standards. I set stretch goals for my team and then do my utmost to help them achieve those goals.
3) They develop others. I do a lot of mentoring and ad-hoc support for colleagues. This is a win for everyone, and as a side effect it builds loyalty - I had team members ask to follow me to a new employer because they learned so much."
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Operational
48. We consider research to be the backbone of what we do at Amazon. Do you think it's important to conduct research before beginning a project, or would you rather jump right in?
What You Need to Know
Share your work style and approach with your interviewer, exemplifying your resourcefulness and ability to make informed decisions while ensuring any risks you take are calculated. Also, pay attention to the details, and take note of any clues your interviewer might give you along the way about what to expect from the position or the company. For example, if the interviewer tells you that they prefer extensive research before beginning a project, that is your cue to discuss your excellent research skills.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"I think you should always be resourceful, collect as much information as possible, and proceed with cautious optimism in everything you do. I never procrastinate, but I also never proceed in haste. So, yes, research should be relied upon before taking action. But how deep one should research, and the time devoted to it should always be unique to the given situation."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I agree that research is the backbone of a strong project. Without it, important details are missed, and much time is wasted. I like to research before starting a project to lay out a plan and understand the potential hurdles."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Answer Example
"Although there are some instances where jumping in right away may be required, I always prefer to do some research before I begin a project. Rest assured, I would always follow your preferred methods should I be hired."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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Problem Solving
49. How many windows are there in Seattle?
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos once asked a candidate this question and hired her on the spot after her answer. It is designed to test your problem-solving skills and how you would approach answering a seemingly unanswerable question. The way the candidate approached it in the interview with Jeff Bezos was to suggest she would determine the population of Seattle and then multiply the number of windows a single person has in their life from the apartment or residence, their work, and their automobile. So, as you can see, she didn't solve the riddle but suggested how she would approach the problem. Any time such a question is posed in an interview, one that seems unanswerable, respond with your approach to solving such a problem.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"Well, I would have to look up the population of Seattle, but I would determine that by taking the population of Seattle and then multiply the number of windows a single person has in their life from the apartment or residence, their work, and their automobile. Of course, there is no way to know, and the size of every person's home is different, but one could create an average number of windows by taking the middle of a studio apartment to a five-bedroom home."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Experienced Example
"I would first add up the number of windows in a person's life. I live in a three-bedroom house, which is a good average between a six-bedroom house and a studio apartment. In my house, I have 15 windows. I have six windows in my car and one in my office at work. Each window is double-paned with two sashes, except for the car, which would mean there are 38 panes of glass, not including mirrors. So I would then perhaps round up to 40 and multiply the population of Seattle, which at last count was 762,500, by 40, which would equate to roughly thirty-million-five-hundred-thousand panes of glass. But that's just a guess. What would your guess be?"
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Teamwork
50. Tell me about a time you helped a coworker accomplish an important goal.
What You Need to Know
Jeff Bezos' philosophy on teamwork falls under three basic principles; "Be stubborn on vision, and flexible on the details." "Have backbone; disagree and commit." And then there is his famous 'The Two Pizza Rule.' He states that no working group or meeting should be larger than the number of people two pizzas can feed. The smaller the group, the greater the collaboration and coordination.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
How to Answer
A large part of leadership is coaching or mentoring others on your team. This sense of collaboration shows that you value the success of the team as a whole over their own personal goals. "Leaders ask themselves: Are my fellow employees growing? Are they empowered? Are they ready for what's next? Leaders have a vision for and commitment to their employees' personal success, whether that be at Amazon or elsewhere." It is imperative to be goal-oriented and determined, but even more critical is to support your teams. Describe what you do, outside of your own goals, to ensure that everyone on your team is successful.
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Entry Level Example
"In university, I helped a friend form their first team for a major project. They weren't sure how to assign tasks or command with confidence. I challenged them to create a brain dump list of all of their teammates' qualifications and special talents. I helped them identify who would thrive most and who could learn the most in the shortest period and helped them delegate through effective communication. These were all concepts that they never applied practically. They appreciated my coaching abilities, which helped me, in turn, realize coaching was a talent of mine."
Written by Kevin Downey on January 25th, 2023
Answer Example
"I enjoy seeing my coworkers succeed and will help them whenever possible. One way I support my coworkers is to help them stay organized by suggesting new tools I have discovered. I had one coworker with a brand-new smartphone, and she wasn't sure how it could be utilized to improve her day. I spent my lunch hour helping her set it up. She was golden after that!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
Experienced Example
"When a new hire starts, I have become the de-facto go-to for job shadowing. I always make sure to introduce myself to new hires immediately. I schedule a time for them to sit down with me and shadow what I do. I want to see everyone succeed, and since there is no real training program in our company, I feel I need to be the change-maker in the organization."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 27th, 2021
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