At Amazon we 'Think Big' and encourage appropriate risk taking. Tell me about a time when you took a calculated risk to work toward or achieve a significant goal.
Amazon's 8th Leadership Principle is 'Think Big.' This principle states, 'Thinking small is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Leaders create and communicate a bold direction that inspires results. They think differently and look around corners for ways to serve customers.'
The interviewer wants to know about a time when you thought big, took a calculated risk and achieved an important goal. Show that you thought outside of 'how it's always been done' and chose to pursue a bigger idea. Express to the interviewer that you are a good fit for Amazon because you actively look around for options and ideas that land outside of the traditional choices we all know.
This question should be answered through storytelling. Amazon asks that when you answer behavioral interview questions, you try to follow the STAR answer method. STAR is an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result.
- Situation: Provide the contextual information the interviewer needs to know to make sense of your story.
- Task: Continuing to set the stage, give the interviewer an idea of your role and responsibilities in this story.
- Action: Next, offer a detailed description of the steps you took in this story.
- Result: Last, talk about the specific, measurable outcomes that resulted from your actions.
If you have work experience, it's best to provide an example from your professional life. If you are new to your career, consider an example from your post-secondary education, a team sport, volunteer commitment, or a club-based activity.
"(Situation) At this very moment, I am taking a calculated risk to work toward a significant goal. Yesterday I was offered a third interview with a company that interests me; however, I did not feel as passionate about it as this Brand Specialist role with Amazon. (Task) Looking inward, I knew that the right move was to remain honest about my career goals. (Action) To ensure I was acting wisely, I looked at the pros and cons of accepting the other company's interview. On the one side, I knew that I would do well in the interview and potentially receive a job offer after the third and final interview. On the other side, I believe that the first professional role I accept right out of university will set the tone for my career. Since Amazon's overall offering as an employer is much more enticing with perks, benefits, growth, and continued learning opportunities, I decided to take a calculated risk and decline the third interview. (Result) It was a risky decision; however, I feel highly prepared for Amazon's interview process, and it feels right to give my undivided attention to acquiring this dream role. I emulate Amazon's Leadership Principle, 'Think Big' because I refuse to allow myself to think small by accepting the first job that comes to me easily. As you can see, I am all in and excited about this opportunity with Amazon."
