How to Answer: Amazon has a peculiar workplace culture guided by our Leadership Principles. How will you embrace our complex culture as it relates to recruitment?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Amazon job interview.
5. Amazon has a peculiar workplace culture guided by our Leadership Principles. How will you embrace our complex culture as it relates to recruitment?
The Goal
The interviewer wants evidence that you will be a culture add to Amazon. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you have researched Amazon's unique culture and community, you understand its importance, and you have a clear understanding of what your contribution will be as a part of Amazon's HR team.
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 24th, 2022
Pro Tip
Amazon's Leadership Principles tell us a lot about the culture and workplace expectations within the company. Amazon refers to itself as 'peculiar.' The company states, "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 with being misunderstood."
Briefly discuss why your personality will align with Amazon's leadership principles and its peculiar workplace culture.
You can access more information about Amazon's culture on the company careers website. The more you read, the more you will see that Amazon has worked hard to become one of the world's most respected employers.
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 24th, 2022
How to Answer
Show that you will be a match for the principles and culture that Amazon has carefully curated. When forming your response, include specific examples of how Amazon enables its team members to embrace this peculiarity. When you respond, it should be evident to the interviewer that you did your research on Amazon's stand-out culture.
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 24th, 2022
Answer Example
"I genuinely appreciate that Amazon uses its Leadership Principles every day when discussing projects, talking about ideas, and building approaches to problem-solving. As a confident and strategic-minded Recruiter, I thrive in work environments where the term leadership is used to empower everyone equally. I did my research before today's interview and appreciate how Amazon actively advocates to 'Hire and Develop the Best.' I learned that Amazon believes that leaders raise the performance bar with every hire and promotion. As a Recruiter with Amazon, I will work hard to recognize exceptional talent, advocate for their hire, and then help them move through the organization. It will be exciting to introduce top talent to this incredible workplace culture and show future employees how Amazon puts its beliefs and culture statements into action."
Written by Rachelle Enns on April 24th, 2022