Amazon Interview Questions
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Question 7 of 54
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?
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Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
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.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"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."
Kevin Downey has an extensive background in business management, recruiting, branding and marketing. He's volunteered his career coaching services at job fairs, lecturing on interview techniques and crafting winning resumes and cover letters.
"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."
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Anonymous Answer
It depends on the situation. I believe if research is available, it's essential to start with what has been done before. However, no prior research shouldn't be a barrier to start. With no previous research, one should see the reversibility of the project and go based on this. If a project is easily reversible, there is little to no risk of moving forward without much thought.
Rachelle's Feedback
Your answer shows your ability to think critically and break down a projects' needs before diving in. Fantastic response!
Anonymous Answer
I believe it is important to research before beginning or presenting a project. In my previous job, I realized that our location was shipping our records offsite and that there was no process. So, before presenting the process improvement project to management, I researched the storage company we were using, how it is determined to send out the records, whether we have a retention policy, and the cost. When I got all the information, I presented my findings and introduced the process improvement project.
Rachelle's Feedback
Fantastic! In your situation, it was wise to do the research and then present your findings with data and information to support them.
Anonymous Answer
I believe research is the backbone for creating any plan and its execution. For example, when buying a house, research is needed to get to know the neighborhood, comparable housing costs, and mortgage options. For any project, research plays a vital role in gathering required information and also confirming assumptions. I won't jump straight into any project without research to avoid any surprises.
Rachelle's Feedback
You explain yourself very well, and with this answer, the interviewer should be very confident, knowing that you are a careful planner. Rather than give the example of buying a house, I recommend using a work-related example that will resonate with the interviewer and relate to the job you are interviewing for.
Anonymous Answer
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.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good start! To make your answer more personalized, consider adding an example of when you took this approach to a project.
Anonymous Answer
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 so that I can lay out a plan and understand the basics. To be honest, I did research for days even before I applied for this job. I think it's a way of life for me.
Amanda's Feedback
Good job! You've shared why you feel research is important. Consider making your response more memorable by sharing a workplace example of a time when the research you did helped a project go well. Make sure to share specific actions you took and what the positive outcome was.
Anonymous Answer
In my experience, within the AI/ML industry a lot of research is experimentation and learning on the job. So I think a combination of research before and during a project is best practice. I will typically research the business requirements before starting work on the technology. But as I work I will usually discover unforeseen issues and have to adjust my project plan (and sometimes the project requirements) accordingly.
Marcie's Feedback
It definitely sounds like you know what you're talking about! Consider including a brief example that shows how you conducted research both before and during the project. Nice job!
Anonymous Answer
I believe research and planning are important elements of any project. So first, learn and be curious, then invent and simplify then execute. That is my typical MO for any new project when I need to deliver results. I need a plan.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! The interviewer will be happy to hear that you view research and planning as important elements of all projects. Can you use the STAR method to walk them through an example of a time when you conducted research prior to a project and explain how this helped ensure its success? Nice job.
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