How to Answer: We want to hire people at Amazon with the desire to lead others. How many people did you supervise in your last position?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Amazon job interview.
51. 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
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
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."
Amanda's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Amanda's Feedback
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Chad's Feedback
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Marcie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
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."
Marcie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
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."
Marcie's Feedback