What question did you hope I wouldn't ask today?
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.
"I suppose I did not want you to dig into why I applied three years ago and rescinded my application.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."
"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."
"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."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I suppose I did not want you to ask me a question about how I applied my SQL skills in a work environment. I was working with SQL 3 years ago for my bachelor's degree, and right now, I'm taking some online courses to recap my knowledge and exercise. I didn't have the chance to express my coding skills during my work experience, but I'm keen on showing my knowledge in this position.
Rachelle's Feedback
Great response! The most important aspect of this question is that you show how you are taking action to improve any area you feel you fall short.
Anonymous Answer
Well, I didn't want you to ask me regarding my working knowledge of Python since I've just started to take training on that in my current role. I have enrolled myself in Python Campaigning, but I hadn't used this before, so I'm still in the learning phase.
Rachelle's Feedback
I like how transparent you are about your skill level with Python, and it's especially great that you show your proactive nature by enrolling yourself in additional learning. Well said!
Anonymous Answer
I suppose I would not like to ask about my people management skills since I do not have proven experience in managing / leading people, although I have volunteered to coach and train newcomers in my team besides having received positive feedback on my coaching skills from the sourcing team. In parallel, I am always looking to improve my theoretical knowledge about people management - I'm currently reading "Emotional Intelligence" by Daniel Goleman and I am enrolled in a Leadership training program to start in a couple of months through my current company.
Amanda's Feedback
Great answer! You've taken a potentially negative response (not having professional team management experience) and transitioned it into a positive by sharing a workplace example that shows your ability to help guide new team members. You've also related specific steps you're taking to gain leadership expertise through research and training.
Anonymous Answer
I suppose I did not want you to dig into why I switched many companies in a short period of time. There is only one reason for this, and that I have a dynamic personality. As soon as I think that the company I work for does not add anything to me and does not improve me anymore, I leave there. Before I quit my job, I give it a try and ask for a budget for different projects and try to create a comfort zone for the employees, but when obstacles are put in front of me, I leave without thinking because my time is so precious.
Amanda's Feedback
I can see where you're trying to go here and I appreciate your candor; however, this question typically requires a bit more finesse. It's another way of asking about where you may have a weakness. It gives the interviewer more insight into your ability to think quickly to answer a tough question. You can use this question more to your advantage by illustrating how a weakness can be a strength or explaining something the interviewer hasn't asked about yet that would be a barrier to offering you the job. While you have shared a barrier to hiring you (shore work periods in multiple positions), it's even more important to talk about how you've improved that weakness or resolved the issue. You want to avoid sounding like you quit easily. Consider reframing your response to focus on how you enjoy a challenge, are constantly striving to grow, and are looking for a position with the potential for long-term growth potential.
Anonymous Answer
I didn't want you to ask me about my weaknesses. That's one I always feel uncomfortable discussing because of the fine line between showing self-awareness versus being rejected as unsuitable for the role.
Marcie's Feedback
Completely understandable! Many people would agree :) But be sure to know how you would answer a question about your weaknesses since the interviewer may very well pose that question to you right after this one!
Anonymous Answer
What is my greatest weakness... I don't say no. I am a team player and always want to help. I am forever curious, think outside, the box, and, want to help the customer in any way possible.
Marcie's Feedback
Lots of people probably hope to avoid the dreaded greatest weakness interview question. :) It's great that you have an answer prepared for it (and it's a weakness that can be seen in a positive light - perfect). Continue your answer by explaining why you didn't want to be asked this question. Because you don't like to talk about your weaknesses? Because you really want to present your best self to the interviewer and feel this works against that? Try to show your self-awareness and transparency.
Anonymous Answer
I didn't want to be asked why I had remained in the position of Senior Consultant for 5 years in my previous employment. I'm modest, in regard to my technical abilities. Customers and colleagues tell me over and over how technical and appreciated I am, but when it comes time to rate myself on a scale of 1 to 5 on a spreadsheet, I tend to rate my abilities conservatively. As such, those who assign work based upon those numbers, pass over me because I do not rate myself as highly as the next. I learned a bit too late that reaching out directly to project management is the best way to assure that you get assigned a diversity of interesting work. To prevent creating a glass ceiling for yourself you need to proactively promote yourself.
Marcie's Feedback
It's great that you're so forthcoming and honest in your response. You take full advantage of being able to explain something on your resume that perhaps at first glance doesn't look impressive. Great answer!
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