Exploring Behavioral Interviews Techniques: Lessons from Amazon's Guidelines
Amazon's interview process is unique, with a strong emphasis on the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method and the company's six core Leadership Principles. This approach allows the company to evaluate candidates not only on their skills, but also on their cultural fit and alignment with Amazon's values.
The STAR method is an effective strategy for answering behavioral questions. It helps candidates construct a cohesive narrative that outlines their experiences while keeping the focus on specific actions and contributions. For example, a candidate might discuss a time when they demonstrated Customer Obsession by identifying and addressing a customer's issue, or a time when they showed Ownership by taking charge of a project and delivering impressive results.
Amazon's behavioral interviews aim to unveil thought processes and actions during pivotal moments to showcase how candidates embody Amazon's Leadership Principles. Common questions include "Can you share an example of a disagreement with your team and how you addressed it?" or "Describe a time when you faced a significant challenge at work. How did you handle it?"
Preparing for these interviews involves rehearsing your responses aloud, engaging in mock interviews, and gaining insights about a company's culture or vision. Showing curiosity about a company's culture or vision during the interview process can help set candidates apart.
The interview process is a two-way street, allowing candidates to evaluate whether the company's environment aligns with their values and aspirations. Asking questions during the interview can help candidates discern whether the company's environment aligns with their values and aspirations.
In conclusion, the combination of the STAR framework and emphasis on Leadership Principles makes Amazon’s behavioral interviews a structured, reliable, and culturally focused assessment tool. By following these tips and practicing the STAR method, candidates can approach Amazon's behavioral interviews with confidence and poise, showcasing their abilities and alignment with Amazon's values.
[1] Amazon Leadership Principles: https://www.amazon.jobs/principles [2] The STAR Method: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-is-the-star-method-2098226 [3] Amazon's Behavioral Interview Questions: https://www.glassdoor.com/Interview/Amazon-Interview-Questions-E2709.htm [4] How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-answer-behavioral-interview-questions-1918220 [5] Why Amazon Uses Behavioral Interviewing: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2017/10/10/why-amazon-uses-behavioral-interviewing/?sh=6b0a45b336a4
- To excel in Amazon's media-focused job-search process, candidates may find it beneficial to study the company's Leadership Principles available at [1].
- In addition to the STAR method (explained in detail at [2]), it would be advantageous to prepare for Amazon's unique behavioral interviews by researching common questions (refer to [3]) and learning strategies on how to answer behavioral questions (found in [4]).
- Besides showcasing their specific skills through the STAR method, candidates can distinguish themselves by reflecting on their alignment with Amazon's values during fashion-forward presentations or beauty-oriented interviews, thereby illustrating their commitment to career development and self-improvement in education-and-self-development or photography fields.
- To effectively approach Amazon's interview process with confidence, candidates might find it helpful to engage in mock interviews, observe similar interview scenarios, and gain insights about a company's culture or vision – all of which can contribute to a successful career development journey.
