As one of the world’s largest and most successful companies, Amazon is notorious for having a rigorous and competitive hiring process. And with more and more job seekers vying for a spot at this tech giant, it’s important to be prepared for their interview questions. One type of question you can expect to encounter during an Amazon interview is the behavioral question. These questions aim to assess how you’ve acted in the past and how you’ve handled various situations, to determine your potential as a future employee. In this blog post, we’ll cover amazon behavioral interview questions, why they ask them, and most importantly, how to answer them effectively.
Understanding Amazon’s Behavioral Interview Questions
While specific questions may vary depending on the position you’re applying for, they will generally relate to the company’s leadership principles: a set of values that Amazon deems essential for success. Some common examples of behavioral questions you might encounter include:
Tell me about a time when you had to take charge of a difficult situation.
Describe a setback you experienced and how you overcame it.
Give me an example of a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
The key to answering these questions is not just explaining what you did, but how and why you did it. Amazon is looking for specific behaviors that align with their leadership principles, so make sure to include those in your responses.
Preparing for Amazon’s Behavioral Interview Questions
To prepare for these questions, conduct thorough research on the company’s leadership principles, culture, and mission. Think of specific examples that demonstrate your alignment with these values and be ready to explain them in detail. Practice reciting your responses out loud so that you feel more comfortable and confident during the interview.
Responding Effectively to Amazon’s Behavioral Interview Questions
When answering these questions, use the STAR technique to structure your responses. This technique involves outlining the Situation, Task, Action, and Result of the scenario. Start by describing the situation you were in and the task you needed to accomplish, then detail the actions you took and the results that followed. Don’t forget to mention how your actions reflected Amazon’s leadership principles.
Dos and Don’ts of Behavioral Questions
There are several do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when answering behavioral questions. Firstly, always be honest and genuine when sharing your experiences. If you’re not truthful or try to fabricate your responses, the interviewer will sense it and it will likely hurt your chances of getting the job. Secondly, keep your responses concise and to the point. Amazon interviewers prefer clear and concise answers that get straight to the heart of the matter. Finally, pay attention to nonverbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice. Amazon looks for candidates who are confident, articulate, and able to think clearly under stress.
Conclusion:
Amazon’s hiring process may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can ace their behavioral interview questions. Remember to research their leadership principles, practice with the STAR technique, and stay honest and authentic in your responses. By doing so, you’ll increase your chances of standing out among the competition and landing your dream job with this tech giant. Good luck!
