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MASTERING THE "WHY AMAZON" INTERVIEW QUESTION: STRATEGIES AND SAMPLE ANSWERS

Master the "Why Amazon?" interview question with proven strategies and sample
answers to showcase your fit for the tech giant.

Evgeny Bik and GG March 18, 2024 — 10 minutes read



INTRODUCTION TO THE "WHY AMAZON?" INTERVIEW QUESTION

The "Why Amazon?" question is a staple in Amazon interviews and is a critical
point for candidates to express their enthusiasm for joining the tech giant.
This question goes beyond a simple inquiry; it's a chance for interviewees to
showcase their understanding of Amazon's culture, alignment with the company's
goals and values, and personal and professional aspirations within the Amazon
ecosystem. Preparing for answering this question is not just advisable—it's
essential.

Understanding the importance of this question is the first step in crafting a
compelling answer. Amazon interviewers are not just looking for skills and
experience. They don't just want to understand how candidates connect with
Amazon’s mission and culture. Most importantly, they want to ensure the
candidate has taken the time to consider their application seriously and won't
"defect" externally or internally once they survive the first six months of the
"Amazon shell shock."

Therefore, a well-thought-out response can significantly impact the interview
process, setting the stage for a meaningful engagement with Amazon's
interviewers.


UNCOVERING THE INTENT BEHIND THE QUESTION

The intent behind the "Why Amazon?" question is multifaceted. Amazon recruiters,
hiring managers, and Loop (panel) interviewers are looking to gauge a
candidate's passion for the company, the team, and the role the candidate is
applying for. This could include the candidate's love for technology and
innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction. Amazon's unique position in
the market means that they are always looking for candidates who bring
exceptional technical skills to the table and share the company's customer-first
philosophy.

Moreover, this question allows interviewers to assess whether a candidate's
values and mission align with Amazon's. It provides a window into the
candidate's research on Amazon's projects, culture, and the challenges they look
forward to tackling, demonstrating their investment in the company. This
alignment is crucial for the candidate and Amazon to ensure mutual success and
growth.


AMAZON'S UNIQUE CULTURE AND EXPECTATIONS

Amazon’s culture revolves around innovation, customer obsession, and calculated
risk-taking, amongst other elements. The company encourages its employees to
think big and pursue ideas with vigor. Understanding these cultural pillars is
key for candidates, as it helps them articulate how their work style and
aspirations fit within the Amazon way of doing things.

Highlighting examples of past experiences where taking calculated risks led to
significant outcomes can resonate well with Amazon's values. These insights into
candidates' work ethic and decision-making process can differentiate them from
other candidates.


CRAFTING YOUR ANSWER TO THE WHY AMAZON INTERVIEW QUESTION

Creating a compelling answer to the "Why Amazon?" question doesn't mean
answering the question emotionally. It requires a blend of personal insight and
detailed knowledge of Amazon's operations and values. Candidates should aim to
weave their professional achievements, skills, and aspirations with Amazon's
goals, culture, and the specific role they're applying for.

This requires careful reflection and research but can significantly enhance the
impact of their response. Interview prep should include analyzing Amazon's
leadership principles, practicing answering questions, and their application to
one's personal and professional journey. A response that feels natural and
genuine yet closely tied to Amazon's way of working can make a strong impression
on Amazon interviewers when answering this question.


ANALYZING SUCCESSFUL SAMPLE ANSWERS

Successful answers to the "Why Amazon?" question often share common traits:
they're specific, demonstrate a deep understanding of Amazon values, and reflect
the candidate's eagerness to contribute to Amazon's mission. For instance,
mentioning a passion for customer obsession and showcasing how one's efforts
have previously aligned with putting the customer first can be very effective.

Highlighting personal experiences with Amazon's products or services that
inspired innovation or problem-solving in one's career can also strengthen the
answer. These personal touches show the candidate's familiarity with Amazon and
their potential to contribute creatively and effectively to the company's goals.

Below are a few sample answers to the “Why Amazon" question.

A SENIOR PRODUCT MANAGER'S SAMPLE ANSWER

A senior product manager at Amazon might craft their answer to highlight their
experience driving product innovation, aligning with Amazon's customer
obsession. They could talk about their history of developing products that solve
real customer problems and how they see themselves bringing this passion and
expertise to the Amazon team. Emphasizing leadership experiences demonstrating
an ability to take ownership and dive deep into challenges can further align
with Amazon's expectations.

Additionally, mentioning any specific admiration for Amazon's product
development and innovation approach can make the answer more compelling. Drawing
on personal and professional experiences that showcase a commitment to
excellence and a forward-thinking mindset can make a strong case for why they
are a perfect fit for Amazon.

SAMPLE ANSWER FOR A SOFTWARE ENGINEER

A software engineer might focus their answer on Amazon's cutting-edge technology
and their desire to be at the forefront of innovation. They could discuss their
background in software engineering, specifically projects that involved diving
deep into technical challenges and taking ownership of solutions. This showcases
not only their technical skills but also their alignment with Amazon's
leadership principles.

They might also share personal stories of how Amazon's technology platforms have
influenced their professional development or sparked a passion for solving
complex problems. Such an answer demonstrates a personal and professional
connection to Amazon, illustrating why the candidate is drawn to the company.


TAILORING YOUR ANSWER TO REFLECT AMAZON’S LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

Candidates should tailor their answers to reflect Amazon's leadership principles
to stand out in the interview process. These principles are the backbone of
Amazon's culture, guiding decision-making and innovation. Identifying aspects of
one's professional journey that align with Amazon's values, such as "Invent and
Simplify" or "Learn and Be Curious," can significantly impact the interview's
outcome when answering this question.

It is important to share examples from one's career that demonstrate these
principles. Whether it's taking a calculated risk that paid off or leading a
project that required exceptional talent, these stories can show Amazon
interviewers that the candidate not only understands Amazon's values but lives
them.

INCORPORATING AMAZON’S INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER OBSESSION PRINCIPLES

Jeff Bezos's vision for Amazon was built on the pillars of innovation and
customer obsession. Candidates should highlight how these principles have
influenced their career decisions and aspirations. Discussing initiatives or
projects that placed the customer at the center and led to innovative solutions
can illustrate a strong alignment with Amazon's mission.

Furthermore, sharing thoughts on how one plans to contribute to Amazon's culture
of innovation can be a powerful addition to the answer. It shows foresight and a
willingness to be part of Amazon's ongoing mission to serve its customers in
groundbreaking ways.


AVOIDING COMMON PITFALLS

While preparing for the "Why Amazon?" question, candidates should be mindful of
common mistakes that can undermine their response. Being too generic or
unprepared can signal a lack of genuine interest in Amazon. It's crucial to
offer specific examples demonstrating an understanding of Amazon's unique
culture and opportunities.

Another pitfall is that Amazon's leadership principles are overlooked. These
principles are central to Amazon's identity, and failing to acknowledge them in
one's answer can be a missed opportunity to show alignment with the company's
values. Candidates should strive to incorporate these principles into their
responses to demonstrate their fit for the company.


MISTAKES WHEN ANSWERING THE “WHY AMAZON?” QUESTION

One major mistake candidates make is focusing too much on Amazon's status as a
tech company or its attractive stock prices. While these may be valid points of
interest, they do not convey a deep understanding of what makes Amazon
explicitly appealing to the candidate. Digging deeper and expressing what draws
one to Amazon more substantially is essential.

Another error is failing to convey why one is drawn to Amazon over other
companies. Simply stating a desire to work for tech companies like Amazon is
insufficient when answering this question. Candidates should articulate what
sets Amazon apart for them, whether it's the culture, the innovation, or the
impact on customers and society.

BEING TOO GENERIC OR UNPREPARED

Providing a generic answer to the "Why Amazon?" question is a common mistake.
Candidates should avoid broad statements that could apply to any company and
instead focus on what attracts them to Amazon. This requires thorough research
and reflection.

Being unprepared can also hinder one's chances. Candidates should invest time in
understanding Amazon's mission, culture, and the role they're applying for. This
preparation can distinguish between an answer that falls flat and one that
resonates with Amazon interviewers.

OVERLOOKING AMAZON'S LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES

Ignoring Amazon's leadership principles is a critical oversight. These
principles are not just corporate jargon but the foundation of Amazon's culture
and decision-making process. Candidates should make an effort to understand
these principles and reflect on how they align with their values and
experiences.

Failing to incorporate these principles into the "Why Amazon?" answer can
suggest a lack of alignment with the company's culture. Candidates should
demonstrate their familiarity with and commitment to these principles to
strengthen their candidacy.


PREPARING YOUR ANSWER: PRACTICAL TIPS

Preparing a compelling answer to the "Why Amazon?" question involves more than
just understanding the company's culture, Leadership Principles, and interview
process. It requires practice questions to refine your response. Networking with
current Amazon employees can provide insider perspectives and specific talking
points. Making the answer personal by sharing relevant experiences and
aspirations can make it more impactful.

It's also essential to make the answer specific to Amazon, demonstrating a clear
understanding of why the company, as opposed to any other, is the right fit for
the candidate. This specificity can help set the candidate apart and convey a
genuine interest in joining Amazon specifically.


TECHNIQUES TO PRACTICE AND REFINE YOUR ANSWER

Once you understand what makes a solid answer to the "Why Amazon?" question,
it's time to focus on crafting your unique response. Start by reflecting on what
truly interests you about Amazon beyond the paycheck. Consider the company's
products that you admire and the leadership principles you are excited to
embody. Look closely at the job description to identify how the role aligns with
your career goals and what unique skills you bring.

To create a compelling response, begin with free-writing or recording yourself
speaking about your motivations and how they connect to Amazon. This initial
draft should capture your enthusiasm and how the role fits your career goals.
Then, refine your answer by adding specificity, mentioning Amazon's leadership
principles and products that resonate with you. Injecting personal anecdotes and
using emotive words like "excite" and "motivate" can make your answer more
engaging and memorable.

BRAINSTORM AND CREATE A BULLET POINT OUTLINE

Brainstorming is a crucial step in preparing your answer. Start by jotting down
bullet points about Amazon’s unique culture, the products you love, and the
leadership principles that align with your values. This process helps organize
your thoughts and ensures you cover all necessary aspects of a well-rounded
answer. Consider what aspects of the company's mission excite you and how your
personal and professional experiences have prepared you for this opportunity.

After brainstorming, organize your thoughts into a bullet-point outline. This
outline should include key points you want to highlight, such as specific Amazon
products you admire or leadership principles you live by. This structured
approach allows you to create a coherent narrative that flows logically and
touches on all the critical elements of a compelling "Why Amazon?" answer.

PRACTICE OUT LOUD TO GAIN CONFIDENCE

Practicing your answer out loud is an essential step in refining your response.
This exercise helps you become more familiar with what you want to say and how
you want to say it. It also allows you to hear the flow of your answer and make
necessary adjustments for clarity and impact. Practicing in front of a mirror or
recording yourself can provide valuable feedback on your delivery and body
language.

Pay attention to your pacing, tone, and expression as you practice. These
elements can significantly affect how your message is received. Repeated
practice sessions help build confidence, ensuring you convey enthusiasm and
competence during the interview. Remember, confidence in delivery makes your
answer more convincing and memorable to the interviewers.


ENGAGING WITH YOUR INTERVIEWERS: QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK

Having questions ready for your interviewer is crucial. It shows you're
interested in joining Amazon and in the role. Remember, the interview is also an
opportunity to gather information to make an informed decision should you
receive a job offer. Amazon values interested candidates, so asking thoughtful
questions can set you apart.

When preparing questions, focus on aspects of the job or company culture that
are important to you. These inquiries should help you gain deeper insights into
the role, team dynamics, and how the company supports employee growth and
customer satisfaction. Your questions are not a test but a chance to engage in a
meaningful conversation with your interviewers.


INQUIRY STRATEGIES FOR A DEEPER CONVERSATION

When crafting questions for your interviewers, aim for those that provoke
thoughtful responses and offer insights beyond what's available in the job
description or company website. Inquire about challenges the team has faced and
how they overcame them. Questions about how the company measures success,
particularly regarding customer satisfaction, can reveal much about its
priorities and culture.

Asking about recent successes or projects the team is proud of can also provide
valuable context about the team's work and impact. These questions demonstrate
your interest in the company’s achievements and give you a glimpse into what
motivates and excites the team you might be joining.

QUESTIONS FOR THE HIRING MANAGER TO UNDERSTAND ROLE EXPECTATIONS

When speaking with the hiring manager, asking questions and clarifying the
role's expectations are essential. Inquire about the day-to-day responsibilities
and how success is measured in this position. Understanding these expectations
can help gauge whether the role aligns with your skills and career goals.

Additionally, asking about the hiring process can provide insights into how the
company evaluates potential candidates. This could include questions about the
next steps, the timeline for making a decision, and any additional information
the hiring manager needs from you. Gaining clarity on these points shows your
eagerness and commitment to the opportunity.

QUESTIONS FOR TEAM MEMBERS TO GAUGE TEAM DYNAMICS

Conversations with potential team members offer a unique opportunity to
understand the team's dynamics directly. Ask about collaboration within the
team, how conflicts are resolved, and examples of successful projects. These
questions can help you assess if the team's working style matches your
preferences and how you can contribute to their success.

Additionally, inquiring about the team’s expectations for the new hire and how
they envision this role contributing to the team’s goals can provide insight
into your potential fit and impact. Understanding these aspects is crucial for
evaluating how well you would integrate into the team and the broader
organizational culture.

QUESTIONS FOR NON-TEAM MEMBERS TO UNDERSTAND COMPANY CULTURE

Engaging with employees outside your potential team can offer a broader
perspective on company culture. Ask about the company's values and examples of
supporting employee growth and development. These questions can reveal the
company's commitment to its workforce and the opportunities it offers for
personal and professional growth.

Additionally, inquiring about the company's approach to innovation and how it
encourages creative thinking can provide insights into its operational dynamics
and priorities. From various perspectives, understanding the company's culture
helps you determine if it aligns with your professional values and aspirations.

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