First time interviewing at Amazon. What's the best way to prepare for LP behaviorals? Would STAR framework suffice here? #Amazon
STAR framework worked for me. Good luck!
Situation Task Action Result STAR
Thanks!
You need at least 7-10 examples.. each interviewer will ask 2-3 questions, it is also a test of stamina..
This is the number 1 tip and I see candidates trip over this all the time. You need to try to draw on a different experience in every answer, in every interview, including the phone screens. Your answers will be documented, and if you keep using the same examples then it shows lack of depth.
I wrote out ~7-9 stories (1 paragraph each) so that I could articulate my thoughts more easily when I actually had to answer the LP questions. worked pretty well for me
Yes did the same, it’s a PITA, but it will help you come interview time.
Doing this right away, thanks for the advice!
Go through each LP and prepare 2-3 examples of when you embodied that LP. Practice each in STAR.
Try to avoid any controversial example of technical details. A very costly lesson😭
Can you elaborate?
For example, when you were dealing a production crisis, one approach would placate customers by relieving the symptoms immediately and the other would solve the problem permanently yet risk a longer period of customer suffering. The first approach would be a showcase of customer obsession and the second approach an example of the ownership. The interviewer then flags you in that you lack of ownership in the first approach and customer obsession in the second approach. So, it’s best to avoid this detailed controversy at the beginning.
For frugality, what do I say? Does wearing the same clothes everyday count here? xD
Haha, that’s a hard one. Generally you want to talk about how you managed to keep development costs down through a certain design decision. If you changed anything about your workflow to save time, that’s frugality.
Cost performance trade off in design
Make a table with the LP, write down 2 to 3 examples for each, then expand each story with STAR, you could theoretically use the same project to answer two questions but make sure go from different angles , yes they all take notes on your story and compare in the debrief so try not to tell the same story
Will do, thanks for your advice!
I wouldn’t recommend forcing LPs on your examples. I did not prep for 2-3 examples per LP (I was offered a role). Rather try to understand what the LPs are saying. Then think of scenarios throughout your career and try to see how the LPs would apply. Make slight modifications in words and phrases to match LPs. To truly understand the LPs I recommend reading Bezos’s shareholder letters. He explains in detail with example what each LP is. That should help in truly understanding the LPs. Pro Tip 1: Amazon is clearly telling you via the LPs what they want to hear you say in the interviews. Eg. For Disagree and commit, pick an example where you disagreed with a decision with your team but still committed to work with them and go ahead with their suggestion for the greater good of the company or client. This shows your support and not being bullheaded sticking to one perspective (only yours). Bezos gives one such example in the shareholder letter. Pro tip 2: when in doubt your answer should always be catered to Customer Obsession. It is the 1st LP for a reason. Lastly, and this is my opinion only. If you truly agree with most or all of the 14 LPs you have nothing to worry and can easily clear the Behavioural interviews. If not, good luck. You might not enjoy working there. With respect to STAR format - first state the situation (I combined S and T) clearly and ask the interviewer if they are happy with it and understood it or if they want you to elaborate more. Then state what action you took and ensure the Result is clear and uses the language of the LPs as much as possible. Remember it is a dialogue not a one way communication so RELAX, SMILE and be confident and have a casual conversation. Best of luck for the interviews.
If you are a new grad. Think of examples from your College/Uni/Life in general. Ask the recruiter beforehand if this would be ok. During the interview, as the interviewer if this would be ok. If you don’t ask, you will never know. It is not as difficult as people say it is. Just be true to yourself and don’t fake it. But please spend a long time thinking about examples and think far back.
Given the amount of Amazon interviewers for each loop, each LP will come up. They're all important but some are more coveted than others. For instance, customer obsession and earns trust are must succeeds. If you are not inclined on those LPs alone you won't get an offer period. You only need 1-3 high quality examples with data. Don't ramble on, feel the interview out - you will be asked to elaborate if needed. Outside of STAR and the countless behavioral test bank questions, your Amazon recruiter is going to your best point of reference. They are aligned with the hiring manager and will know what LPs the team is looking for. They've spoken to the HM numerous times of what the ideal candidate looks like, make sure to use your recruiter wisely. They can be your best friend and "cheat sheet" to the on-site. Take advantage of the 30 minute prep-call, and don't be afraid to have another one as well. Your recruiter wants you to get hired, and you are strong applicant if you've made it to the on-site stage. Best of luck!
Thanks for your response. I have scheduled a phone screen in about 11 days' time. Do you know what LC level would I be tested on? This is for SDE 1 :)
Try to avoid using one example for more than 2 LPs
Ah I see, thanks for this advice!