Phone Screen: Digging into Leadership Principles
What to Focus On During the 1-Hour Phone Interview
The phone screen is a crucial step in Amazon's hiring process. It's designed to assess candidates' alignment with Amazon's Leadership Principles and their potential cultural fit. Here are key areas to focus on:
- Behavioral questions based on Leadership Principles
- Technical knowledge relevant to the role
- Problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking
- Communication skills and ability to articulate complex ideas
- Motivation and enthusiasm for the role and Amazon as a company
Key Questions Derived from Amazon's Leadership Principles
| Leadership Principle | Sample Question |
|---|---|
| Customer Obsession | "Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer." |
| Ownership | "Describe a situation where you took on a task outside your job responsibilities." |
| Invent and Simplify | "Give an example of a time you found a simple solution to a complex problem." |
| Learn and Be Curious | "How do you stay updated with the latest trends in your field?" |
| Deliver Results | "Describe a situation where you had to overcome obstacles to meet a deadline." |
How to Assess Whether the Candidate Should Move Forward
When deciding whether to move a candidate forward in the process, consider the following criteria:
- Strong alignment with multiple Leadership Principles
- Clear and concise communication of past experiences
- Demonstrated problem-solving skills and analytical thinking
- Relevant technical knowledge and experience for the role
- Enthusiasm and genuine interest in Amazon and the position
- Ability to provide specific, quantifiable examples of past achievements
- Cultural fit and potential to thrive in Amazon's fast-paced environment
Mock Interview Scenario: Customer Obsession
Here's a breakdown of a key leadership principle question and what to look for in the candidate's response:
Question: "Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond for a customer."
| What to Look For | Red Flags |
|---|---|
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