Amazon reveals the most common mistakes people make in job interviews and how to avoid them
If anyone knows what they are talking about when it comes to handling job interviews, it's Amazon's top dogs.
The multifunctional tech giant has offered words of wisdom to any potential candidates hoping to land a job with them, or anywhere else.
Marketing manager for Amazon Brittany Bunch teamed up with recruiters Bhavishya Lingam, Patti Cudney, Anjana Kumari, Anna Duong and Pranjal Singh, to highlight what NOT to do.
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In total there were six common mistakes that candidates make, and while some of them may seem kind of obvious, there are a couple things you wouldn't have thought you would be judged on.
Not being specific enough
In no particular order, the first of the six that we'll get into is 'failing to include enough data'.
Bunch wrote: "Throughout your interview, make sure you are replacing vague or general responses with specific, quantifiable, and granular information that clearly demonstrates your expertise and involvement.
"It’s important that you provide enough detail but do not overwhelm the interviewer with too many details. Responses should be four minutes or less."
Basically revise for the interview - know how to big yourself up and use data to do that.
Not using the STAR acronym
The next is 'being unable to present their accomplishments in a clear and concise manner', which would fall into the above bracket of studying before it.
She explained that in order not to be tripped up by that, candidates should follow the STAR acronym: "Start with an overview of the Situation, then review the Task(s) and Action(s), and wrap up with an overview of the Results achieved.
"This will help the interviewers understand your example and allow them to ask the appropriate follow-up questions to learn more."
Using 'we', not 'I'
Bunch wrote: "It’s difficult to assess a candidate’s skill if they are consistently saying “we” because we are unable to determine the impact you have been able to drive independently."
So make sure you're being clear about what you personally have accomplished rather than talking about your team's success,
Not asking the interviewer any questions
One mistake I'm sure a lot of people make is 'skipping the opportunity to ask questions'.
You shouldn't be afraid to ask the interviewer to explain exactly what they want to know if you're unsure what they're asking you. After all, it's better than heading off down a blind alley when you try and answer.
Bunch wrote: "A simple clarifying question that helps you understand what it is that the interviewer really wants to know can make all the difference in success or failure during the interview.
"We’re invested in your success and welcome the opportunity to provide you with additional details or present the information in a different way."
Not giving enough examples
Rather than repeating the same example of your acheivements for each interview question, you need to provide a broad range of different situations and how you excelled in them.
Bunch wrote: "Based on the various experiences and examples shared during the final interview, the interview team should be able to gather enough sufficient data points to support their decision on a candidate's success and potential within a specific level and role."
Not taking the opportunity to find out more about the company and role
When an interviewer asks if you have any questions once they've finished grilling you, you should have something prepared and take the opportunity to find out if you actually want the job.
In Bunch's words, the interview should be 'mutually beneficial'.
She wrote: "A job description is a small snapshot of the role, and it’s an even smaller reflection of the company overall. We know you might have questions about our Leadership Principles, culture, and our investment in our employees, and we’re ready to provide what you need."
If this helps land you a job, be sure to Venmo me.
Topics: Amazon, Technology, US News
Joe Yates