Amazon Interview Coaching Session Notes

Hosts Introduction

• Hosts: Gigi and YG (Ygenny)
• Co-founders of Day One Careers
• Both former Amazonians with experience as hiring managers and interviewers.
• Focus on behavioral interviews at Amazon.

Personal Anecdote

• Gigi shares her newfound interest in K-pop after attending a concert.
• Transition from skepticism to being a fan.

Purpose of the Session

• Event Type: Weekly Amazon Interview Coaching Free Event
• Duration: 1 hour (until 6 PM British Summer Time)
• Objective: Answer questions related to behavioral interviews at Amazon.

Background of Hosts

• Extensive experience in interviewing and coaching for Amazon interviews.
• Noted that many candidates with strong resumes struggle with Amazon's leadership principles if uncoached.
• Success of coached candidates led to the creation of Day One Careers.

Session Guidelines

• Participants are encouraged to ask questions in the chat.
• Long questions should be separated into multiple parts due to chat character limits.
• Focus is on behavioral interview questions rather than functional or technical questions specific to job families.

Key Topics Discussed

Interview Preparation Questions

1. **Behavioral and Technical Questions:
   • Focus on the behavioral aspects, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
   • Consider adding an "I" for Improvement to the STAR model to demonstrate learning.
2. **Quantifying Outcomes:
   • When data isn't available, communicate objectives and outcomes factually.
   • Use binary outcomes (e.g., project completed by deadline) or borrow results from team efforts.
   • Focus on stories with significant business impact.
3. **Comprehensive Answers:
   • Ensure to explain both the "what" and the "how" of your actions.
   • Prepare stories aligned with Amazon's leadership principles.

Common Interview Questions

• "Tell me about yourself" vs. "Walk me through your resume":
  • Tailor answers based on job description and core skills or experiences.
• Bar Raiser Interviews:
  • Treat it like any other interview; consistency is key.
  • Performance won’t be judged by one person alone; a collaborative debrief occurs.

Leadership Principles (LPs)

• LPs focus varies by interview; not every LP will be covered.
• Interviewers are assigned specific LPs, and candidates are encouraged to prepare relevant stories.
• If uncertain which LP a question targets, clarify with the interviewer.

Final Advice

• Engagement: Hosts encourage viewers to like the stream and engage with YouTube content to increase visibility.
• Resource Recommendations:
  • Utilize free resources available on their website for interview preparation.
  • Join the community for networking and support.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to reach out for personalized coaching sessions if needed.
• Final reminders to prepare effectively for the upcoming interviews.